The McAfee Knob hike near Salem, Virginia, offers an exhilarating dawn adventure that rewards you with one of the most iconic panoramic views over the Blue Ridge Mountains. This 8.8-mile round-trip trek rises about 1,700 feet through a mix of forested slopes and rocky outcrops, inviting both casual hikers and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to engage with a landscape that is both fiercely beautiful and straightforwardly challenging. Prepare to meet the mountain on its own terms: the trail pushes you steadily upward, the roots and rocks demanding footing that’s sure and deliberate. As the horizon swallows the night, the sun pours light over ridges and valleys, the cool morning air stirring the branches around you as if urging you onward.

The trailhead at the Appalachian Trail parking lot starts with shaded woodland paths, where the forest feels alive with rustling leaves and the occasional daring breeze pulling fallen twigs across the trail. After crossing the ridgeline, the final approach opens into rocky ledges — this is where anticipation sharpens. McAfee Knob's jutting rock platform sits almost defiantly over the sweeping Appalachian hills, claiming the moment for those who reach it. It’s a spot that demands respect, like an old guardian watching over the mountains.

Timing is essential: starting early enough to reach the knob before sunrise means packing a reliable headlamp and layering for cool predawn temperatures. Hydration is critical for this steady climb; water stations aren’t part of the landscape’s gifts, so bring enough to stay refreshed. Durable, broken-in footwear will help you navigate the uneven terrain without sacrifice, while trekking poles can provide steadiness as the trail twists and climbs.

The McAfee Knob sunrise isn’t merely a view; it’s an encounter with the mountain’s character—a moment where you grasp the vast scale of the Blue Ridge and the enduring call of the wild. Every step is practical preparation toward a reward that involves not just seeing but feeling the range’s rugged majesty awaken beneath you.