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Outdoors enthusiasts!!! The purpose of this group is to bring people together. People who like being outside, hiking, backpacking, camping, kayaking, cycling, mountaineering, skiing/riding, rock/ice climbing, caving, etc. This is an extremely active group with a full calendar and over 56,000 members!
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Virginia Triple Crown loop Backpack
Dragon's Tooth Trailhead, 6128 Catawba Valley Dr, Catawba, VA, US# Backpacking Virginia’s Triple Crown Loop
Virginia’s Triple Crown is a legendary backpacking loop in the Blue Ridge Mountains that links three of the state’s most iconic overlooks: McAfee Knob, Tinker Cliffs, and Dragon’s Tooth
They are all conveniently located within a few miles of each other just outside of Roanoke. McAfee Knob affords a 270-degree view of the Catawba Valley far below and has been called the most photographed spot along the Appalachian Trail. Just a few miles north on the AT is Tinker Cliffs, another prominent outcropping of rock offering a view of the same valley and distant mountain ranges. A few miles southwest just inside the boundaries of Jefferson National Forest resides Dragon’s Tooth, a unique geologic feature consisting of spires projecting up to 35 feet from the surrounding rock.
This is normally done as a 3-day, 38.5-mile loop that circumnavigates the entire valley and hits all three desired destinations. In this route, you’ll hike the AT for several miles, camp at an AT shelter, cross the valley, return to the western side of the valley via the North Mountain ridge, cross the valley again, and rejoin the AT to return to your car at the Dragons Tooth parking area on Route 311. As designed, this 38.5-mile loop is broken roughly into thirds.
The Blue Ridge Mountain range runs right through the western part of Virginia offering many backpacking opportunities. One of the most notable routes is Virginia’s Triple Crown. The hike uses the Appalachian Trail as well as several other footpaths to create a loop. Throughout this backpacking adventure you will get a chance to conquer three of the regions most spectacular overlooks: McAfee Knob, one of the most photographed spots along the AT; Tinker Cliffs, which offers 180-degree views of mountain ranges and amazing sunsets; and Dragon’s Tooth, a rock-scrambling climb to a unique jagged peak.
## Trail Facts
- Length: 38.5 Miles
- Duration: 3 Days
- Elevation Gain: 7,500 Feet
- Peak Elevation: 3,197 Feet
- Best Season to Hike: Spring through Fall
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Bear Canisters: Not Required
- Permits: Not Required
- Dogs: Allowed but not recommended
## Highlights
- Spectacular Overlooks
- Photo Ops
- Unique Rock Formations
- Appalachian Trail Community
## Key Segments
- McAfee Knob – 270° panoramic view of the Catawba Valley, one of the most photographed AT spots.
- Tinker Cliffs – 180° views of mountain ranges and dramatic sunsets I
- Dragon’s Tooth – Jagged rock spires up to 35 ft tall, requiring a short scramble
The loop typically follows the Appalachian Trail for much of its length, with connections to the Catawba Valley Trail and North Mountain Ridge
## Logistics & Parking
- Trailhead: McAfee Knob Trailhead off Route 311 in Catawba, VA
- Parking: Arrive early; lot fills quickly on weekends
- Nearby lodging: 4 pines hostel
## Gear & Preparation
- Water: Carry plenty — North Mountain ridge has no water sources
- Leave No Trace: This is a popular route; pack out all trash and avoid overuse
- Bear safety: Increased bear activity near McAfee Knob — store food properly
This loop is a bucket-list hike for Appalachian Trail backpackers, offering spectacular views, unique geology, and a true “triple crown” experience
This trek is not recommended for beginners as this route involves lots of climbing, rock scrambles, blustery ridges, and a whole day without water sources (you’ll have to carry lots of water up North Mountain).
Park rules and regulations are enforced:
1) Maximum group size, backpacking/camping: 10
2) No camping or campfires outside of 7 designated areas (north of Va 624/Newport Rd, the only legal campsites are Johns Spring Shelter, Catawba Shelter & campsites, Pig Farm campsite, Campbell Shelter, and Lambert’s Meadow Shelter & campsites).
3) No camping or campfires on McAfee Knob or Tinker Cliffs. Camping is not permitted on the Boy Scout Trail near the Dragon's Tooth parking area.Maximum camping/hiking size in Jefferson National Forest is 10
Only people that I know are reliable, self-sufficient hikers will be added to the group!NOTE: You are responsible for bringing appropriate gear, supplies, clothing, first aid, and lights. You should review topographic maps and trail features carefully; understanding topography of any hike is key to your knowing where you are, where you're going, and how to get back. See suggestions for GEAR on the "About" page for additional gear ideas.
You agree when you sign up for this group or any of the events that you have read and understand the below.
If you join us for a hike (or any other event), please understand that you are responsible for your own preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. You agree not to hold the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen at a planned event. You are responsible to research the event, know the area, and bring the proper gear.
Your attendance on a hike signifies that you have read and accept the terms of this liability waiver. Full waiver can be found on the ABOUT page.7 attendees
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