Backpacking Virginia's Triple Crown - McAfee Knob-Tinker Cliffs & Dragon's Tooth

One of our classics events is back.
Is a go rain, shine or snow so be well prepare.

McAfee Knob-Tinker Cliffs and Dragon's Tooth are well know as the 3 Crows and a combined trip whit the best vistas on the area. McAfee Knob is one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) as it winds its way through Virginia.

Roanoke.com states: “In Virginia, McAfee Knob is the Appalachian Trail's poster and postcard image. Pick up an Appalachian Trail calendar and there's a good chance it's there.” The Knob has an almost 270 degree panorama of the Catawba Valley and North Mountain to the West, Tinker Cliffs to the North and the Roanoke Valley to the East.

On a clear day you will have some of the best views in the Southern Shenandoah Valley.

Due to its popularity you will not be alone on this hike, but the overhang of McAfee Knob and its views make up for the lack of solitude.

Tinker Cliffs have outstanding views, a tough climb, a cool creek cliff face, wobbly bridges, Scorched Earth Gap, and The Murder Hole are just a few reasons to hike Tinker Cliffs via the Andy Layne Trail.
Tinker Cliffs is the third leg in the Triple Crown of great views/hikes in this part of Virginia, along with McAfee Knob and Dragons Tooth.

The Dragon’s Tooth is an aptly named rock monolith of Tuscarora quartzite straddling Craig and Roanoke Counties just west of Catawba, VA. It stands out on it’s own at the top of Cove Mountain. It's as popular a hike as its’ nearby neighbor, McAfee Knob , with one difference, sweat! McAfee Knob is a walk in the park compared to this tough short hike.

THIS TRIP IS A 2 NIGHTS & 2 DAY'S AND LABEL AS MODERATE/HARD

NOTE: This will be a one way trek, we need to leave at least one car at the end, The Dragon’s Tooth parking lot, this depending on final attendance heat count.

After 4 hr. driving time from Vienna metro and arriving to our destination at Andy Lane parking lot (mid-night) we will start moving as soon as we arrive and head up to our camping spot on Lamberts Meadow Shelter (3miles-3am) we will expend the rest of the night there, them Saturday be will get up at 8 am. take breakfast, break camp and head out to Johns Spring Shelter (9 miles) the first miles will be a steep and tiring ascent till be make it to Tinker Cliffs, from there it will be a little bit easy but we will endure more up's and down's from time to time till we make it to McAfee Knob (2-3pm) take a break and enjoy the view before we continue our trek to Johns Spring Shelter where we will set second camp, build a great campfire, get some good food maybe some spirits and finally just die, next morning (if we still alive) we break camp and head to The Dragon’s Tooth area, bag our last peak and head down to parking lot, go to get some real food and finally head back home.
We will be on the AT trail North to South all the time.

Gear list: What you need to bring:
1.) Backpack (35-55 lt) + a day backpack to.
2.) Tent
3.) Sleeping bag
4.) Sleeping pad
5.) 2 pieces rain suit and/or poncho
.6.) Extra pair of socks
7.) Backpacking stove + pot/cup/dish/spoon
8.) Dehydrate food for your self.
9.) Camel bag/bottle or similar for drinking water.
10.) Snacks/sandwich/power bar or equivalent, etc.
11.) Water filter is a must
12.) 2 lt. of water for Friday night and Saturday - Sunday we refuel from a stream.

Trail map:
https://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive/07a5PQlzd_rERiUriyYGKzx3g#TOPO!_Tripple_Crown
Miles break by day: Friday 3.5 - Saturday 10 - Sunday 10 miles

Google driving direction from Vienna metro to Dragon's Tooth parking lot - To Andy Lane trailhead - To The Home Place restaurant:
https://goo.gl/maps/spDqCpwbwK12
GPS coordinates:
Start: Andy Lane trailhead - 37.45754, -80.01730
End: Dragon's Tooth parking lot - 37.379014, -80.156061
Food: 37.381270, -80.111205

Carpool: Don't forget if you want a ride or are willing to offer a ride – be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends by just posting a message!!
Have a ride: Please post where you are coming from, what time, and how many spots you have.
Need a ride: Post that you need a ride and contact any offers via e-mail for those that are offering rides.
Remember: Carpool is NOT free, be cordial whit your driver and tip them for gas share accordingly.