My son (15) and I are looking for a good 3 to 4 day hike in Virgina in July. Looking for about 25 to 30 miles. Would like to include McAfee Knob if possible and also follow the AT some. Anyone have a good loop that we can take (with mileage) or know of a trail we can follow? If we do a stright shot trail, I would need help with a place to park and any possible means to return to my car. Any help will be appreciated. I can do further research once some preliminary informatiin is provided. Thanks

Virginia's not really known for long backcountry loop trails. The closest thing that comes to mind would be in the Mt. Rogers/Grayson Highlands area a couple hours SW of McAfee's Knob.

Where are you coming in from, and I'll try and suggest some closer places?

This site might be helpful.

Larry, take a look at the Wild Oak National Recreation Trail, which abuts Ramsey's Draft Wilderness near Staunton, VA.

I am coming from Kentucky. Thanks for the helpful information.

Any thoughts from anyone on doing the Mount Rogers Backpack trail (20 miles) in two days and then picking up the McAfee Knob trail for the one day hike up and back. What is the approximate distance between the two hikes???

Anyone with thoughts on if this would make any sense, or is the distance between hikes to far.

As always appreciate the great help and I will continue to figure out a game plan.

Thanks,
Larry

That sounds like a good mix, and you'll get to see two very different parts of Virginia. It's about a 2.5 hour drive between the two locations (~130 miles according to Google Maps).