Collegiate Times

For all that Blacksburg is lacking in terms of exciting night life it easily makes up for in scenic outdoors spots.

Being in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains puts us near a collection of hiking trails. Whether you're interested in waterfalls, wildflowers, or windy cliffs, the New River Valley has enough trails to keep even the most eager outdoors enthusiast marching on for quite some time.

The Cascades

Located 15 miles from Blacksburg on US-460 West, the Cascades is a fun hike which should not provide too strenuous of a challenge for any hiker, no matter their fitness level.

“The Cascades is a much more user-friendly approach,” said David Goodman of Venture Out. “It’s very accessible, and it’s a great beginner’s hike for people that want to go out and do something quick.”

Located in Pembroke, the Cascades have amble parking at the bottom, but there is a cost of $2 per car to park.

To reach the famous falls, hikers have two options in trails. An easier two-mile-long trail takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the destination. The second trail extends the distance to three miles and can take longer, but is noted for more fully showing the natural beauty of the area.

“The waterfall was awe-inspiring and the hike was enjoyable,” said Nick Janssens, a sophomore majoring in aerospace and ocean engineering. “Slightly challenging, but not too difficult, and the views along the way were also impressive.”

Water from Little Stoney Creek feeds the Pembroke-based waterfalls, which plummets 66 feet to reach the pool at the bottom. The water here has the distinctive trait of being freezing no matter when one visits, making this the perfect escape from the hot sun as long as you can still feel your legs.

Just because the cold season has descended on Blacksburg does not mean that the Cascades lose all of their appeal. Those interested in a winter hike might arrive at the end of the trail to discover that the once-flowing waterfalls have been frozen, creating one of the more beautiful natural sights.

McAfee’s Knob

I’m not sure about this, but I think having a profile picture sitting on the edge of McAfee’s Knob is an unwritten graduation requirement.

Virginia Tech students aren’t the only ones who appreciate the beauty of the cliffs. McAfee’s Knob has the distinction of being the most photographed spot on the entirety of the over-2,100 mile long Appalachian Trail.

To reach McAfee’s Knob, hikers will drive 30 minutes outside of Blacksburg to Catawba, Virginia. Following Route 785 to the top of a hill will bring you to a parking lot adjacent to the trail.

As you begin your 4.4 mile long hike, two trails are available which converge near the end of the excursion. The first is a traditional trail which snakes its way to the top while the second is a much easier fire road.

While the allure of an easier hike is strong, picking the trail over the fire road confers benefits in the form of beautiful scenery and a large rock wall that can be easily scaled.

As you feel the rush of wind on top of the ridge and steep out on the cliff, you’ll know why McAfee’s Knob is the poster image of the Appalachian Trail. The rocky outings provide a nearly 270 degree view of the Catawba Valley.

“The hike to the peak is a bit of a drag to walk, but the view at the top is worth it,” said junior computer science major Derek Ong.

McAfee’s Knob is also known for its numerous outlets for rock climbing, making it a popular choice among local bouldering enthusiasts.

When you’re done admiring the view, feel free to take the fire road on the way down. This path is a half-mile shorter than taking the Appalachian Trail the entire way and will bring you closer to the nearby Homeplace restaurant. 

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A version of this article appeared in the Nov 8 issue of the Collegiate Times.