A Weekend in Roanoke, Virginia: Hiking the Triple Crown & Downtown Eats
Roanoke, Virginia makes for an ideal weekend escape if you love big views, rugged hikes, and a low-key food scene that hits the spot after a long day on the trail. Our trip blended two iconic hikes along Virginia’s Triple Crown with a cozy tiny-house stay and just enough downtown exploring.
Hiking McAfee Knob (With a Twist)
We kicked off the weekend with a sunrise attempt at McAfee Knob, one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail. Due to heavy crowds, the main parking area was completely full when we arrived. Instead, we parked at the Catawba Community Center, which added about two extra miles round-trip to the hike. Anytime we pass through Charlottesville, we stop at Bodos for a bagel. We bring them on every hike!
Even with the added distance, McAfee Knob felt like a relatively approachable hike overall. The grade is steady but manageable, making it a great option if you want epic views without an overly technical climb. The payoff at the top—those sweeping Blue Ridge views—is absolutely worth it. Our Route
Staying in a Cozy Tiny House Near It All
For the weekend, we stayed in a charming tiny house Airbnb tucked into the countryside. You can find the listing here:
👉 https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/44166284
The location was ideal:
20 minutes to McAfee Knob
14 minutes to Dragon’s Tooth
15 minutes to downtown Salem
Close enough to Roanoke for easy dining and sightseeing
Quiet, cozy, and surrounded by nature—it was exactly what we wanted after long days hiking.
Post-Hike Beer in Salem
After our first hike, we headed into Salem and grabbed a beer at Olde Salem Brewing Company. It’s a relaxed spot and a great reward after time on the trail—casual, welcoming, and exactly what you want in a post-hike brewery stop.
Dragon’s Tooth: Scrambles & Serious Elevation
Day two was all about Dragon’s Tooth, another highlight of Virginia’s Triple Crown.
Dragon’s Tooth is a completely different experience than McAfee Knob. The trail features:
Rock scrambling
A consistent 1,200 feet of elevation gain
Narrow passages and ladders near the summit
It’s more physically demanding and technical, but also incredibly fun if you enjoy a challenge. The rock formations at the top feel dramatic and rugged, and the views are just as rewarding.
If you want to see the exact route we took, here’s my AllTrails recording:
👉 Dragon’s Tooth Trail
Downtown Roanoke Eats & Coffee Stops
After finishing the hike, we headed into Roanoke for food. First stop: Benny Marconi’s. If you’re starving post-hike, their giant slices of pizza absolutely deliver.
Before leaving downtown, we stopped by Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea. While the space was nice, the coffee itself didn’t really stand out—worth skipping if you’re short on time.
Ending the Weekend at the Roanoke Star
On our way out of town, we made one last stop at Mill Mountain Park to see the iconic Roanoke Star. The overlook gives you a panoramic view of the city and is a perfect, low-effort way to wrap up a weekend of hiking.
Final Thoughts
Roanoke is an excellent base for hiking adventures, especially if you’re tackling sections of the Appalachian Trail. Between McAfee Knob’s iconic views, Dragon’s Tooth’s rugged scrambles, and easy access to breweries and comfort food, it’s a weekend that balances adventure with relaxation—exactly the kind of trip we love.
If you’re planning a Virginia mountain getaway, Roanoke deserves a spot on your list.
