The McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle Service provides safe and convenient transportation to the McAfee Knob Trailhead on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with occasional Mondays for holidays (Memorial Day and Labor Day). The shuttle can hold 20 passengers on each shuttle run.
The fare for a one way trip on the shuttle is $6. Round trip fare is $11. Both fares include the total cost of the fare including any processing fees.
Longwood Park - 611 East Main Street, Salem, Virginia
Route 311 - Dragon's Tooth (pick up across from trailhead)
Route 311 -McAfee Knob Trailhead
Passengers waiting for the shuttle at the trailhead parking lot should stand clear of the pull-off area as the shuttle approaches to pick up passengers.
Monthly Shuttle Hours of Operation
March 2026 -7:00 A.M. to 6:30 P.M.
April 2026 through September 2026 - 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
October 2026 - 7:00 A.M. to 6:30 P.M.
November 2026 - 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Shuttle Reservations and Fare
To reserve your seat, visit www.McAfeeShuttle.com and click BOOK NOW or reserve online.
Shuttle fare is $6 one way, $11 round trip plus processing fees.
Alternate Parking Available
See the map below for alternate parking locations.
When planning your visit to McAfee Knob you should allow four to six hours to complete the hike. Please consider this time frame when booking a return reservation to the Route 311 Park and Ride.
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail in our area is not accessible by wheelchair. The funding obtained to operate the shuttle requires ADA accessibility on the vehicle.
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is supporting the McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle with Demonstration Project grant funding.
The fare is $6 one way and $11 roundtrip plus, booking fees.
The reservation is booked once the rider selects a time slot.
If a reservation is missed, you will be placed on standby pending available seats on the next shuttle.
For additional information on booking please call (540) 761-7564 between the hours of 6:30 AM and 7:30 PM on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday's that fall on a holiday.
The Smart Way Bus is the regional public transportation service operated by Valley Metro. It links the Roanoke Valley and the New River Valley for a fare of only $4.00, each way. Smartway Bus
Virginia Breeze Bus Lines
Maximize your travel experience with the Virginia Breeze Bus Lines by learning more about the towns and cities along the route. Explore museums, visit national parks, and shop at local farmers' markets and unique small-town boutiques. Virginia Breeze (Highlands Rhythm - Bristol to Washington D.C.)
Parking is limited at the McAfee Knob Trailhead. To help ease parking congestion, please consider carpooling or utilizing one of the additional areas listed below.
Hikers will find 25 additional parking spaces provided at the Catawba Sustainability Center at 5075Catawba Creek Road, Catawba, Virginia 24070. Parking at the Catawba Sustainability Center will also allow access to the Appalachian Trail and to McAfee Knob via the Catawba Greenway. From the parking lot, the greenway winds its way through the Catawba Sustainability Center, following old Route 311 to a picnic shelter on a knoll and offering dramatic views of the Catawba Valley. Beyond the shelter, a 2.9 mile single-track hiking trail connects to the McAfee Knob fire road.
Limited parking is available on Old Catawba Road ( Route 864). Drivers should park as far off of the road as possible with all four wheels off the pavement and not park where there are signs stating no parking. This road is used for emergency vehicles and drivers should avoid parking on sharp turns. Towing is enforced at owners expense.
Book Your Shuttle Ride to the McAfee Knob Trailhead
Smartway Bus