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1. What is the seating capacity of the shuttle?

The shuttle has 20 seats and has ADA accessibility for two wheelchairs.

2. How do I book a ride?

You may book your ride by visiting www.McAfeeShuttle.com. The reservations are on 30-minute cycles as it takes approximately 15 minutes each way.

3. Can I book a one-way ride?

Yes, many hikers book a one-way trip if they plan to stay overnight and see the sunrise. You may want to consider booking your return trip on the shuttle for the next day. 

4. Can I book a ride in person?

Yes, on your smart phone visit www.McAfeeShuttle.com.

5. Does the shuttle provide service on other days of the week?

Currently, the shuttle will provide service only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays along with holidays that fall on Mondays. Check back in 2023 for an updated schedule.

6. What is the cost?

The cost is $5 for a one-way trip $10 roundtrip, plus online booking fees per ticket. This is a cashless system, so no cash payment is accepted by the driver.

7. What happens if I cannot make my selected time slot?

If you are not able to make your selected time slot, the shuttle will transport you when there is room available on the next available shuttle. Riders have the capability to cancel right up to the time of their reservation.

8. The last shuttle has deployed for the day and I have missed my time slot to return to the Park and Ride. Who do I contact?

Live phone support is available at (540) 761-7564, 30 minutes after the shuttle service has ended. If an after-hours shuttle needs to return to the trailhead to pick up hikes who have missed the last scheduled shuttle, a fee of $25 per person will be charged. ***There is no guarantee of transportation being provided after the shuttle service has ended, past the 30-minute time frame.

Please have a backup plan in the event you miss your reservation after service hours have ended. This may include a family member, friend or ride App service available to pick you up from the trailhead.

9. Are refunds available if I change my mind?

All refunds are at the discretion of the vendor and will be processed by the vendor if approved.

10. How long does it take to hike the Appalachian Trail?

Everyone has a different pace but on average you should allow four to six hours to complete the hike.

11. Can my dog ride the shuttle?

ADA service dogs are permitted. 

Service animals may accompany their owners on the shuttle. Under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.

12. Who is responsible for any vehicle damage that may occur while being parked at the I-81, Exit 140 Park and Ride lot for the shuttle?

Each vehicle owner is responsible. Roanoke County and the Virginia Department of Transportation assume no liability for any damage that occurs while the vehicle is parked in the I-81, Exit 140 Park and Ride.                                     

13. Who should I contact if I have questions regarding the shuttle service?

Questions regarding booking or cancelling a reservation, refunds or after-hours transportation should be directed to Ride Source by completing the contact us section of the www.McAfeeShuttle.com  website or by phone (540) 761-7564.

Questions regarding the operations of the McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle Service may be referred to Paula Benke, Transit Planner for Roanoke County by email or by phone at (540) 283-8931.

14. Does the shuttle service other areas such as the City of Salem or Dragons Tooth?

No, the shuttle is a fixed route from I-81, Exit 140 Park & Ride to the McAfee Knob Trailhead with a turnaround at the Catawba Center.