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madriver
Nov 3, 2003, 1:26 PM
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...thats how Eric Horst describes McAffes Knob near Roanoke, VA. Anyone have any info on this place or know a website that does. Any help who be much appreciated. Thanks Bob
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naitch
Nov 3, 2003, 1:48 PM
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There's some pictures of it and I think some discussion in the Yahoo group harrisonburgclimbing. You can join if you have a Yahoo account. If you don't, it's easy to sign up for an account. Once you have an account go to the groups section and search for harrsionburgclimbing and there will be instructions. Once you get in, go the photos section or do a search on McAfees Knob
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one900johnnyk
Nov 3, 2003, 2:31 PM
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i'll say it's definitely worth a trip... that was exageration i think but i mean it's a great boulderfield (definitely walk around a lot, some great problems aren't obvious). and if nothing else, your'e visiting the single most photographed place on the AT... falls a good time
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pisceian
Nov 3, 2003, 3:05 PM
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Directions to McAfee's are in the routes database. There aren't many problems in the database because the area is undeveloped. Mostly boulderers go to the fire road boulders, lots of cool problems and only 15 minutes in. The main boulder field is a 3.5 mile hike one way, you can do most of it on the fire road which is easy hiking, then hook up with the AT and get a good thigh burn. That's about all the information you need, and bring gear to clean off the rock, you'll need it.
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cragmasterp
Nov 3, 2003, 3:06 PM
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Excellent bouldering at McAfees on the hike up and on top. Fairly extensive with much undone. The 3 mile hike to the top keeps the traffic down, the boulders along the fireroad on the hike up see more action due to location. Great camping/hiking for an overnight trip. Close to Blacksburg (go hokies) and Roanoke. Let me know if you need more info.
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riceplate
Nov 4, 2003, 2:01 AM
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has eric horst ever even been to hueco?
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dynamicpanda
Nov 5, 2003, 3:21 PM
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Is it any better than anything in Boone, NC? If so how long would it take to drive there from the Morganton/Boone area?
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madriver
Nov 5, 2003, 3:28 PM
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In reply to: Is it any better than anything in Boone, NC? If so how long would it take to drive there from the Morganton/Boone area? ....if the weather is nice this weekend I'll let you know. I would take alot to be better than Boone!!! D.C to Roanoke about 2-1/2 to 3 hrs D.C to Boone 6 1/2-7 hrs less the speeding ticket!!
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seanb
Nov 5, 2003, 3:30 PM
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Some nice bouldering, but comparing its quality to Hueco is being a little over zealous.
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madriver
Nov 6, 2003, 2:25 PM
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....thanks for all the beta. Were are going to check it out Saturday. Hope the weather is good... ....pics on Monday... Bob
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ropeburn
Nov 6, 2003, 2:34 PM
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madriver, I would appreciate some pics and first hand beta. I've been thinking about going down there for awhile. Let me know if its worth it. :mrgreen:
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eastsider
Nov 6, 2003, 3:42 PM
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HI- I have lived in roanoke for a long time and have climbed at McAffees quite a bit. It is a bunch of Sandstone boulders. The parking lot and fire road boulders on the way to the top tend to be pretty steep to overhanging and about half are a little on the taller side of things. The upper bouders vary in hieght and quality. Some are awesome, some are not. As far as saying it is like a Hueco in VA, mmm definately not...its one of the better places to boulder in the state. Compared to Boone, there just isn't the same amount of stuff at the Knob as there is in Boone, nor is it capable, just not enough quality rock comparably. Lots of stuff has been done, though the upper area/summit get alot less traffic than the fire road stuff...lots of stufff that has been done years ago may look dirty or even unclimbed. All of the popular stuff is clean and pretty obvious. The long hike definately keeps the crowds down. Check out the section on the site for some pics and info... cheers Adam
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pisceian
Nov 6, 2003, 7:03 PM
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In reply to: ....thanks for all the beta. Were are going to check it out Saturday. Too bad I hafta take the GRE's Saturday or I'd head out to McAfee's too. I think I'll be heading up there Sunday though if you're sticking around all weekend.
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madriver
Nov 9, 2003, 5:17 PM
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Thanks to all who tried to help with our trip to the "Tanks". Especially Pam. Unfortunately, Hiawatha I am not!! We found the Mickey Mouse Boulders, cool stuff. But unfortunatley we hiked up the fire road and went by the AT crossover. We continued on for about an hour!! We figured out that this was NOT the way to go and started back. We found another fire road that led up to an abandoned chimney and foundations of a long since gone home. Anyway, we also found some cool boulders that we spent the rest of the day on. Since this trip we have now instituted a Hiking Trail Rating System! McAfee Knob is rated H12!!! It's not that it's a steep grade or hard it's just HELLA LONG!!....and we never made it to the top! The boulders and rock are awesome. Just the few (unnamed bouldering we found) was really good. The rock makes Coopers feel smooth!! Way sharp! Maybe next time... Signed, Lewis and Clark 8)
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pisceian
Nov 12, 2003, 2:57 PM
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I'm sorry you didn't find the AT, but from the looks of your pictures you had a great time anyway. I suppose it is tough to see the white trail marking if you don't know when to look for it. I hope you'll come back someday!
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gearsighted
Nov 28, 2004, 4:08 AM
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haha.....I boulder at Mckaffees relatively often, because I end up driving back home up and down I81 somewhat often. It's nice to have some decent quality bouldering within 5 or so minutes from the interstate!! :-D As far as the approach, it's something you get used to bouldering in VA a bit...:p, I climb around Old Rag a bit, and long burly approaches are the norm :)
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