Triple Crown (Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, Tinker Cliffs) Virginia
Appalachian Trail Section Hike
This trip takes us to some of the most photographed areas on the Appalachian Trail. We are covering a lot of miles and backpacking around 27 miles. Be sure to check out the map and daily profiles for this hike to make a quality decision on your abilities. This hike is a section of the Appalachian Trail and we will be registering the distance on our A.T. Section Register.
If you are planning on Day-hiking with the backpackers to visit McAfee Knob (The Main Event), then please follow the instructions closely on Day 2 for information about the entry trailhead and where to meet! Make sure that you are at the correct trailhead on the right day and time.
Please let me know if you’re a backpacker or day-hiker, when registering on the events page in the Facebook Group!
This is a Fur-Baby Friendly area, so bring along your four-legged hiking pals to enjoy nature with you. If you have issues with dogs, please take that into consideration when planning on participating. All dogs must be leashed and under physical control by their owner.
ITINERARY
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SCHEDULE CAN CHANGE AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU STAY IN TOUCH WITH THE BACKPACKING LEADER (JAMES) FOR UP TO THE DATE INFORMATION. THE FACEBOOK PAGE WILL ALSO BE UPDATED AS LONG AS WE HAVE SERVICE!
DAY 1 – BACKPACKERS ONLY! FRIDAY MAY 26th, 2017
We are driving to Virginia on Thursday night 5-25-17 and staying at Stanimals Hostel. You can visit their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/STANIMALSHOSTEL/ They have graciously agreed to letting us park our vehicle there for the duration of the trip. We will utilizing their shuttle service to take us to the Dragon’s Tooth Trailhead Friday morning 5-26-17, where Day 1 will begin. If you want to join us at the hostel on Thursday or just use the shuttle to get to the trailhead, then you MUST contact me in order to confirm parking and additional guests. We have reservations for only 2 people at the moment. Otherwise, just plan on meeting at the Dragon’s Tooth Trailhead after you’ve selected a good parking location.
DAY 1 – TRAILHEAD LOCATION & MEETING TIME – BACKPACKERS ONLY!
Here is a google map locating the Dragon’s Tooth Trailhead: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Dragon’s+Tooth+Parking+Area/@37.3773877,-80.1621023,15.25z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x8fa990677aa5d75c!8m2!3d37.3787581!4d-80.156081
DAY 1 – TRAIL INFORMATION AND HIKE DETAILS
We will be hiking Dragon’s Tooth Trail to the summit and returning to the Appalachian Trail via the Dragon’s Backbone Trail. We will hike the A.T. all the way to John Springs Shelter or alternatively Catawba Shelter. Please review the profile included in the document for more information about the days hike.
- Day 1 Mileage: 91 miles
- Day 1 Elevation Gain: 3740’
- Day 1 Elevation Loss: -3241’
- Day 1 Elevation Range: 1716’ to 3022’
- Day 1 Rating: Strenuous
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DAY 2 – BACKPACKERS & DAYHIKERS UNITE! SATURDAY MAY 27th, 2017
This is the section of the hike that Day-hikers should consider joining the team and progressing to McAfee’s Knob. Backpackers will be heading out of camp around 9am and move towards the Knob. If you are interested in joining please make plans to enter at the trailhead shown below and make the small 2 mile hike to Catawba Shelter. After visiting the Knob for an hour or more, day-hikers can return to their vehicles by backtracking or hang out at the Campbell Shelter were backpackers will make a decision about progressing to Tinker Cliffs and Lambert’s Meadow Shelter, or just stay overnight for a beautiful McAfee Knob sunset.
Trail-head Meeting Day/Date/Time: Friday, May 26th, 2017, 8:00am
DAY 2 – DAYHIKER ENTRY TRAILHEAD LOCATION!
DAY 2 – DAYHIKER TRAIL INFORMATION AND HIKE DETAILS
This portion of the hike is on the A.T. and day-hikers will be hiking from McAfee Knob Parking Area to McAfee Knob.
- Day 2 Day-hiker Mileage: ~7.70 miles
- Day 2 Day-hiker Elevation Gain: 2030’
- Day 2 Day-hiker Elevation Loss: -2034’
- Day 2 Day-hiker Elevation Range: 1961’ to 3175’
- Day 2 Day-hiker Rating: Moderate
DAY 2 – BACKPACKER TRAIL INFORMATION AND HIKE DETAILS
This portion of the hike is on the A.T. and day-hikers will be hiking from Catawba Shelter to McAfee Knob and then to Campbell Shelter. Alternatively a decision will be made to head up to Tinker Cliffs barring time and condition delays.
- Day 2 Backpacker Mileage: 44 miles or alternate 8.09 miles
- Day 2 Backpacker Elevation Gain: 2030’ or alternate 2589’
- Day 2 Backpacker Elevation Loss: 2034’ or alternate -2418’
- Day 2 Backpacker Elevation Range: 1961’ to 3175’ or alternate 2182’ to 3186’
- Day 2 Backpacker Rating: Strenuous
DAY 3 – BACKPACKERS ONLY! SUNDAY MAY 28th, 2017
Backpackers will head to the final destination in Daleville, VA where we will hike to the Park & Ride and request our pickup shuttle to return to Stanimals Hostel. We will make a decision, based on condition, to drive home that evening or spend the night at the Hostel.
DAY 3 – BACKPACKING TRAIL INFORMATION AND HIKE DETAILS
Continue on the A.T. until reaching the park & Ride in Daleville, VA where the shuttle will pick us up.
- Day 3 Mileage: 44 miles
- Day 3 Elevation Gain: 1670’
- Day 3 Elevation Loss: -2828’
- Day 3 Elevation Range: 1155’ to 2385’
- Day 3 Rating: Strenuous
USE GOOD JUDGEMENT OF YOUR ABILITIES & TAKE THE FOLLOWING INTO ACCOUNT
Equipment
Trails here are often steep, rocky, uneven and slippery. Hikers should wear sturdy boots and carry a day pack with food, water, first aid supplies, rain gear, flashlight, cellular phone and trail map. Please do not attempt these trails wearing sandals, street shoes, flip flops or smooth-soled footwear.
Lightning
Peaks, ridges, ledges and shallow overhangs are all high-risk areas for lightning strikes. Stay alert for changing weather patterns (thunderstorms can arrive suddenly in the afternoon) and stay clear of risk areas in an electrical storm.
Hypothermia
A cold summer rain can be as dangerous as an arctic wind storm. Carry appropriate weatherproof garments, even in summer months.
Trail Conditions
Backcountry trails can be slick, muddy and treacherous. Upper trails in winter often glaze over with ice. Hiking under these conditions falls in the domain of well-equipped experts.
Water
All untreated water should be purified. Giardia, bacteria and other contaminants cannot be easily detected. You can purify water by boiling it for 10 minutes, by using purification chemicals or through use of a filtering device.
Watching Children
Adults should lead and follow their hiking groups with young children in the middle. If the hiking party decides to split up, make plans to rejoin at a prearranged time and place to avoid confusion and the possibility of after-dark searches for lost hikers.
Health Considerations
Hikers with breathing or heart conditions should be cautious of strenuous activity, especially at higher altitudes. In Case Of Emergency, Dial 911!
Remember this is the Southeast and the weather can change every 7 minutes. Be prepared for cooler nights, thunderstorms, rain, snow, sleet, hail, and icebergs just kidding of course, but be prepared for anything when hiking or backpacking! BRING PLENTY OF WATER. You should have enough food / snacks for 3 nights and 3 days if you’re a backpacker.
Maps and directions to the trail-head and waypoints will be posted in the event, so please pay close attention and contact me if you have any questions. Please let me know your intention to join us, so I can plan accordingly.
The Ten Essentials (for safety, survival and basic comfort)
- Navigation – MHC Provided
- Sun Protection
- Rain Protection and/or Insulation
- Illumination
- First-aid Kit
- Fire Starter
- Repair Kit/Tools
- Nutrition (3 nights, 3 days + 1 day/night extra emergency)
- Emergency Shelter (bivy, tent, tarp or reflective blanket)
- Hydration (Lots of water and purification)
MHC group leaders have these and more to provide members, in the case of necessity. Please always be prepared for the worst!
We practice the LEAVE NO TRACE Principles. Please make sure you are fully aware of our club principles when participating in our official events!
- Plan ahead and prepare!
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
- Dispose of waste properly.
- LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND!
- Minimize campfire impacts.
- Respect wildlife!
Be considerate of other visitors!