ROANOKE CO., Va. – Roanoke County and the City of Salem held a ribbon cutting on Thursday to announce the expansion of the McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle service into Salem.
With the expansion, the popular shuttle will be making additional stops starting March 1 at Longwood Park, located at 601 East Main Street, and 101 South Broad Street, both of which are in Salem.
Shuttle stops will also include the I-81 Exit 140 Park and Ride and the Orange Market Park and Ride near Hanging Rock. A stop at Dragon’s Tooth trailhead will be coming soon.
The shuttle service was initially announced in Sept. 2022, offering hikers a chance to ride a shuttle from McAfee Knob from the Park and Ride off Exit 140 to avoid issues with limited parking at the site.
The overlook is one of the most photographed locations on the Appalachian Trail. Because of its popularity, about 50,000 hikers come out each year to take in the incredible views.
The expansion is also being welcomed at a time of increased need.
The trailhead parking lot is closed as VDOT works on a new pedestrian bridge that will cross Route 311.
”It’s really kind of two-fold. It’s a great opportunity for local residents to experience their national parks, but it’s also a great opportunity to highlight the economic impacts of visitation.”
Shuttle reservations can be made online for just $5. The shuttle can also be tracked. Click here to reserve, track the shuttle or learn more.