While McAfee Knob is more popular, the mountain directly across from it is a great scenic hike as well. Tinker Cliffs is accessed by the Andy Layne trail on Catawba Road then a short stretch of the Appalachian Trail. Andrew Corvin and I found this winter hike to be outstanding with several inches of snow and fantastic views. This is a great local hike to find the snow that seems to elude Roanoke but reaches the higher elevations. Unlike McAfee, this hike begins on the valley floor and the entire mountain must be climbed whereas the McAfee hike starts on top of Catawba mountain, reducing some of the elevation gain. Streams, cows and even a snake were part of this fun hike but the snow and views were the highlights.

Submitted by Tim Thornhill