Federal funding coming to Roanoke County looks to improve the McAfee Knob trailhead. WFIR’s Conner Arthur has that story:
Hikers trekking to the most photographed overlook on the Appalachian Trail will soon find a more organized start to their journey. Roanoke County officials announced Thursday that $6.3 million in federal funding is earmarked for massive upgrades at the McAfee Knob trailhead parking area.
The grant, secured through Congressionally Directed Spending with support from U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, targets a site that welcomes more than 50,000 visitors every year. For those who have struggled to find a spot along Route 311, the project promises to turn a chaotic mountainside shoulder into a modern transit hub.
Paving a Path to Safety
The National Park Service will lead the design and construction of a paved lot featuring 104 striped spaces, including ADA-accessible spots. Currently, the area relies on gravel and informal parking that often spills onto the highway…