Relocated Andy Layne Trailhead Opens Along A.T. Virginia Triple Crown

CATAWBA VALLEY, Va. – Providing passage to one of the Appalachian Trail’s most popular viewpoints in Virginia, a newly relocated Andy Layne Trail parking lot opened on Thursday, Aug. 20.

The 3-mile Andy Layne Trail is popular with hikers and backpackers as a connector to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail near Tinker Cliffs, one of the jewels on Virginia’s Triple Crown. Together with McAfee Knob and Dragon’s Tooth, Tinker Cliffs is among the most visited locations on the entire A.T., which stretches more than 2,100 miles across 14 states from Georgia to Maine.

The new parking area is located less than a mile south of the old trailhead, and features major improvements for hikers coming to the beloved Andy Layne Trail.

“These changes are also evidence of broader trail improvements along the A.T. as it passes Roanoke due to the region’s popularity as a hiking destination,” said Kathryn Herndon-Powell, Virginias Regional Director for Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

“The old Andy Layne trailhead often overflowed with visitors on beautiful weekends in the spring and fall, and the old trail bridge over Catawba Creek was nearing the end of its lifespan,” Herndon-Powell said. “Across the Virginia Triple Crown, we are many years into a focused effort with a broad partnership in finding ways to accommodate more visitors while protecting the natural beauty that makes this area so popular.” 

In partnership with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Roanoke A.T. Club since 1991, the Andy Layne Trail is marked by blue blazes on land owned by Roanoke Cement Company. As the company expands operations, it coordinated with the ATC and RATC to continue providing public trail access.

“For 35 years, Roanoke Cement has partnered with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy because being a responsible operator and community partner means caring for the natural resources and recreational opportunities that surround our operations and that make our region special,” said Kevin Baird, President, Mid-Atlantic Business Unit of Titan America. “Together, we’ve maintained trail access, repaired storm damage, and designed a new route with a safer crossing, expanded trailhead, and additional parking to better serve the thousands of hikers who visit each year.”

The new trailhead has space for 50 cars and a rerouted beginning section of the trail that includes the new footbridge over Catawba Creek. Roanoke Cement Company fully funded the project.

“We’re grateful to the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and the dedicated volunteers who help preserve this remarkable resource,” Baird said. “We are proud to support their important work and the lasting benefits they provide to our community.”

Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club President Linda Mulheren said, “Without Andy Layne Trail, the awesome sights from atop Tinker Cliffs would be far more difficult for hikers to reach. People come from around the world to hike Virginia’s Triple Crown.”

“The Andy Layne Trail is an important entryway to the A.T., and especially Tinker Cliffs, because the location of Tinker Cliffs is rather remote,” added Mulheren. “The Andy Layne Trail provides a fantastic way to get there.”

Upgrades to Andy Layne Trail follow the completion of a dedicated pedestrian bridge for the Appalachian Trail over Virginia Route 311 in spring 2025. That project improved safe access to nearby McAfee Knob, which is another hike on Virginia’s Triple Crown and the most-photographed location on the entire A.T.

Andy Layne Trail is named posthumously in honor of a World War II veteran, beloved outdoors enthusiast, and dedicated Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club member.

IF YOU GO: As of August 2026, the new trailhead is still pending a street address. Hikers ready for the 7-mile round-trip trek can easily locate the new start point by copying these coordinates into their chosen map app: 37°26’52.9″N 80°00’54.0″W

About the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Founded in 1925, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy works passionately to manage and protect the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. As the only non-profit devoted exclusively to the entirety of the Trail and its landscape, we endeavor to keep its vast natural and scenic beauty healthy, resilient, and connected, so that everyone can experience its transformative power for generations to come. Together with our supporters, partners, and thousands of volunteers, we keep the Trail alive.

Media Contact
Luke Weir, lweir@appalachiantrail.org