Outstanding views, a tough climb, a cool creek cliff face, wobbly bridges, Scorched Earth Gap, and The Murder Hole are just a few reasons to hike Tinker Cliffs via the Andy Layne Trail. We were so close to this trail when we hiked Carvin Cove/Hay Rock that we knocked this hike out the same day. Tinker Cliffs is the third leg in the Triple Crown of great views/hikes in this part of Virginia, along with McAfee Knob and Dragons Tooth.

Please Note: During the last several years the the Tinker Cliffs area has seen a significant increase in hiker traffic. Please follow the Leave-No-Trace hiking etiquette. There are unique rules regarding group size, and camping for this area. Please visit the Roanoke Appalachian Trail club page for full rules and regulations.

It's around 3.8 miles to the top, but be prepared for an exhausting trek. You'll go through Scorched Earth Gap to get there, then look down on the valley where the Murder Hole cave is. Read the stories linked above about how they got their names, very interesting.

Mile 0.0 – The yellow blazed Andy Layne Trail begins at the rear of the parking area on Route 779 (Catawba Road). You'll cross two fence stiles before reaching the first of two bridge crossings of Catawba Creek. In some places over the next mile the trail was overgrown but manageable as of 2011. The first couple of miles you will hear the hum of the Roanoke Cement Co, this is their land they have generously allowed hikers to cross, so to get to the top you will just have to put up with the noise :)
Mile 0.6 – Cross the 1st Catawba Creek Bridge, parallel Catawba Creek with unique cliff face on opposite side of creek, then reach the next bridge.
Mile 0.8 – Cross the 2nd Catawba Creek Bridge. Start the 200ft climb to the gate.
Mile 1.2 – Arrive at the gate, and as long as you stay on the trail you are granted permission to go around the “No Trespassing” sign from the Roanoke Cement Co. The trail bears to the left around the gate, and in 100 yards bears to the right. The next portion begins the tough part of the hike, gaining 900ft+ feet before reaching the Appalachian Trail. One section has no switchbacks for about 0.4 miles.
Mile 3.0 – Reach the white blazed A.T. and stay right/south, this area is referred to as Scorched Earth Gap. Continue 0.6 miles south on the A.T. for a beautiful view to the north.
Mile 3.6 – View to the northwest of Broad Run Mtn and to the Northeast of Fincastle.
Mile 3.8 – 1st view of Catawba Valley but a better viewing area is about 200 yards beyond.
Mile 3.85 – 2nd view of Catawba Valley. Great place for lunch and taking in the views. McAfee Knob is clearly visible to the south
Mile 7.8 - Retrace your steps to return to the parking area.

Note: If you're adventurous and need more miles, you could continue south on the AT to McAfee Knob, this would be approximately 18 miles roundtrip from the Andy Layne parking area.

By: Jack Crow Ratcliffe

7.1 miles / 11.4 km

June 02, 2017

Last of my trails for the Triple Crown. One Tough Hike for a ole man of 70. But I loved it ! I wished I had done this one first because I rate it as the most difficult of the three hikes. It is well maintained by the Trail Club that cares for it. I would say the views in Fall will be Fantastic for pictures. I took my camera and do a lot of photography but I'm One & done for these three hikes. If anyone is planning the Triple Crown, do this one first, Dragon Tooth second. Save the McAfee Knob for last . Because it will be your cake walk. I hike all the time, so I will be back out tomorrow !

Legacy Review

By: Lauren Nash

April 08, 2017

I thoroughly enjoyed this hike and the different scenery it provided. Both bridges were neat, and it was unexpected to find yourself in a cow field. Some of the uphill can be a little brutal and I had to stop to catch my breath a couple times. The views at the top were great. Overall it was a somewhat warm day, but the wind at the top made it quite cold up there. I recommend eating at the Homeplace after this hike. It's not too far away, and after all that uphill a big family style meal of fried chicken and all the sides is about the best thing ever.

By: Isaac R. Both

November 13, 2016

First let me say this hike is not for the faint at hear. It took me 4 hours up and back. Depending on your pace and how often your stop for breaks and etc it could take longer. So pace yourself. When I started it was a cool morning but on the way down it had warmed up a lot. I would recommend taking a jacket and a stocking cap if your going in the colder months. A jacket any time would be a good idea. The trial is pretty easy to follow I was only slightly confused like twice. You will go what seems like a long time before seeing a yellow marker. Just stick to the trial. Pace yourself. You will climb on this Hike. I would most centrally recommend taking a pole, stick, something to help with the climb. Pace yourself. The bridges earlier on in the hike are pretty nice. I would recommend if you have a group to go over them one at a time as they are not that stable. The second bridge on the way up has a few loose board so take your time. Definitively pack well. Snack, sunscreen, sunglasses, hates, bug spray, WATER. Make sure you pace your self and take water breaks. The view is awesome once up top dentally something your could spend time looking at and having lunch. The biggest thing to remember is to pace your self this hike is a clim and almost 8 miles round trip so give your self plenty of time and takes breaks as need.

By: Shawn R.

October 02, 2016

This was a difficult hike, but the views at the top were outstanding. The solitude was a huge bonus, especially when compared to other hikes in the area. There were no issues with directions on the trail since the blazings were clear and often. We finished the hike in just under four hours but we spent over an hour at the top. I highly recommend this hike to people in the area because of the great solitude and great views, but make sure you are ready for a steep climb! There are plenty of places to camp at or near the summit so a sunset or sunrise hike would be a possibility!

By: Rick L

June 19, 2016

Warning to those taking this hike right now, there's a 1-2-year-old black bear along the Andy Layne that apparently has been spotted a few times. As we were coming down one of the steepest parts, it was at the bottom grazing on the trail. Not scared of humans but not aggressive, either. We got by it but it was a closer encounter than I really care to have. However, the hike and the reward at the end were well worth the bear encounter and the sore 61-year-old knees this morning.

By: Jesica M

April 17, 2016

This is my favorite local hike. More challenging, like the second part of Dragon's tooth, but long and with an amazing payoff like Mcafee. The first two miles will get your heart going. You'll find two stretches of steep terrain back to back. Then lots of switchbacks for a while. The final push to the top is kind of steep, too. I started out at 9am and there were some folks in the parking lot, but I had the top to myself for a good 20 minutes. The view is just stunning.

By: Darrell

November 04, 2015

This was my first time hiking. My friend told me about this hike, it was one he did half way but never finished. We got to the trail head at about 10:30 that morning. There was only one car parked in the lot. We started hiking at about 10:45ish. The trail was very well maintained and the yellow blaze was easy to spot the whole way until we got to the AP trail blaze once there the white AP ablaze was also easy to spot and follow. The only "problem" we ran into was about 15 to 20 cows at the first water bridge. Once we got close enough to them the began to get up and move out of the way. We finally made it to the top at about 12:30. There was no one around nor did we see anybody on the way up. We hung out there for an hour took in the beautiful views. We started our treck down at about 1:30. It was as tough going up as it was down. We only ran into one person going down. We made it back to the parking lot at exactly 3:30. I would definitely recommend this hike especially in the fall. It is a very difficult hike but well worth it! A+

By: Ashley

August 08, 2015

I did this one a week after doing Mcafee and Dragon's tooth. I was expecting it to be difficult, I wasn't going to kid myself like I tried to do with Mcafee, but sometimes you aren't as prepared as you think! This one definitely goes in my book as being the toughest of the three. However, the solitude, both on the trail and at the top made it worth it. It was just me and my friend at the top for about 30minutes. We started hiking at about 9:30 and passed 5-6 people on the way up and maybe 10-15 on the way back down. Much less traveled than Mcafee, but with a view I would say is pretty comparable. This gets only a 4/5 because I would still choose dragon's tooth in a heartbeat... and I feel like I need to get stronger to be allowed to say this is a favorite. I stopped numerous times on this one, like the page says, it's rough!

By: G.Zanatakos

February 11, 2015

Overall decent hike, steep areas. I would suggest going later in the year when its more dry. The trail was very muddy. Its comparable to Dragons' Tooth. If you're looking for good view and a challenging hike, this one is for you. Not recommended for children.

By: Michele R

January 18, 2015

Lovely hike, however quite sloppy this time of year! I would recommend going early in the morning while the mud is frozen. We started out at about 10am and the mud was frozen and the trail was nice and neat. On the way back around 1pm, the trail had defrosted into a slippery slop! Each hiking boot felt like it weighed 5 lbs because of the mud stuck to it! It hasn't really even been rainy lately. Just beware of the mud. You'll want to bring your hiking poles! Still has amazing views and one of the very best hikes in the Roanoke area. I love it also because it's not nearly as busy as McAfee's Knob, and provides a widespread rural view of our beloved Blue Ridge Mountains.

By: Kyle

November 28, 2014

Hiked today with our three dogs. Great alternative to McAfee's and Dragon's Tooth - great views without the crowds

By: Freckles

September 18, 2014

Hiked today with my best friend and daughter. Pretty strenuous hike, but well worth the effort. Amazing views from the top. Just be careful of the sliding acorns!

By: Tanner

August 20, 2014

This was by far one of my favorite hikes in the New River Valley to date. The hike up to the cliffs is pretty moderate, with switchbacks cutting back and forth as you go up the mountain. There are a few steep parts, but there are logs embedded in the ground and its not vertical, so, you should be fine. When you reach the top, you won't be disappointed as you get an absolutely stunning 180 degree (if not more) view of the New River Valley. Highly suggest you put a stick in front of you as you walk, or wear long pants, as I walked into about 100 spider webs. I was the only one on the trail the entire time I was on it (to and from) so the solitude is nice especially on a weekday. Trail is clearly marked as you go up. Andy Layne trail is marked for three miles through private property with yellow blazes. Eventually you reach a couples signs that direct you onto the Appalachian trail, where you make the rest of the hike to the Cliffs.

By: HOkie

February 21, 2014

The bridges are back! There was a lot of standing/running water from all of the recent snow melting with the weather being in the 60s recently but we were prepared with proper boots. This hike was quite challenging, I would reccomend a walking stick for sure because there are many areas with steep hikes--but the view makes it totally worth it! There was a lot of snow on the ground at the top, but luckily somebody had hiked it earlier & we followed their footprints. Fantastic hike. We should have planned more time, it took us about 4 hours roundtrip with a stop at the top for late lunch!

By: Tony and Gretchan

November 30, 2013

Very challenging hike, but beautiful! We heard of the STEEP mountains, and saw that to be true. We borrowed hiking poles, and were very glad for that, also thankful we didn't take our hiking dog. We were ready for the bridge to still be out, but were told about .2 miles upstream was a concrete bridge, that helped a lot! Our brave son, and our exchange student, however, did use a log to cross the stream! The view on top was very worth it, just had to be very careful not to get too close to the edge. We would definitely do this one again, with trekking poles always!

By: Jen

October 13, 2013

Bridge is still out but you can avoid getting wet. Awesome hike!

By: Andy

Thanks Jen, I know. Hiked it in the mist and mud, slipped on the make shift bridge and got one wet boot, but no harm done. Unfortunately the top was entirely clouded in, but I intend to combine this with McAfee in the next month or two on a clear day. Of the triple crown, Dragon's Tooth, McAfee and Tinker, I found this by far the most strenuous. Great hike I intend to do again.

October 07, 2013

I have not hiked this trail before, but am interested in doing it maybe this weekend. Does anyone know if all the bridges are back in service? Appreciate the feedback.

By: John White

August 25, 2013

Great hike!! Thanks to Hiking Upward for great map and directions. Bridge is still out over Catawba Creek but creek can be crossed with dry feet just downstream. Black-eyed Susans everywhere! Saw a copperhead on the trail watch your step!

By: Matt Kunkel

August 22, 2013

I'm a noob hiker and if you are also have no doubt that this trail will challenge you! But the views are really worth it. I went on a Thursday at mid-morning and there weren't many other hikers, I think I met 5 others. The worst thing on this hike was the spider webs across the trail everywhere but that's just nature.

By: HikerAdam

June 28, 2013

Did this section of the AT after starting at Route 311 the previous day. Not many views at the beginning, but lots of rock outcroppings along the way. It gets steep really, really fast for a really long time at some points though, so be prepared for a tough hike. Campsite is a ways north of the cliffs, but it has nice camping that you have to cross a creek to get to. Defiantly want to do this one again!

By: CHUPACABRA

November 02, 2012

Video. Six of us from Obsessive Compulsive Backpackers (Meetup) hiked this as a 3 day - 2 night trip 2-4 Nov 2012. We drove up Friday night and parked at the Andy Layne parking lot/trail head, hiked to the first stream crossing and camped in the cow pasture. Night temps mid 30's, sunshine, no clouds. Hiked up to Tinker cliffs, trail in great shape, about 1 hr 45 min, walking very slow. If you walk slowly enough to keep your breath the few steep sections are not so bad and pass rather quickly. Once you reach the AT junction, you're still not there yet, another 20 min or so. The cliffs have spectacular views. We followed the AT to McAfee Knob, 3-4 hrs, strolling taking pictures. Trail in great shape. Leaves had just fallen and were over 12" deep for many long stretches. Camped about 100yds past the shelter at McAfee. If you go 200yds there is a better site with metal fire ring and a picnic table!! Water is obtained from a cistern which is grated to keep the leaves out, water looks gray from the reflection, but is ok. Rained Saturday night, tents wet in morning, lows mid 30's, dense fog in the morning. Less than 30 min to the knob, more fog, took pix, headed down. Trail in extremely good condition. There are 2 more shelters before you reach the highway. About 3-3.5 hrs. Had our 'after hike' feast at the Homeplace Restaurant, highly recommend it.

By: Mark Russell

October 13, 2012

This was a great hike on a clear fall day. We could see for miles. I did lose my favorite water bottle however. It is a Camelback with the REI logo. I got it at the REI Columbia, Maryland grand opening November 2010. Lots of good memories connected with this bottle. If anyone finds it I would really appreciate it if you would contact me at markdrussell@gmail.com and I will cover any shipping costs required so it can find its way home to me.

By: sbct172

June 24, 2012

Peace and quiet. Only seen a few people. Had tinker cliffs all to ourselves. The climb to the cliffs is not easy but well worth the effort. Be prepared for a climb if your not a regular hiker.

By: Corey K Roberts

April 20, 2012

One of my new favorite hikes around roanoke . It is brutal for a novice(only been 1 year of hiking for me)but the wild life and flora make up for it. http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-adventures-of-angela-and-corey/210717998961198 me and my wife take pictures and would love to share and see others :-)

By: Jake

September 10, 2011

What a great trail, maintained by the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club. We only saw a few people and the view was extraordinary. I found the trail to not be too challenging, but definitely took a breather after the really steep section. The trail felt like we were hiking in the backcountry and the geology of the river bed and the boulders at the top was intriguing. We even saw two salamanders, one with a neon blue tail! This is definitely one of the greatest trails in the area with an amazing view of the Catawba valley.

By: Jon E

Hiked to Tinker Cliffs starting early am, just at daybreak. Lots of deer in initial flat section, near the river. Yes, there are sections that are quite steep and your quads will burn, but that's probably 10-20% of teh trail--this is not a "grueling" hike. The views from the cliffs are quite nice. Do make sure to hike the slightest extra bit around the bend to get the south facing views toward McAfee Knob and the Catawba Ridge (otherwise you see the Roanoke Cement Company). McAfee Knob tempted me, and I went for it. Going to the knob and back adds 10 extra miles, most of which are pretty easy and flat, somewhat scenic, but not spectacular. Saw some wild turkeys, several turtles, more deer, very few people traversing the ridge. Overall, a nice hike, but I wouldn't rave about it. One last thing: the trail head is a bit tricky to find at first (perhaps because it was still dark outside, and this was my first time on Andy Layne). Do look for the green electrical boxes--they are tucked toward the back of the parking lot.

By: James

August 27, 2011

Amazing hike and my new favorite. As far as the triple crown of the catawba valley goes this is my favorite. Its a challenging hike coming in second only to Dragon's Tooth but it has the best view of the three, even beating out McAfee's Knob. The scenery on the hike is fantastic including deep valleys and carved rock strata. Even though I went during Hurricane Irene and it was slightly overcast the views still left me dumbfounded. Trail is well marked and pretty easy to follow, including hiking over barbed wire. Heads up on the parking lot its a small lot so don't miss it. I did. Overall go for it , you'll be glad you did and you'll do it again.

By: MJG

August 20, 2011

Hiked this trail on 8/20 and added an extra 1.2 miles at the AT trail going to the shelter (not worth it) unless you want the calorie burn. This site says 3.5 hrs but with the addition of 1.2 it took us 6 hrs with a 30 min lunch. Over all this was a great hike. We ran into about 10 other hikers. The trail is well maintained and properly mapped out on the site. For parking, pass the concrete company on the left keep heading down road you will see two big electrical boxes that are on the left in the parking lot that leads you to the start of trail. The map on this site is dead on about the directions, and do make sure you keep going the extra .05 miles after first overlook. So worth it for the view.