McAfee Knob: Women's Hiking Retreat 2026
- WeChoseAdventures
- May 19
- 4 min read
Love hiking? Obsessed with a good view? Ready to finally do the famous McAfee Knob sunrise hike you’ve seen all over Instagram?
This isn’t just a hiking weekend in Virginia (though yes, we’ll be taking on two of the most iconic hikes on the Appalachian Trail). It’s a weekend built for adventurous women who want to spend time outside, meet other outdoorsy people, and experience some of the best hikes on the East Coast.
We’ll hike to McAfee Knob for sunrise — yes, THAT famous overlook photo on the Appalachian Trail — take on the rocky adventure of Dragon’s Tooth, spend time floating down the river tubing through the Virginia mountains, and end our nights camping under the stars with a group of women who actually want to spend their weekends doing epic things outdoors.
You’ll leave with incredible memories, amazing photos, sore legs, and probably a new obsession with Appalachian Trail hiking.
Who This Retreat Is For
This retreat is for you if:
• You’ve had McAfee Knob on your hiking bucket list.
• You’ve always wanted to do the famous Appalachian Trail sunrise hike.
• You love mountain views, hiking, and camping weekends.
• You want to meet adventurous women and make genuine friendships.
• You’re tired of waiting for people to finally commit to the trip.
• You’d rather spend your weekend outside than sitting at home.
• You want someone else to plan the logistics so you can just show up and hike.
• You’re comfortable with long, active days outdoors.
• You love a good challenge and rewarding views.
BUT this is an active hiking weekend. You should be comfortable with:
• Hiking 8–10+ miles in a day
• Rocky terrain and elevation gain
• Hiking in the dark with a headlamp for sunrise
• Camping and sleeping outdoors
• Long days outside in changing mountain weather
• Carrying your own day pack, water, and hiking essentials You do not need to know anyone attending.
You do not need to be an expert hiker.
You just need to be up for adventure.
Trip Details
📍 Location: Roanoke, Virginia
📅 Dates: Friday July 10- Sunday July 12th
🍽️ Food: All meals, snacks, and drinks included (Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast) 🏕️ Lodging: Group camping weekend in the Virginia mountains 🌲 Activities Included:
• McAfee Knob sunrise hike
• Dragon’s Tooth hike
• River tubing adventure
• Campfires + group camping experience
• Time to relax, hang out, and enjoy the mountains
Important Details
• This trip is designed for adventurous beginners through intermediate hikers.
• Exact itinerary details will be sent after booking.
• Campsite details, packing list, and recommendations will all be provided.
• Spots will be limited to keep the group experience small and fun.
• This is a women’s group adventure trip.
Cost Breakdown
💵 Weekend Retreat – $399 BOOK HERE
Includes:
• Group campsite accommodations
• Group trip coordination and itinerary
• McAfee Knob sunrise hike
• Dragon’s Tooth hike
• River tubing activity
• Meals/snacks during the weekend
• A full weekend of Appalachian Trail adventure
Meet Your Retreat Leader
Jessica Human is a professional adventure photographer and content creator with over 8 years of experience turning outdoor moments into impactful, scroll-stopping content.
She specializes in adventure photography with a focus on outdoor products and destination storytelling, and her work has led to paid collaborations with top brands including L.L. Bean, Outside Magazine, Merrell, Burley, and tourism boards such as West Virginia Tourism, Travel Texas, Visit Fort Myers, Visit Ithaca, and more.
Jessica now gets paid to travel, producing high-performing content for brands, tourism boards, and outdoor companies. Her photography and videography have been featured in national campaigns, and she consistently teaches others how to create professional-level visuals in real-world, outdoor conditions—often with nothing more than a basic camera and natural light.
She has been leading group hikes and adventure trips for 8 years, combining technical instruction with a laid-back, encouraging environment. Her workshops are built around real results: helping women learn how to use their gear with confidence, capture powerful images, and start building careers in photography and content creation—just like she did.
If you're ready to stop guessing and start learning from someone who's built a career doing exactly what you're dreaming of—you're in the right place.
Common Questions
Do I need hiking experience? Not necessarily, but you should be comfortable with strenuous hikes and long active days outdoors.
What if I’m coming solo? Amazing—most women are! This retreat is designed to help you feel welcomed, inspired, and connected from the moment you arrive.
Will there be bathrooms and showers? This is a rustic campground with a porta-potty and no showers. There will be limited access to electric (bring your portable chargers!)
How difficult are the hikes? McAfee Knob and Dragon’s Tooth are both considered moderate to difficult hikes with elevation gain, rocky terrain, and uneven footing.
Do I need camping gear? You’ll need your own camping gear, but a packing list and recommendations will be sent before the trip. If you do not have camping gear, we have a camping gear rental option.
Ready to Join Us?
If you’ve been waiting to finally check McAfee Knob off your bucket list, this is your sign.
A weekend filled with iconic Appalachian Trail hikes, sunrise mountain views, tubing through the Virginia mountains, campfires, and the kind of outdoor adventures you’ll still be talking about months later.
Spots are limited so we can keep the group small and meaningful. Whether you're coming solo or inviting someone to join you, this is your chance to learn, explore, and create in one of the most beautiful places on the East Coast.
📍 Roanoke, VA
July 10th-12th
🎟️ Weekend Retreat: $399
👉 Click below to reserve your spot or get more details.
I can’t wait to hike, explore, and share this experience with you.
Comments