I can drive to the start of this hike in about 15-20 minutes from where I live. I think I want this to be my first one. Some of my friends hike and they say the view is absolutely amazing. I may wait until fall.

http://www.hikingupward.com/jnf/McAfeeKnob/

:tro:
perhaps a first aid kit as well? and yes, good shoes are needed! break them in first tho, or you'll get blisters. wear a hat.

and let someone know where you're going, and when you should be back. that way, if you don't get back, they know to call for help. never go off the beaten path without letting someone know.
a foil blanket would be useful at certain times of year. a couple water proof matches. flashlight.
lol
don't end up with a 90 lb pack, but there are certain things you should absolutely have. there are plenty of lightweight things made for hiking. get a good pack if you carry one, that puts the weight more on your hips.

ideally hiking boots but anything with a thick and deeply indented sole. you won't need them on flats but up or down hills they give you more stability when you hit sand, bare rock, or (god forbid) snow. ankle support is a big plus. don't go with plain sneakers if you're going any distance. the bottoms of your feet need the thickness of the sole to absorb all the small rocks you'll be stepping on mile after mile after mile.

the hat is actually a must if you're a follically challanged american like myself. it's also a plus to have the brim when you're facing the sun in the morning or evening. good catch.

there's certainly nothing wrong with carrying all the other stuff but for most short hikes on familiar ground, i leave the daypack in my car and just walk.

if i'm going any distance, i carry as much water as I can in a butt pack just to get that weight on my hips. butt packs are unbelievably dorky looking but anything that takes the weight off my shoulders is a blessing. when i'm done with any long hike, that's where it hurts.

mostly though, i'd recommend anyone who wants to start hiking go as light as they can go and just start walking. you can add all the other stuff later if you're worried about getting lost or injured. stay on a well travelled path until then.

Tons of hiking out here. We do not leave our packs in the car ever though, too dangerous.
You live in an amazing area for hiking, when I lived in NJ we used to camp down there every summer, part of the reason I moved to CO.

All good advice listed above. Didn't see mention of a knife though (sorry to poster if I missed that). I would get/bring at least a decent pocket knife.

i started to say knife, in case you had to cut off your arm...lol
then i got onto another subject, and there went that thought.

but i'm not add, i can carry on a conver.....oh, look a squirrel.

A knife is a good idea. You may need it to fight off the rabid squirrels.

i hope i have your location right, kev. if so, this seems like a decent website. they appear to have detailed directions to the trailheads (a pet peeve of mine) but i don't live there so can't be sure.

http://www.roanoke.org/hiking

as a sidenote i'll mention that most sierra club chapters are a mix of groups of people that like to hike and groups that want to politic. i know a lot here wouldn't want anything to do with their politics but usually they have really good hiking resources on their website. i'd recommend them to almost anyone anywhere else who wants a group hike with an experienced leader.

your local chapter is apparently dominated by people who like everything about the environment other than being out in it. there are no scheduled hikes listed. i find that dispiriting. or at least i would if i lived where you do.

I do some in the Adirondacks and Catskills.Bug repellant. You'll be glad you did. 100% DEET if you can find it. The brand I use is Ben's 100% DEET.
http://www.tendercorp.com/

Looks like a nice trail. Take a map and compass and learn to use them. GPS are cool but the batteries could let you down when you need them most.

http://www.trails.com/stateactivity....m=terrain&a=HK

Great site for finding hikes, should be your area

Sure if you like hills to stand in for your "mountains."

LOL, I was just thinking what they heck do you need all of the stuff listed above for? I go with only a camelpak and my merrills and am good to go on the Blue Ridge for several hours, but when a squirrel takes longer to move than normal I start to worry. :D

The 2nd picture on that site is McAfee's Knob. I have been to Sharp Top and Round Top at the Peaks of Otter, but haven't hiked either. It's a beautiful drive along the Parkway to get there.

:rolleyes:

I can't help it if I can breeze through these trails..

Sightypoo what exactly would you be wearing on these hikes :{>:

:D well my favorite hikes have swimming holes....

ROR !! :{>: BOING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!>

I live in a large bear population area so I always bring pepper spray, a dog or 2, and make alot of noise. Oh yes, and a sacrificial human in case the above don't work.:D