Andy Layne Trail

Directions to Trailhead: The trailhead is almost exactly halfway between Catawba and Daleville on Virginia 779. Take Virginia 311 from I-81 at Salem, go 8 miles west to Catawba, turn right on 779 at Catawba, then travel 8.3 miles to the trailhead, located on the right just past a bridge and bend in the road. Or, go 1.5 miles on U.S. 220 North from I-81 near Hollins to Daleville and turn left 8.4 miles to the trailhead on the left. Virginia 779 is also marked as Catawba Road and Bicentennial Bike Route 76. From the trailhead, take the yellow-blazed Andy Layne Trail for about 3.1 miles to the intersection with the Appalachian Trail. There are some tough, steep stretches as the trail climbs most of the way. While the bluff-top views near the top of the trail are the most prominent feature, there are also nice creek drainages, intriguing rock formations, and lovely forests on the way up. Even the part of the trail that goes through a cow pasture includes pleasant rushing streams and scenic views up toward surrounding ridges. Most hikers who hike the Andy Layne Trail continue on to the Tinker Cliffs Viewpoint a short ways up the A.T. In order to head to the cliffs, turn right onto the white-blazed AT (southbound) and reach Tinker Cliffs within 0.75 miles. Enjoy the 180-degree view!