Jefferson National Forest, administratively combined with Washington National Forest, lies within the states of Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky. Most of Jefferson National Forest lies within southwestern Virginia, near Roanoke, south of the Washington National Forest areas. The forests are comprised of land in the Appalachian Mountain chain and contain many miles of the Appalachian Trail, including the 8.8 mile (round trip) hike to McAfee Knob (which I'd rate a 3 of 5 for difficulty).
The forest is home to over 50 species of trees and 2,000 species of shrubs and herbaceous plants. While I can't confirm you will see them all on your McAfee Knob hike, I can say the variety and constantly evolving sections of the trail are quite pleasing. Going in late Fall, the ground was heavily covered in dead and dying leaves, and few if any flowers were still around. The lack of leaves, however, made it easy to peer through the forest and enjoy the gentle curves of the various Appalachian ridges further off in the distance.
The parking area for McAfee Knob is located along VA-311, about five miles from exit 141 on I-85 in Virginia. From the parking lot you can go south along the Appalachian Trail, or take a few side-hikes such as Dragon's Tooth (a hike I'm very much looking forward to going back to complete!). Alternatively, if you cross VA-311 and pick up the Appalachian Trail going northward, you will walk right by McAfee Knob, which is home to "an almost 270 degree panorama of the Catawba Valley and North Mountain to the West, Tinker Cliffs to the North and the Roanoke Valley to the East."
The trail itself is what I would call moderately challenging. It will most likely work up a sweat for all but the most hardy of hikers, and has many rocks, roots and ruts to avoid lest you twist your ankle and then have to hobble downhill in pain. The first nearly three miles are a series of ups and downs along the sides of the ridges, sometimes crossing wooden bridges where smooth, angled granite cuts through the path and it would otherwise be uncrossable. Depending on your hiking speed, you can finish the round trip in about four to five hours (that's about 1.5-2 miles per hour), so plan accordingly and bring water, snacks, maybe even a small lunch. And a camera!
At the point where you cross the fire path - about 1.5 miles from your destination, the trail becomes almost exclusively an uphill challenge, no longer giving you small breaks. The trail becomes tighter and rockier. And more scenic. About a half-mile from the knob you pass through what I can only describe as a rock garden. There are large, almost square-shaped boulders that presumably once held higher ground, but now have ceded down the ridge to find themselves more comfortable resting places. I can see interested small-time climbers having a fun break from the trail climbing these while their hiking pals take a break for a snack or drink.
At the top of McAfee Knob you'll be treated to nothing less than a spectacular view. If you're lucky you'll see a single engine prop plane fly precariously close to the ledge. You may even feel like you can jump out and hop a ride, although I wouldn't suggest it. If you're with a friend, spend some time "house hunting" and noticing, even several miles away and nearly a quarter mile lower in elevation, just how big those "little" houses really are. You can even take some breathtaking photos of yourself seemingly floating in midair.
The path descending the ridge would normally trace back the same 4.4 mile route, but there is actually an alternative path that's a bit shorter and easier. The fire path I mentioned above is a mostly smooth, wide, slowly descending track that drops you right back into the north side of the parking lot. It's 3.9 miles, or 0.5 miles shorter, and while I was hoping that the path down would be a fun challenge, too, it's actually quite pleasant and not at all a challenge. If you aren't already worn out, I'd suggest descending upon the original path instead of the fire path.
There appears to be plenty of trails within Washington and Jefferson National Forests. I'm sure that means plenty more stories of hiking, backpacking and camping along this section of the AT!