Protected Park
Appalachian National Scenic Trail – Hogan Hollow, VA
McAfee Knob, the 3,197 foot summit on Catawba Mountain in Virginia is one of the Appalachian Trail’s most visited sites, in part because of its spectacular views. In 2019, we played a key role in preserving those views when we took ownership of 239 acres of land in Hogan Hollow, VA and agreed to steward it until the National Park Service could take ownership.
Project Details:
Project Years: 2017 – 2018
Parcel Size: 219 acres
Project Years: $2,380,000
Park Trust Role: Fund administrative costs
Project Years: National Park Trust funds
Overview
The project began in the fall of 2018, when the landowner needed to sell a tract in Hogan Hollow, Virginia before the NPS was ready to take ownership. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, with technical assistance from The Conservation Fund, purchased the property using a grant from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. But NPS was not ready to take title to the land, so we stepped in as long-term stewards of the property. After 13 months, we finalized the transfer by donating the land to NPS in June of 2020.
“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy gives its sincere thanks to the National Park Trust for making the preservation of Hogan Hollow a reality,” said Sandra Marra, President, and CEO of the ATC. “This acquisition will help preserve the views from McAfee Knob, one of the most beloved locations on the entire Appalachian Trail, and ensures that the area’s natural beauty and ecologically important lands are preserved for the enjoyment and benefit of future generations.”
Appalachian National Scenic Trail Superintendent Wendy Janssen, said about the acquisition, “This acquisition highlights the power of partnership in preserving and protecting the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The National Park Service thanks all those involved for their commitment and support to secure the Hogan Hollow property and this critical viewshed for the enjoyment and benefit of all.”
Hogan Hollow is one of five completed or ongoing land projects benefiting the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Others include 1.5 acres at South Mountain, MD, 219 acres near Pawling, NY, and 1,494 acres at Bald Mountain Pond, ME.
Why This Place Matters
The acquired land serves double duty for the AT. The trail runs through the property, and its addition replaces a narrower trail easement on that section of the trail. The acquisition also benefits the thousands of hikers who view Hogan Hollow each year from McAfee Knob, with its overlook thought to be one of the most scenic views on the AT. It’s been said that more pictures are taken there than any other place on the trail. This view could have been dramatically changed if the property was developed or the trees cut, which happened on neighboring land.
Significance of the Acquisition:
- • Increases protection of the trail corridor from additional development.
- • Ensures protection of views from McAfee Knob and other viewpoints along the trail.
- • The wider trail buffer helps keep sights and sounds from impacting hiking experience.
