Jenny Kincaid Boone

Jenny Kincaid Boone has been running since she was in eighth grade. She competed in cross country and track at Fort Defiance High School (Fort Defiance, Va.) and at Roanoke College, where she was all-ODAC in cross country for four years. When her knees and legs aren't aching from the wear of years of competition, she hits the 19 to low 20-minute range for a 5K.

Recent columns

• A five-miler at the Lake
• Virtual running
• Giving triathlons a try
• Packing energy for the long haul

This crisp fall season is ripe for running. The days are warm and sunny, while the nights are cool. Sometimes it’s chilly running in shorts, and other days, shorts are just right. The season gives you a chance to glimpse the hallmarks of autumn as they ripple through the Roanoke Valley.

Looking for a great spot to watch fall settle in? Take a weekend or afternoon run up the fire road, which veers off to McAfee Knob.

The service road atop Catawba Mountain is one of many trails leading to McAfee Knob, which overlooks the Catawba Valley and its trees clustered with red and orange leaves. The road is popular for hikers, but runners can take it too, just be prepared for a long climb. This is not a run for a beginner.

The starting point for the run is off Va. 311 at the top of Catawba Mountain. There’s a large parking area on the left side of the road, if you’re driving there from Salem. Park in the lot, and you’ll find the fire road directly across the road from the parking area.

There are other loops for accessing McAfee Knob that have been featured in some hiking columns on roanoke.com. But for runners, I suggest using the fire road as an out-and-back run, depending on how far you want to go. I continued on the fire road as far as I wanted, and then turned around to come back to the starting point.

The route that leads to McAfee Knob’s overlook is a rough and rocky surface that’s not recommended for running.

The fire road starts out on a slight upward grade and continues gradually uphill. Some parts of the wide path are covered with a light dusting of leaves this time of year, creating a comfortable surface. Pace yourself as the grade weaves up the mountain and continues at a slow, steady incline. There are several downhill areas and a few spots that flatten out, but you won’t find them in many parts of this run.

As you’re making your way up, look out around you. At various spots, you’ll see views of the Catawba Valley (at right).

But also keep your eyes on the ground in some areas. Patches of large and small rocks are scattered is various places along the road. Be prepared to slow down as you go over them or run around them. Luckily, the road is relatively wide throughout much of the journey, with only a few narrow areas as it twists up the mountain.

There are no water stops along this route, so bring your own if you think you will need it. On weekend days, you’ll likely meet hikers traveling the road.

The fire road continues for at least 14 miles. Use it for any running length that you like.

And if you can carry it, take along a small camera to capture the fall views.

Directions to the parking area at the top of Catawba Mountain:

Take I-81 South towards Salem. Take Exit 141, the first Salem exit, and turn left off the exit. Turn right at the intersection of Va. 311 at a stoplight. Follow Va. 311 up the mountain for 6 to 8 miles. At the top, you’ll see a parking area off the road, on the left.

Upcoming races:
Oct. 23: Star City Striders Women’s Distance Race 5K, Roanoke, Web site

Oct 23: 4th Annual Gillett Ford Run 5K and 10K, Blacksburg, 951-2949

Oct. 30: 1st Annual Carilion Shawsville 5K, Camp Alta Mons at Crockett Springs, 268-2622, 268-1812

Oct. 30: Goblin Gallop 5K, Salem, 989-4237, 776-1099