A narrow valley framed by ridgelines and rolling farmland tells a story deeper than its quiet roads suggest. In Catawba, where the population stands just over 1,300, the terrain shapes both history and daily life. Towering above it all, McAfee Knob has become one of the most photographed points along the Appalachian Trail. Its flat rocky summit offers a view stretching for miles over the Catawba Valley. Along with Tinker Cliffs and Dragon’s Tooth, it forms the “Triple Crown” of Appalachian hikes—an endurance circuit that has made the area a draw for backpackers from across the country.

Generations before hikers came to conquer the ridge, settlers of Scots-Irish origin made their homes along the valley floor in the 1760s. They came via the Great Wagon Road, choosing to stay after the close of the French and Indian War. By 1909, Catawba was again a site of transformation when Virginia’s first tuberculosis sanatorium opened on land previously known for its healing springs. That facility later evolved into a state hospital and became a cornerstone of rural healthcare in western Virginia. While the hospital remains operational today, its early years reflect a chapter of public health often overlooked in regional history.

Cultural preservation in Catawba has taken a literary form through the locally produced “Echoes” series—compilations of oral histories from valley residents. These volumes chronicle family lineages, the early days of the sanatorium, and the development of homesteads and farms that shaped the community's rhythm. Their work complements the physical reminders of the past, like the Johnsville Meetinghouse. Built in 1874 by the Old German Baptist Brethren, this one-room church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains a well-preserved symbol of religious tradition in rural Roanoke County.

Nature is not just background in Catawba—it’s a defining feature. The Appalachian Trail cuts across the eastern ridge, offering a challenging and scenic path for both thru-hikers and locals. McAfee Knob’s summit remains a favorite for photographers, particularly at sunrise. The James River flows not far from the valley, supporting kayaking and smallmouth bass fishing where access points are known mostly by word of mouth. Trail guides based in the area offer geology walks that interpret the visible sandstone formations and discuss the tectonic shifts that shaped the region’s topography.

Current dining options remain limited but reliable. El Rodeo Mexican Grill serves dishes like carne asada, shrimp fajitas, and enchiladas rancheras, and has been a steady fixture for locals. Just outside the town center, Mamma Maria’s offers Italian fare with house-made pasta, brick-oven pizza, and rotating chef specials that include eggplant parmesan and seafood linguine. These restaurants remain open and serve a regular flow of residents, hikers, and passersby.

Though Catawba hosts few formal festivals, residents often participate in nearby events such as Floyd’s summer artisan markets or Salem’s large-scale craft fairs. Local pop-up events also occur throughout the warmer months, including weekend food truck gatherings and small art installations, often organized in collaboration with Roanoke County’s event planners. These efforts reflect a subtle, seasonal engagement with surrounding communities.

Tales tied to geography add further character to Catawba. One such feature is Daylight Cave, also known locally as “Murder Hole.” While the cave’s deeper history remains debated, its steep drop and hidden location have made it the subject of passing lore among hikers and spelunkers.  Just as the land holds its own stories, the homes built into Catawba’s landscape often carry issues tied to age, slope, and seasonal conditions. Crawlspace problems, in particular, can develop unnoticed until structural or moisture damage becomes visible.

Star City Crawl Space specializes exclusively in crawlspace repair and encapsulation. Our team handles inspections, vapor barrier installation, mold remediation, and dehumidifier systems, tailored to Catawba’s unique soil and slope conditions. Contact us today for an estimate.