Climbing the Priest
Trail
8.2 mile
13.1 kilometer
out and back
Difficult
Elevation
Ascent:
3,092'
942 m
Descent: -3,093' -943 m
High: 4,090' 1,247 m
Low: 997' 304 m
Grade
Avg Grade: 14% (8°)
Max Grade: 41% (22°)
Dogs
Leashed
Weather
Unknown
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“An eight-mile, out-and-back hike following the Appalachian Trail as it climbs over 3,000 ft to the summit of the Priest.”
— John PhillipsFeatures Fall Colors · Views
Overview
Strong hikers will enjoy the challenge of this climb and the views from the rock outcrops. Families or groups with slower members can set the first overview as a goal for the day.
Description
This trail is likely the most strenuous outing on the section of the AT maintained by the Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club ( AT: Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club). The hike starts from the parking area on VA-56 beside the Tye River.
Sustained steep climbs and descents combined with the rocky and rooted nature of the trail make this route a bit difficult to negotiate. The challenges are well-rewarded however! There are rocky overlooks on the southeast down into the Tye River Valley and northwest from the summit of the Priest.
If making the return journey in the same day sounds like a bit much, there is a shelter located near the summit of the Priest.
Sustained steep climbs and descents combined with the rocky and rooted nature of the trail make this route a bit difficult to negotiate. The challenges are well-rewarded however! There are rocky overlooks on the southeast down into the Tye River Valley and northwest from the summit of the Priest.
If making the return journey in the same day sounds like a bit much, there is a shelter located near the summit of the Priest.
Contacts
Local Club: Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club (NBATC)
Land Manager: USFS - George Washington & Jefferson National Forests
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Check-Ins
Jul 17, 2019
Thaddeus W
Went for sunrise, took 2h hiking fast to get to a nice viewpoint off the trail to the right a little past the high point
—
4h 00m
Aug 28, 2018
Andrew Lilly
Strenuous 4.5 mile climb to a very nice viewpoint. Straight up, straight down.
9.1mi
—
4h 30m
Aug 23, 2018
John Scrivani
Nice August weather. Great trail even with steep ascent. Limited view at summit
9mi
May 26, 2018
James Ortmann
Rain, deteriorating trail conditions, and a spoked dig turned us back before the summit.
5.4mi
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