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Climbing the Priest

 4.3 (10)
  1. Areas
  2. VA
  3. …Shenandoah Valley
  4. George Washington National Forest
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Map Key

Length


9.1 Miles 14.6 Kilometers


3,147' 959 m

Ascent

-3,147' -959 m

Descent

13%

Avg Grade (7°)

42%

Max Grade (23°)

4,087' 1,246 m

High

1,036' 316 m

Low

Shared By John Phillips

Conditions

Unknown
History
Getting forecast...

“An eight mile out-and-back hike following the Appalachian Trail as it climbs over 3000 ft to the summit of the Priest.”

— John Phillips
Driving DirectionsGPX File

Dogs Unknown

Features 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 A.T maintained by the Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club. 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 south-east down into the Tye River Valley and north-west from the summit of the Priest. The hike starts from the parking are on VA-56 beside the Tye River.

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

Jan 31, 2019: Forest Service Open House to Discuss Upcoming Projects in Bath and Alleghany Counties

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Your Check-Ins

Check-Ins

Aug 23, 2018
John Scrivani
Nice August weather. Great trail even with steep ascent. Limited view at summit 9mi
Jun 10, 2018
Imogen Bradbury
9.1mi
May 26, 2018
James Ortmann
Rain, deteriorating trail conditions, and a spoked dig turned us back before the summit. 5.4mi
Apr 18, 2018
John Glockner
9.4mi — 8h 00m
Jan 20, 2018
Chris R
9.1mi

Stewarded By

Stewarded by Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club (NBATC)
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 10 votes

#2

in George Washington National Forest

#1635

Overall
  4.3 from 10 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
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3 Star
20%
2 Star
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1 Star
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Rankings

#2

in George Washington Nati…

#42

in Virginia

#1,635

Overall
163 Views Last Month
2,475 Since Jan 27, 2017
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Photos

This rock overlook offers great views of the Tye River Valley to the southeast.
This rock overlook offers great views of the Ty…
 3
A rock overlook offers gorgeous summit views of the Priest Wilderness looking north.
A rock overlook offers gorgeous summit views of…
 3
Rock outcropping near summit of Priest
Rock outcropping near summit of Priest
 3
View from rock outcropping on Priest trail
View from rock outcropping on Priest trail
 3
A beautiful bridge crosses the Tye River along the AT.
A beautiful bridge crosses the Tye River along…
 3

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