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Head to The Priest from the north on a shorter variant for those looking to tackle less mileage and elevation gain.


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Map Key

4.6

Miles

7.4

KM

Out and Back

4,089' 1,246 m

High

3,044' 928 m

Low

1,172' 357 m

Up

1,173' 358 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Views

Overview

The Priest lives along a wonderful segment of the Appalachian Trail in the George Washington National Forest Glenwood & Pedlar Ranger District. Trail access from the north may be a little tough for some people to reach (4WD vehicles are strongly recommended), but if you can get there, you'll be treated to magnificent views of the Tye River Valley.

Description

Park at the Crabtree Meadows Parking Lot, and follow Meadow Lane Road south until it reaches the AT. Turn left onto the trail, and continue until the trail splits. Stay left to continue onto the summit. There are two streams that you'll need to cross (.5 and 1.2 miles from the beginning of Meadows Lane road from Rt 56). You don't need a 4WD on Meadows Lane but not recommended for low clearance sports cars). Most of the camping sites off Meadows Lane are fine, a few require 4WD. The National Forest does not begin until the second stream crossing (at 1.2 miles).

The true summit is actually covered by trees, but the rock outcropping on the left is the main attraction with 180-degree views of the valley and adjacent mountains.

Contacts

Shared By:

Brandon Jilg with improvements by Mike Ya

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 5 votes

#3613

Overall
  4.0 from 5 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#110

in Virginia

#3,613

Overall
25 Views Last Month
3,252 Since Oct 20, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

A rock overlook offers gorgeous summit views of the Priest Wilderness looking north.
Jan 28, 2017 near Lovingston, VA
Rock outcropping near summit of Priest
Jul 9, 2018 near Lovingston, VA
View from rock outcropping on Priest trail
Jul 9, 2018 near Lovingston, VA
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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 17, 2021
Jennifer Apple
Steep sustained climb at the beginning. 4.2mi — 3h 15m
Apr 17, 2021
Raquel T
Oct 5, 2020
Mike Ya
Great hike
Jul 20, 2019
Molly Gertenbach
Gorgeous hike through wildflowers & butterfly swarms. Road leading up to the lot was unpacked and definitely a bit treacherous 4.6mi
Jun 12, 2019
Joy Granados
12mi — 6h 00m
Apr 29, 2018
Wendy Moffit
8.2mi
Dec 13, 2015
Dave Lane
with Pap and Alli
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