LOCATION: Montebello, VA
TRAIL DISTANCE: 4 Miles
TRAIL HEAD/ DIRECTIONS: SPY ROCK ROAD
TRAIL TYPE: In & Out
TRAIL GRADE:   STRENUOUS (4)
TRAIL PARKING: 20 Spots or less
KEY WORDS: AGES +12 , Summit views
TRAIL INFO
What’s to like about the trail: great forest canopy, in the heart of the piedmont, good quad buster ascent
Why go for a hike on this trail: Summits, you like summits… this is a huge dome that will show itself off with a 360 degree view of the lower valleys.
Best time to go for a hike on this trail:  Cooler months… this trail will bring on the sweat.
 
Summary:
A fun find tucked away in the hills near the blue ridge parkway. I promise not to sugarcoat this one. The start begins with a steep ascent that will get that heart rate going immediately. The trail is very well marked and maintained, eventually intersecting with the AT. Once you are at the intersection, you will take a left (at the odd fairy tale story looking tree) and begin another ascent to Spy Rock. The trail from here is dirt, plenty of small and loose rock and well grown in forest. There are not many views along the trail until the top.  Once you reach the campsite/ the end of the trail you will reach the dome: Spy Rock.  Here’s the fun part, there is no trail to the top. You can either climb straight up (I mean climb and scramble) or you walk around to the left and skip and skirt a few large boulders to find your way up (if you took option 2 then the summit comes up on your right). The pay dirt is Spy Rock is a large dome that shows off a 360 degree view. There is plenty of space at the top to avoid others, have a lunch or sunbathe. To return to your car, simply retrace.
This hike is recommended for families with older kids and those in decent to good shape (means you walk, run or work out routinely).  I also recommend, taking the Blue Ridge Parkway up to Afton, VA for the scenic route with killer views. The blue Ridge Parkway lets out at Route 250, make a right on 250 and go about 5 miles down to route 151. Make a right on 151 and know this road hosts a few breweries and wineries to refuel.

HIKE ON!
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