Trail Info

TRAIL DISTANCE: 8.7 Miles
TRAIL HEAD/ PARKING: PRIEST WILDERNESS PARKING LOT
TRAIL TYPE: In & out
TRAIL GRADE:  STRENUOUS (4)
TRAIL PARKING: 10 spots or less
DOG FRIENDLY: No
FAMILY FRIENDLY: No

You will love: A true experience of a gritty, physical experience on the Appalachian trail. This hike is hungry cardio monster. It is a well maintained trail system, leading to multiple outcrop views and a big summit view experience.
You need to know:  

• located in Priest Wilderness area, there is no entrance fee
• the Priest trail is on the Appalachian trail​
• The trail is popular and the parking lot can fill up quickly

What to pack

• 2 water bottle or camelback
• hiking shoes or boots
• HEAVY snack with Lunch

Extras

Southern VA Trail Finder

The Experience

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Important:  Trail head is found at the Priest wilderness / Appalachian trail parking lot.
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Your adventure begins at the Priest Wilderness parking lot. The lot is a small dirt lot made for 10 cars or less. The trail head has a defined map, i recommend you take a picture of the trail system and use as a reference point. this trail summary will be broken into thirds as the diversity lends itself to unique summary points. What you need to know upfront is the trail experience will be a consistent diet of up to the tune of over 3,000 ft. in 3.75 miles.
     The Priest mountain stands over 4,000 feet tall and will utilize the Appalachian trail (white marker) for the entire hike. For the first third of this trail, the trail begins from the parking lot with its climb through groves of mountain laurel and lush forest. The trail parallels a meandering mountain stream straight , its tranquil small falls will be your concert for your trek. The trail consists of compacted dirt, leaf decay matter and plenty of small stones and rocks ( ankle busters). The priest hike will lure you into believing the grade of ascent will be consistent and manageable. The highlight of the first third of this trail are the water features, water sounds and lush forest.
    The second third of the trail begins to push the leg muscles and lungs as the grade increases, switchbacks emerge and the forest begins to thin as small trail windows provide feedback that you are climbing and the valley is becoming more off in the distance. The trail here is a push to the first overlook at mile 2.1 . This is a well worth it, that-a-boy outcrop that refuels your body with sweeping vistas of the cardinal range of mountains and the valley full with farms and vineyards.
    The last third is where the consistent and gradual turns to leaner, meaner and more upright. The trail intensifies the grade of ascent, mixing in elements like heavy leaf material, roots and loose rocks to stifle your gritty intentions. This portion is what most call "unrelenting" however it is shorter (1.6 miles) than the previous thirds. The trail eventually reaches the summit, a tree covered summit ! The summit is lush with forest, grasses and ferns however to enjoy the 4,000 foot view continue along the ridgeline for 0.3 miles to the overlook on the right. This overlook is a large granite outcrop with bountiful views of the mountain range and the Crabtree falls area. This fantastic view rewards the achy wobbly muscles, take this moment to refuel. To return to your car, retrace your steps. The descent while easier comes with its own cautions in the form of loose rocks and steep declines. The total trail time from start to finish will range from 4 to 6 hours.

HIKE ON!