Montebello Fish Hatchery to Spy Rock - 7 miles - Moderately Strenuous

Montebello Fish Hatchery to Spy Rock

This is a re-scheduling of this hike. Due to inclement weather, we were unable to do this on Sunday, November 17th. Weather forecast looks more promising for Saturday, December 7th.

Spy Rock is an incredible rock dome on the east side of Maintop Mountain with 360° views of the Religious Range, Mount Pleasant, The Priest, and Three Ridges.

This is a moderately strenuous 7 mile round trip hike with an elevation change of approximately 1,200 feet. Along with Spy Rock, we will also be traversing a 2 to 3 mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail.

We will be traveling from Charlottesville to the trail head at the Montebello Fish Hatchery. It is approximately a 1 hr 30 minute drive from Charlottesville to the Fish Hatchery.

Please comment if you would prefer to meet at the trailhead parking lot.

And for those that are interested, we will plan to stop at Blue Mountain Barrel House at the conclusion of our hike for refreshments and an opportunity to purchase food/snacks. Please note: Going to Blue Mountain Barrel House coincides with a Pig Roast. There will also be "live" music.

Supplies: please bring plenty of water and wear hiking boots/shoes. Trekking poles are recommended for this hike. There is a rock scramble to the peak of Spy Rock.

We will be hiking for several hours, including breaking for lunch at the peak of Spy Rock or another scenic, wooded area.

Weather: If inclement weather necessitates canceling or postponing the hike, the decision will be made no later than 8:30 a.m. the morning of the hike. If necessary, a cancellation notice will be posted on the hike comment section.

Our hike, ~ 7 miles in distance, will begin and end at the Montebello Fish Hatchery parking lot.

RSVP: If you find that you're not going to be able to attend the hike, please update your RSVP to "No" as soon as possible. This allows those on the Waitlist to have the opportunity to attend.

Fees & Such: Of course for the carpool to work, some have to offer to drive so others can ride. Riders, please give your driver $5.00 to cover their expenses.