Active Adventurers

DESCRIPTION:
Two beautiful hikes combined into one. This grueling, ultra-rewarding trek in the George Washington National Forest combines the relentless, thigh-burning ascent of The Priest with the soaring, 360-degree panoramic summit of Spy Rock. It is a true test of mountain endurance packed with massive ridge vistas.
Phase 1: The Relentless Climb Up The Priest
Starting from the Appalachian Trail Trailhead at Route 56, we step right onto the white-blazed trail and begin an unforgiving, steep ascent up the face of The Priest.

• The Vibe: Quiet, focused, and gritty. This section is a legendary grind, climbing over 2,000 feet through a series of steep, rocky switchbacks. We will lock into a single-file line, maintain a steady pacing rhythm, and shout out words of encouragement as we push through the dense hardwood canopy.

Phase 2: High Rewards at The Priest Shelter & Overlook
As the trail finally crests the ridge line, the grade levels out near the Priest Shelter. We will take a short side trail out to the dramatic rocky cliff face of The Priest Overlook.
The View: From this massive rock outcropping, we get a breathtaking, birds-eye look straight down into the sprawling Tye River Valley and out toward the rolling blue ridges of central Virginia. It is the perfect spot for us to drop our packs, catch our breath, and sign the famous "confessional" logbook inside the shelter.
Phase 3: Cruising to the Spy Rock Scramble
Leaving the summit, we push further south along the ridge, dropping slightly down toward Maintop Mountain before connecting to the old fire road that leads to the base of Spy Rock.

• The Vibe: Adventurous and energized. The terrain changes to a wide, easy-to-navigate path where we can walk two-abreast and chat before reaching the final, heart-pumping challenge: a fun, short hand-over-hand rock scramble up the massive granite dome.

Phase 4: Lunch at the Top of the World
We emerge from the scramble onto the completely exposed, flat granite summit of Spy Rock for our long-awaited midday rest.
The Lunch Spot: Standing on this elevated stone monolith provides an unobstructed, jaw-dropping 360-degree panorama of the entire religious range (The Priest, Friar, Cardinal, and Bald Friar). We will spread out across the granite to unpack our lunches, soak in the sun, and take our definitive group photo before retracing our steps back down the mountain.

ALLTRAILS MAP: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/custom-route-spy-rock-via-crabtree-falls-64e6757?u=i&sh=y1w9cy

BRING: Good Hiking Boots or Trail Shoes, trekking poles if you have them, plenty of water, snacks, and a lunch.

PARKING/CARPOOLING/CARAVANING: Gather at the Meadows Lane Crabtree Falls Parking Area at 9:45 AM to get started. We will gather and head in together.

I encourage carpooling wherever possible. If you need a ride or want a ride, look at the list of attendees and where they live (it says in their profile). Then, for those who live near you, hit the "Chat" button to ask if they want or can offer a ride. Be sure you coordinate at least the day before with who you are riding with to ensure you are in sync. If you are a rider, please chip in towards gas (usually $5 - $20 depending on distance and # of riders). Additionally, you can post a request to give or receive a ride in the chat section of the event.

POST EVENT DINNER, DRINKS, & SOCIALIZATION:
We will stop to get dinner & drinks afterward at a place to be determined. Make sure whoever you ride with has the same plans as you so you can eat afterward if you want.

EXPECTATIONS: Download the trail map onto your phone before you arrive. Bring plenty of drinking water and a lunch/snacks. Know your physical limits and cardiovascular fitness. Bring proper clothing and gear for the weather. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to contact the hike leader via the chat feature or direct messaging.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By attending this hike, I acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to myself up to and including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. These can be caused by slipping or falling off rocks due to loss of balance or lack of coordination; twisting ankles on rocks, brush, limbs, or ice; Acts of nature such as rock falls, inclement weather, lightning, strong wind, extreme temperatures; drownings in rivers, streams, or other bodies of water; drinking unfiltered contaminated water or becoming dehydrated; succumbing to heat exhaustion; getting bit or stung by venomous reptiles, animals, or insects; and my own or other’s negligent or risky behaviors. This list is not exhaustive nor is it inclusive of all risks. In response, I release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, the “Active Adventurers” and "Harrisonburg Hiking Adventures" meetup group’s leadership as well as the designated hike leaders for this hike.

SICKNESS (COVID/FLU/COLD): As always, if you have been exposed to a contagious illness, or are having any symptoms at all, please do not attend. There will be plenty of future events.

DOGS: Don't bring dogs without checking with the hike leader first. Some hikes are fine for dogs, and some are too difficult. Also, some trails forbid dogs. Just message the hike leader to ask first