Added by Christin Healey
The views from Spy Rock are simply breathtaking. It's a short hike, but from the top you can see the Religious Range: The Priest, The Little Priest, The Friar, The Little Friar, and The Cardinal.
The hike is part of the George Washington National Forest, and can easily be combined with nearby Crabtree Falls (300ft cascading waterfall with a hike to the top). The entire trip is 3.1 miles, and there are nice campsites at the base of the summit (no water source) if you want to add on this pretty overlook to a nearby longer hike. This is definitely a hike for locals, so it's never too crowded despite having probably the best views of the Blue Ridge around. The spring and fall are the best time to see the flowers and the fall foliage.
From VA56 turn onto SR690 to the Montebello Fish Hatchery. A small parking area for hikers is available beyond the hatchery buildings (follow the sign). From the parking area cross the road towards the yellow road barriers and head up this uneventful fire road, with occasional blue blazes for 1 mile until you reach the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) intersection.
At the A.T. intersection take a left towards Spy Rock which you will reach in 0.6 miles -- pay attention, this turn can be easy to miss if you aren't watching for it! There is a short Spur Trail to take you over to Spy Rock. There is an easy scramble to get to the top, but my small lab made the journey with no problems if you want to bring your pup. This could be a sunset or sunrise hike, but the views to the west are slightly better looking into the valley.
Pack List
- Water
- Backpack
- Camera
- Snacks
If you want to camp:
- Sleeping bag
- Tent
- Plenty of water. There is no water source here, but it's still a great little camping spot
- Bug spray in the summertime
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Activities:
Chillin, Camping, Photography, Backpacking, Hiking
Skill Level:
Beginner
Season:
Spring, Autumn
Trail Type:
Out-and-Back
Distance:
3.1 Miles
Rating:
Features:
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Reviews
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about 1 month ago
Also Great for Camping
One of the best views in Central Virginia. A short, but steep hike up to the top with a fun rock scramble at the top. Lots of campsites under the summit that can sometimes be packed full on a warm, beautiful weekend. One of my favorite go-to hikes in Virginia!
6 months ago
Outstanding View, Great for Families
This short hike has some amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Once you get to the top I have found the best way to get onto the top of the rock is to follow the pink ribbon about 200-300 yards round the rock to the left. If you are like me and have young kids (1 and 4) the rock scrabble is possible (did it the first time) but hiking around the rock to the left will lead you to a nice gradual slop that is much easier to hike up to get onto of the rock.
8 months ago
Perfect Short Hike
This is a short hike with great payoff! The 360 degree views at the top are amazing and I love how it's dog friendly despite the short rock scramble (my dogs love to climb!). The campsites are nice and I had it all to myself -- it was a great way to catch the sunset and sunrise without rushing or hiking in the dark.
about 1 year ago
One Of My New Favorites!
Honestly, Spy Rock was way better than I anticipated...and it was also steeper than I anticipated. But well worth it! That also makes it a much quicker hike on the way down, so if you're staying for sunset, and leave soon after, you'll only be hiking in total darkness for a short time at the very end. A must do hike.
about 1 year ago
One Of The Best Views Around
This views at the summit were simply spectacular. Completed the hike with my wife, 10 year old son and pup. The rock scramble at the end was an adventure but it was well worth it. One word of advice: when you reach the AT and turn left, make sure you take the trail to the farthest left (not the red blazes). We made this mistake and got an extra mile in!
about 1 year ago
almost 2 years ago
Spy Rock is an awesome Virginia hike. It has Civil War history as well as incredible views. They say the Confederate soldiers watched from the top. It's a short but steep hike up and after a quick rock scramble (no trail to the top of the rock), you are rewarded by the awesome vistas surrounding you.
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