Spy Rock via Cash Hollow
Tyro, Virginia
Details
Distance
5.71 miles
Elevation Gain
1191 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
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 5.7 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.
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.
This trail is dog friendly.
Note: Please refrain from hiking on private land near the Montebello State Fish Hatchery. There is a secure gate adjacent to the fish hatchery denoting private land and blocking access to the AT. Please access Spy Rock via Cash Hollow to stay on public land and avoid any issues of trespassing. The pin in the driving directions will lead to the Cash Hollow starting point.
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Spy Rock via Cash Hollow Reviews
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.
5.0
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.
5.0
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!
5.0
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The Priest via Shoe Creek Trail
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Crabtree Falls
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Photograph 20 Minute Cliff Overlook
White Rock Falls Trail
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