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The Priest via Shoe Creek Trail

Tyro, Virginia

4.4/5
based on 10 reviews

Details

Distance

3.01 miles

Elevation Gain

843 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jess Fischer

The Priest via Shoe Creek Trail is a great hike with a steady, easy elevation gain over the course of 1.5 miles to the summit. In addition this hike is rarely crowded so you'll get the trail to yourself.

Starting at the Upper Crabtree Falls Parking area, continue up the "road" on Shoe Creek Trail for half a mile until you come to the intersection of the Appalachian Trail. That will be the steepest part of the hike. Look for two rocks on either side of the trail with white blazes on them. Take a left up the trail and you'll see a kiosk. Keep hiking for about a mile until you see a huge rock boulder (it's seriously huge) and a sign directing you to The Priest Shelter. Take a right at this sign (don't keep going straight). 

Keep a keen eye out for the outlook, there is no definitive trail leading you to the outlook, rather you'll see a clearing past the trees with a bunch of rocks, about 0.3 miles from the last intersection. Sometimes people build rock cairns to signal that you've reached the outlook.

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Features

Hiking
Dog Friendly
Forest
Scenic
Wildlife

The Priest via Shoe Creek Trail Reviews

Easily one of the best views of the entire blue ridge. Gotta go do this!

When you get to the trail head, make sure you go left unless you want to hike the 11-12 mile loop. When going to the left, this is not a super long hike. It's about 4 miles out-and-back. The view at the overlook is absolutely gorgeous. The trail is well maintained and clean.

Steady climb to the top, steep decent to the road/creek. Nice camping spot near the creek at the bottom. MAKE SURE to stop in at the shelter along the trail. It is the Priest shelter and the log book has become known as the "confessional" every AT hiker starts their entry with "forgive me for I have sinned" and they write all of their "sins" they done while thru hiking... Absolutely hilarious.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Spy Rock via Cash Hollow

Camp near Crabtree Meadows in GWNF

Crabtree Falls

Photograph 20 Minute Cliff Overlook

White Rock Falls Trail

Hike to Wigwam Falls