The Priest from Crabtree Meadows

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Views

The Priest lives along a wonderful segment of the Appalachian Trail in the George Washington National Forest Glenwood & Pedlar Ranger District. Trail access from the north may be a little tough for some people to reach (4WD vehicles are strongly recommended), but if you can get there, you'll be treated to magnificent views of the Tye River Valley.

Park at the Crabtree Meadows Parking Lot, and follow Meadow Lane Road south until it reaches the AT. Turn left onto the trail, and continue until the trail splits. Stay left to continue onto the summit. There are two streams that you'll need to cross (.5 and 1.2 miles from the beginning of Meadows Lane road from Rt 56). You don't need a 4WD on Meadows Lane but not recommended for low clearance sports cars). Most of the camping sites off Meadows Lane are fine, a few require 4WD. The National Forest does not begin until the second stream crossing (at 1.2 miles).

The true summit is actually covered by trees, but the rock outcropping on the left is the main attraction with 180-degree views of the valley and adjacent mountains.