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Relatively, short climb to a nice overlook.


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Map Key

7.6

Miles

12.3

KM

Out and Back

3,036' 925 m

High

1,545' 471 m

Low

1,733' 528 m

Up

1,733' 528 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

40%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Views · Wildlife

Part of the year requires a hike in on a forest road due to a closed gate. This route shows the longer option.

Overview

Nice climb on forest roads and trails to an overlook with fine views.

Need to Know

The dirt entrance road is not marked off of Runions Creek Road. Know where to turn or you'll miss it.

Description

Most of the year, the hike will start at the point shown here, but some portions of the year you can drive to a closer parking lot. Assuming the first gate is closed, you'll hike a forest road for the first mile, ascending gradually to a small turnaround where the trail continues.

Follow the orange blazing, as the trail seems to split a few times as it ascends. (Most of these are simply small reroutes to address erosion issues.) Ascend via a series of switchbacks to the ridgeline, where you turn left and follow a white blazed trail. The trail descends to an open field with a campsite before climbing steeply to Church Rock.

Although there are several trails on top of Church Rock, these do not go anywhere and the two view points are within 100 feet of where the trail reaches the summit. Views are generally northerly, with some eastern views as well.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jeff Monroe

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 3 votes

#4046

Overall
  4.0 from 3 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#119

in Virginia

#4,046

Overall
10 Views Last Month
583 Since Mar 1, 2020
Difficult Difficult

0%
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33%
67%
0%

Photos

View north from Church Rock overlook.
Mar 1, 2020 near Basye, VA

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Jul 23, 2022
Rene Menjivar
Missed the fork to get to the outcropping. Brush is overgrown in some areas. Very difficult on hot days (by mid-day you lose the shade). Pay very c… 7.7mi — 4h 02m
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