The Priest, Mountain summit in Nelson County, Virginia, US
The Priest is a mountain summit in Nelson County that reaches approximately 4,063 feet. The peak sits within forested slopes and rocky terrain as part of the George Washington National Forest's protected landscape.
The mountain is located within the Priest Wilderness area of George Washington National Forest, designated as a protected natural landscape in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This protected status helps preserve the forest ecosystem and allows hikers to experience undeveloped terrain.
The Appalachian Trail crosses the summit, connecting hikers to a network of paths including Crabtree Falls, Three Ridges, and Bee Mountain.
The trail begins from a parking area on State Route 56 and covers a round trip of about 9 miles with numerous switchbacks throughout the climb. Sturdy footwear and caution on rocky sections help make the hike safer and more enjoyable.
The summit sits along the Appalachian Trail, linking hikers to a larger network of mountain routes in the region. This connection allows visitors to combine multiple hikes and explore nearby peaks in one trip.
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