Hiking the Priest!

OVERVIEW

Howdy folks,

Last week I shattered my left collarbone, rendering my useless to partake of my usual forms of radness for the majority of the summer. Instead, I’ll be whiling away my recovery and staying sane by ticking off as many of Virginia’s classic hikes as I can.

The Priest is an 8.6 mile out-and-back hike on the AT southwest of Charlottesville. It is considered relatively strenuous totaling 8.6 miles and 3,117′ of vertical gain. You can read more about it here: https://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/ThePriest/

But, suffice to say it is an uber-classic in the area and not to be missed!

The Plan:
8:00AM – Rally at the SHRED SHACK (116 Washington Ave) and hit the road for about an hour
9:30AM – Boots on the trail headed up. Pace: neither rushing nor dawdling.
12:00PMish – Summit! Incredible views of the Three Ridges Wilderness, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Shenandoah National Park. We can hang out here for as long as we want!
3:00PMish – Return to base and hit the road home.
4:30PM – Plan to arrive back in Charlottesville. (Could be earlier or later depending on our pace)

Things You Need:
-Lunch/Snacks – I’ve never regretted bringing too much food, only too little
-Water – At least 2L, assuming you show up already hydrated. It will be HOT
-Backpack
-Sturdy running or hiking shoes – I’ve developed some serious blisters in the past on this hike, so don’t skimp
-Headlamp (or fully charged phone w/ light if ur a scrub)
-Sun protection probably good too

I bring:
-First aid kit
-Knavigational skillz
-My trusty sling

DRIVERS NEEDED – Club reimburses gas plus 50% tip!! Please arrive with a full tank!

***TICKS IN VIRGINIA are pretty messed up. You don’t want them. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND treating your clothes with Permethrin. It sucks to have to use chemicals to repel bugs, but it is a lot better than Lyme’s Disease!!!