Sunset on the Priest

OVERVIEW

Hiking may not cleanse sins, but I (**of no religious authority**) believe that it’s a sin to stay inside with this dry weekend weather.

For those of you who have never been to the Priest, it’s a beauty of a hike that culminates over the Tye River and its valley, far below. Given that winter sunsets are the most colorful, the Priest is an aptly-named venue for seeing some holy-looking, stained-glass sky. The rocks at its summit are a great place to watch the sunset and stars; the trail itself is long and rewarding. Though this 9-mile hike is quite doable for most people, it will best if you’re in decent shape.

We’ll be returning before 9:00 – leaving plenty of time for you to wash away your post-Priest piety on the corner.

The details:
– Depart from Echols at 12:30pm
– Drive for an hour-ish to the trailhead, and start hiking at 1:30
– Arrive at the summit at 5:30
– Feast our eyes on the sunset; our bellies on trail mix
– Return to the car at 7:45ish
– Be back in Cville before 9:00

You should bring:
– a real flashlight or headlamp (Your phone flashlight does not count!)
– warm, layered clothing, as it may be gusty at the top
– 2L of water
– your hiking legs
– probably some snacks

For those of you who need to borrow a headlamp, the gear room has plenty!