The Priest Wilderness - Appalachian Trail - Priest Mountain Shelter and Spring - Tye River Bridge

This was one of those hikes where I spent no time preparing and just got out and hiked. I had another commitment fall through and had a weekend to spare, so what better to do than get a few more miles on the Appalachian Trail. As I get farther from my home in Maryland, these section hike trips get a little more difficult (more driving, less hiking). This one was no exception. After just completing a section on the PA/NJ border, I figured I’d go south again and try to set a southern point to connect up with where I left off outside Shenandoah National Park. I was looking for good parking, water, and the potential to cross paths with other hikers. I was getting a late start on Saturday and knew I would not be hiking until after 5:30PM. The parking at VA56 below “The Priest” met my needs. I did a quick scan of google maps and saw that the walking directions were only 2.8 miles (way off from reality as I found later).
The parking at VA56 is excellent, with plenty of room for a dozen cars or so and easy access to the trail. The parking is at AT mile 833.2. I took a quick walk North to grab some photos of the cool Tye river suspension bridge and then began hiking South. I quickly noticed there were a lot of switchbacks and that the mountain in the distance was pretty tall…very tall in fact.
At 0.9 Miles there are two pretty nice stream crossings with small waterfalls.
At About 1.2 miles South of the parking is an outstanding waterfall that parallels the trail for a while and then crosses. This is Cripple Creek. Get your cameras ready.
From this point, there is about 2200’ more elevation gain and 36 switchbacks before you get to The Priest shelter.
At about 4.3 miles into the hike, you reach the ridge with a number of outstanding views and tons of places to “Cowboy Camp”.
The Priest Shelter is 4.7 miles from the parking.
It is all uphill and is moderately difficult. It’s a long way up.
The shelter is just soso but the tent sites are good. The water source was flowing heavily after all the rain we had been getting. There is no bear box or pole (hang your own). The privy was buzzing with flies, so I stayed away.. ☹
This was a 10.3 mile hike in total for me, covering a wee 4.8 miles of the AT, leaving me a roughly 30 mile section to fill in. 😊
This was filmed entirely on my iPhone 6 and edited with Wondershare Filmora.
Music : Knowing Nothing by Mid-Air Machine
Source: freemusicarchiv...
licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license: creativecommon...
#nosmallcreator
#nosectionleftbehind

[@KrizAkoni]

Complete list of Virginia AT sections here: kzbin.info/aero/PLdxYynz7DmRoCCuAZhzpqQHIoYFps6RXt

[@TamilTreats]

Wow 💞💞excellent video👌👌👌

[@KrizAkoni]

Thanks @TamilTreats! Just got done hiking part two this weekend. :)

[@33whodat33]

Always enjoy your videos. I've been wanting to do this one, perhaps next month. I like how you often give a tour of the campsites and water sources.

[@KrizAkoni]

Thank you! This is a great hike, with really good views up along the cliffs. Plenty of room for tents everywhere. The parking can get a little crowded, so arrive early.

[@UnknownPascal-sc2nk]

One of my favorite climbs on the Trail. Hiking SOBO took the suggestion of a NOBO to collect water partway up so I could camp on top rather than down the other side at a shelter. Photographed the best sunset of the entire 4 hike completion. (2010-2016)

[@KrizAkoni]

That camp along the ridge is epic!

[@21Swayzee]

Cool waterfall and views.

[@KrizAkoni]

Thanks for stopping by and commenting @Brother Dunne! I did not mention in the video but it was much cooler (temp) near the waterfalls. With it being hot outside i could have stayed there all day. :)

[@couch2trailyoutubechannel281]

Wow some really amazing views from up there! Fun climb too! Some really nice shots along the creek!

[@KrizAkoni]

Thanks @Couch2Trail! The water was really high from all the rain we had been getting.

[@bretthikez6567]

I hear the priest area has some of the best cowboy camping spots on the AT..hell of a climb also..great video

[@KrizAkoni]

There was definitely a ton of great campsites scattered all over up along the ridge. The only water was down at the shelter though. Thanks for commenting!

[@VirginiaOutdoors64]

Awesome footage. The views at the top were awesome. Love those cascading falls also, lots fo water with all the rain we have had. Thanks for sharing...Happy Trails...

[@KrizAkoni]

I don't want to jinx it, but I'm glad it stopped raining. We were getting way too much here in MD. Thanks for commenting!

[@afagamingreborn6559]

Awesome video always good to be out in nature.

[@KrizAkoni]

Thanks!... and yes, it's a great way to unwind. :) Thanks for commenting!

[@GucciGirlandGrumpy]

That's the way to do it. Working the legs and lungs. It's all worth it when you get to the top and there is a good shelter with great water, views and a Confessional

[@KrizAkoni]

Yes, definitely worth it! I was so glad the water was working. I was surprised there were not more people. Good parking, good views, weekend, no rain...Thanks for commenting!

[@DragonRoams]

Fantastic views a nice reward for a butt kicking climb.

[@KrizAkoni]

I think it's almost as bad going North out of the gap...I need to save that for when it's cooler. The views were definitely awesome up on the ridge. :)

[@PeakbaggersForCancer1]

The Priest was a brutal climb for sure -- do Three Ridges next (the other side of the road)...it's even worse! Glad you made it!

[@KrizAkoni]

@Ridgewalker, yes, Three Ridges is coming soon! I need to connect the 30 miles back to SNP. The gap in my track will eat at my soul until I fill it in, LoL! Thanks so much for watching and commenting! I hope life is treating you well. :)

[@appalachiangirluk9960]

Ah-ha! Found you, I'm already subscribed! This is the day I saw you!

[@KrizAkoni]

Awesome! It was a nice surprise crossing paths with you on the trail. That section was much harder than I thought it was going to be. I'll be back down that way again soon to go back up the other side. I hope the rest of your hike this week is good to you. The area you are about to enter is quite nice and a lot easier than what you've done so far. I'm also working sections in PA and may cross paths with you again up there. 🤓

[@SectionHikingTheAT]

Just love your camera shots. And that view- Wow! You sure win the uphill challenge this weekend. 🏆 And no rocks.....Lucky!!! Funny, I don’t think I ever read the guide either. I gave you a shoutout in my vlog for your chicken meatballs- thanks for the idea!

[@KrizAkoni]

Thank you! I did not plan this up front and left home in a hurry...the hike ended up being an interesting surprise. I'm glad you like the meatballs (and thanks for the shout) - they are my fav right now. :)

[@AcEFilmsStudio755]

breath taking nice work

[@AcEFilmsStudio755]

and the work on the water fall at the end starts at 9:11 very nice and the sound very nice

[@HBMaverick]

Great hike, 36 switchbacks! Congratulations on 1K subscribers! 👍😎 ~Maverick

[@KrizAkoni]

Thanks @HB Maverick! I lost a few here and there. It's always weird watching the subscriber fluctuation. It was a ton of switchbacks!

[@Retrospectreviews]

Wow Awesome video I love bushing walking as we call it here in Australia :)

[@KrizAkoni]

Thanks for stopping by and watching/commenting @Retrospectreviews! Bushing sounds like a fun name! I may continue this same section of trail this weekend. Hopefully the weather is nice. :)

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Great video! Cheers

[@KrizAkoni]

Thanks Metro! I enjoyed putting this one together! 😎

[@SmellNRoses]

Awesome! That is definitely one heck of a climb southbound from 56. If you go northbound from 56 up Three Ridges it isn't any easier. LOL! The "easy" way to hike the priest is to go northbound from the Crabtree Meadows area but the road leading up there is an adventure all to itself. If you don't have high clearance and 4WD then don't even think about it. The Tye River and the creek were both raging. This has been a wet summer, but as you noted makes everything nice and green. As others noted, your editing on this and many of your recent videos is really nice, you been stepping up your game for sure!

[@KrizAkoni]

Thanks for the kind words @Smell N Roses! I'm taking some editing and style queues from "story greenlight" and the community surrounding "R Cody Wanner". Shooting B-Roll at 240fps does fill the phone up quickly though...😳 I may use the Crabtree Meadows method when I continue South from there. I think the "exploder" might make it. 😎

[@SmellNRoses]

I'll have to pay close attention and see if I can pick up a few tips from watching you. The road up to Crabtree Meadows is decent in places, and in other places rough. You'll have to drive through a couple of creeks, so keep that in mind if there has been a lot of rain. There are some big rocks and washed out spots too in a couple of places. There are a few decent roadside campsites scattered up through there as well. High clearance is a must at any time, though you probably would only need 4wd if its wet. Parking a little farther southbound at the fish hatchery (trail head for Spy Rock) would be an alternative for hiking that area.

[@thomasfelice979]

Hey John great video. You walked out with me and Mountain Goat two days ago. Good meeting you and you were lucky to have missed the afternoon thunderstorms! Rocketman (Tom)

[@KrizAkoni]

Thank you Tom! I had an outstanding time talking with you both at the shelter and it was fun hiking out with you. I saw there were some pretty strong storms that passed through after I departed. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment! Hopefully our paths will cross again on the trail.

[@KrizAkoni]

New video of the hike from this weekend uploads tonight (probably wont be done until early AM) - your appearance looks great! :)

[@KurtZitzelman]

Awesome section of trail, love this views but.... Where's the rocks? There should be rocks!

[@KrizAkoni]

I do not like them Sam I Am....Once I start using a hammock, I won't care if there are rocks... :) Thanks for commenting!

[@ROPname]

awesome view indeed :)

[@KrizAkoni]

Thanks @ROPname! My legs still hurt but it was worth it.. :)

[@chuckcrookshanks847]

Another nice video as usual. Thanks for taking the time to video, edit and post.

[@KrizAkoni]

Thanks for commenting Chuck. This section was pretty gnarly! Now I work it back to SNP. 🤓❤️⛺️

[@desertcat8029]

Congrats on 1k! Lol I get filling in description later Gorgeous country!

[@KrizAkoni]

Thanks Jane! Arrr, that reminds me I need to type that up tonight... Thanks for commenting!

[@BrantHikes]

Looks a lot different without 3' snow drifts!

[@KrizAkoni]

Ew, I bet! I think it would be fun in snow, but not that much...

[@ReganLiveLaughLove]

Incredible my friend! Fantastic hike! Never been but definitely want to go now! Love the bridge! Tennessee has steep mountains Love the creek Stop by and show us some love Hugs from us

[@KrizAkoni]

The fun bridge has a little swimming hole underneath. Great easy to get to area! Yes, the rest of the hike was steep. Thanks for stopping by and commenting! :)

[@Studio_419]

Great video Kriz! Awesome views, waterfalls, bridge b-roll.... #AwesomeSauce (and "gap" most definitely is a 4 letter word)

[@KrizAkoni]

Thanks Greg! It was fun putting this one together... :)

[@BestBarberfade]

Awsome video bro i love the place and like

[@KrizAkoni]

Thanks man! :)

[@smetlogik]

2:37 ha! it's the little things. 4:00 yep, sweet view. Yeah, 3K elevation gain is no joke. Funny about the guestbook. Seems like if you spent a few nights up there it would be worth that hike. Cool looking hike, especially because you did all the work.

[@KrizAkoni]

LoL, Thanks for commenting @smetlogic! There were cool toads there too that I should have worked harder to video, but it was dark. They seemed to like the spring water.

[@rialobran]

Some brilliant views from up there! The #Awesome Sauce comment made me smile, my partner is the only one I've ever heard say that before (she's American)

[@KrizAkoni]

Thanks @rhialobran! I'm glad I made someone smile today. :) The views were spectacular early in the morning before the haze built up from the heat of the day. hanks for commenting!

[@joysteward8785]

Breath taking, I grew up in Eastern Kentucky, Appalachia is my favorite spot on earth! Good job enjoyed watching 👍❣

[@davidearnest2701]

GREAT VID, thumbs up and a sub, But at times your direction of travel can be a bit confusing. I hike that area and love it so it is like home to me but there is a chance that others just might think you went across the bridge to start your hike. Did you go back down the same way as you came up. If you did then the huge rock on the side of the trail coming up northbound was a side trip. Thanks Dave

[@KrizAkoni]

Dave, thanks for the great comment. Yes, I went across the bridge briefly to check it out before hiking southbound. I wrote that in my comments but it is buried in there. The big rock was visible on my way back out (the way I came in) just south of the side trail to the shelter, so I had to walk over to check it out before turning around to exit back northbound. That whole area is really nice! :)

[@davidearnest2701]

Thanks for the reply, Its been a while since I was up at the Priest shelter, did not remember how far it was [the rock that is] south. My wife called it the Alien rock. That south bound hike comes out at a dirt road down to Crabtree Falls. Nice to meet you. Dave

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Great editing here, Kriz! Great intro! Cool bridge! SO many switchbacks!! Cripple Creek is beautiful from this side of the screen. I held my breath for you on that crossing. That view is worth it! Awesome-sauce! Sounds like a good days works. ;-) Perfect for a good night's sleep. Guides are helpful sometimes. Thanks for showing us your campsite. Playing catch up a bit. the last two weeks have been a wild ride for me. I enjoyed this. Thanks! Confessional...whoa! I bet that is interesting. Sounds like a nice place once you get there! Thanks for the views and for sharing your hike.

[@KrizAkoni]

Thanks HTH! Definitely worth the trip to the top. It will be interesting connecting to that section from the south section. :)

[@RhinoVenturesOutdoors]

Congrats on 1k!

[@KrizAkoni]

Thanks Rhino! Hopefully it continues to grow. Thanks for watching!

[@CarinSomers]

what a beautiful sight there and some nice b roll, which camera do you use ??

[@KrizAkoni]

Thanks @Carin Somers! This was all done on an iPhone 6. I'm trying to get the right balance of B-Roll / storyline, thanks for commenting!

[@TouringTastebuds]

Some of the most fun times are always when you just pack up the car and go for a hike! Glad you did that, I need to do that sometime soon! haha those views at the very end look well worth the journey! Gorgeous!

[@KrizAkoni]

Was definitely a great hike! Hopefully you find the time soon to get out.. :)

[@AcEFilmsStudio755]

ok now you are in my neck of the wood

[@SkinnyGPanda]

Woohoo no rocks.

[@KrizAkoni]

It was soooo nice on my feet. It's kinda weird flipping back and forth between VA and PA... Thanks for commenting! :)