The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Priest Wilderness

There are 6 family-friendly hiking trails in Priest Wilderness, offering a range of experiences from easy strolls to more challenging ascents. You'll find 3 easy routes, 1 moderate, and 2 difficult options.

Yes, for families looking for an easy and relatively short outing, consider the Priest Summit via Crabtree Meadows. It's an easy route that still offers a taste of the wilderness. Another great option is the Lower Sherando Lake loop from Sherando Dam, which is also easy and features a pleasant loop around the lake.

Priest Wilderness is rich in natural beauty. You can expect to encounter diverse Eastern Deciduous forests, including chestnut and scarlet oak, as well as thickets of mountain laurel and rhododendron. Many trails follow or cross cold water streams like Coxes Creek and Silver Creek, offering tranquil sounds and potential for spotting native Brook trout. The area is also known for its rugged terrain, rock outcrops, and stunning panoramic views from various overlooks.

While not directly part of the listed family-friendly routes, the nearby Crabtree Falls Trail is a very popular and scenic attraction known for its significant waterfall. It's a rewarding experience through beautiful hardwood forests and is often considered a family-friendly destination in the broader area.

Spring and fall are generally ideal for family hiking in Priest Wilderness. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and lush greenery, while fall offers spectacular foliage. Summers can be warm and humid, but the shaded forest trails provide relief. Winters can be challenging due to snow and ice, especially at higher elevations, but offer a unique, quiet experience for well-prepared families.

Generally, dogs are permitted on trails within the George Washington National Forest, which includes Priest Wilderness, but they must be kept on a leash. Always practice Leave No Trace principles, including packing out pet waste, to ensure the wilderness remains pristine for everyone.

Yes, for a pleasant loop experience, the Lower Sherando Lake loop from Sherando Dam is an easy option. For families seeking a more challenging adventure, the The Priest – The Priest Overlook loop from Three Ridges Wilderness offers a longer, more difficult loop with significant elevation changes and rewarding views.

The trails in Priest Wilderness are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from 24 ratings. Hikers often praise the area for its challenging yet rewarding ascents, the stunning panoramic vistas from overlooks, and the immersive experience of its rugged, natural beauty.

For spring hiking, it's best to dress in layers as temperatures can vary. Wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing, and sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good ankle support. Be prepared for potentially muddy sections, especially after rain. A light rain jacket is also advisable, as spring weather can be unpredictable.

Many trails, particularly those leading towards The Priest Mountain summit, offer various overlooks with sweeping panoramic vistas of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. While the immediate summit of The Priest might be tree-covered, the journey itself and other rocky outcrops provide expansive views. Spy Rock, a favorite among local hikers, also offers 360-degree views across the Blue Ridge Mountains, though it might require a slightly longer hike.

Parking is generally available at designated trailheads within the George Washington National Forest. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route pages or by checking local forest service information. It's always a good idea to arrive early, especially on weekends, as popular trailheads can fill up quickly.