Connor Hutchins ‘22
Guest Writer
As a Double Hoo, I consider myself incredibly lucky to have been able to experience Charlottesville for as long as I have. From the breweries, vineyards, restaurants, you name it, C’ville is a special place. But for me, and hopefully for some of you, the best attraction in the area lies on the western horizon, that long and imposing line of rock known as the Blue Ridge.
Many a nascent hiking career begins and ends at Humpback Rock. While I have nothing against Humpback, and actually think it is a physically rewarding hike with great views on a clear day, I’ll pass it over for brevity’s sake because you’ve probably already been there. Below is a far from exhaustive list of great hikes you should experience before you leave this scenic corner of the world.
Photo Courtesy of Connor Hutchins ‘22
OLD RAG: If you are looking for a strenuous, upper and lower body intensive hike that you can brag about to your friends, you have to try your hand at Old Rag. While on the longer side (between eight and nine miles) and complete with a serious rock scramble at the top, this natural wonder is located in Shenandoah National Park, only about an hour away. I would recommend carrying a drawstring bag, because you’ll need all fours for this one.
HAWKSBILL: Located in the heart of Shenandoah National Park (you’ll have to pay an entry fee or get an annual pass), at 4,050 feet Hawksbill is the tallest mountain in Shenandoah National Park. Slightly strenuous on the uphill, and difficult on the downhill in pitch black darkness (which I have done), the view of the Shenandoah Valley to the west is incredible. Great for sunrises and sunsets, there is a rock shelter if you get caught in a major storm (I would know).
DARK HOLLOW FALLS: Also in Shenandoah National Park, at 1.4 miles this is not that difficult of a hike and the falls are well worth the trip. It is heavily trafficked, and you may have to wait your turn for that Nat Geo picture you want. Whatever the case, don’t try to climb the falls (I would know), there is usually a park ranger nearby to tell you to get down.
THE PRIEST: Just over an hour or so south of here lies what is locally known as the “Religious Range” along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Because it is not within Shenandoah Park, there is no fee to go here. The Priest is one of my favorite hikes in this area. Just getting to the trailhead involves driving up a winding fire road made of gravel (where it isn’t washed out by streams), and you can very easily be the only person on the trail to the summit, which I very much enjoy. The sunset views on the Priest are breathtaking, and the Appalachian Trail (AT) runs right by it.
SPY ROCK: With a trailhead literally across the way from The Priest trailhead, this hike seems interminable at first. You walk through woods for what seems like forever, but eventually you come across the granite dome of Spy Rock. After scrambling up this rock, you’ll get great 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge to the north and south, the Shenandoah Valley to the west, and the Virginia Piedmont sweeping down to the east. Also, Spy Rock is covered with cool moonscape looking craters, some filled with water (but don’t drink it, please).
Whatever you choose to do in the Blue Ridge, you really can’t go wrong. With so many natural beauties nearby, you don’t want to miss out on them before graduation.
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cmh6aa@virginia.edu