Spy Rock

Spy Rock needs to be at the top of your list if it isn't already. This is the only hike that I've done twice this summer. Both times I did it as a sunrise hike. I know I've recommended other hikes to see the sunrise or sunset, but this is by far the best candidate for either.

Can you spy the sunrise?

Spy Rock offers complete 360 degree views of the mountains. The top of the mountain is a bald spot, a giant rock that you must climb up to see the views. The rock is very large and flat, making it the largest summit I've stood on. At the top, before you climb the rock, there is a really large, flat, grassy area that I have seen multiple people camping at. If you want to make this an overnight hike, I can only imagine what star gazing would be like at the top of Spy Rock. The first 3/4 of a mile is up a steep gravel road. There are about three or four driveways bearing off to the right but stay left up the trail. In the dark it was hard to identify the roads as driveways, but I'm sure it is a lot more obvious during daylight. After the 3/4 of a mile hike you will reach a gate. The gate welcomes foot travel beyond that point but no vehicles, go around the gate and continue on for another quarter of a mile. This part of the hike is now on a rocky trail that travels through the woods. You will approach a sign in a quarter of a mile. Stop at this sign and pay close attention to which path you take. There are about four different options of where to go. You want to take the first path from the left, it should have a sign on it that says Spy Rock. It will be a pretty sharp left that's easy to miss. The first time I went, my friends and I completely missed the Spy Rock trail and took the straight path.

We ended up traveling about 2.5 miles out of the way, almost missing the sunrise. (We were forced to sprint back, which was an experience that I want no one to have to go through) From the Spy Rock sign you only have .5 mile until the summit. This trail is pretty steep (just be thankful you won't have to run up it). Once you get to a wooden fence you are about .1 miles away. The ground at the top flattens out and the rock is to the right. The climb up the rock itself is somewhat challenging, but knowing the spectacular view that awaits should get your adrenaline pumping. Since this hike is only 3 miles long I would recommend this to anyone. The amount of space at the top is perfect for kids to run around and play, or for a nice picnic lunch at the top. If you haven't hiked Spy Rock yet I suggest you do it real soon.

Directions: Fish Hatchery Lane: George Washington National Forest, Tyro, VA 22976
*to get to this location I just open Maps on my phone, type in Spy Rock and it takes me right to it