Priest Wilderness

Priest Wilderness is generally very steep and rugged, consisting of undulating ridges with deep V-shaped hollows. Elevations range from 1,000 feet at the Tye River to 4,000 feet at the summit of the Priest. Large rock outcrops are common, and there is spectacular scenery. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail runs through this very rugged terrain for about 5.7 miles. Priest Wilderness is located east of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Nelson County, in west central Virginia. The "Priest" is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as a part of the Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger Districts of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests.