Spy Rock via Cash Hollow

Tyro, VA
4.9
15 Reviews
Spy Rock via Cash Hollow
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Details

Distance
5.71 miles
Elevation Gain
1191 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Forest
Wildflowers
Dog Friendly
Scenic
Romantic
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About this place

Added by Christin Healey

The views from Spy Rock are simply breathtaking. It's a short hike, but from the top you can see the Religious Range: The Priest, The Little Priest, The Friar, The Little Friar, and The Cardinal.

The hike is part of the George Washington National Forest, and can easily be combined with nearby Crabtree Falls (300ft cascading waterfall with a hike to the top). The entire trip is 5.7 miles, and there are nice campsites at the base of the summit (no water source) if you want to add on this pretty overlook to a nearby longer hike. This is definitely a hike for locals, so it's never too crowded despite having probably the best views of the Blue Ridge around. The spring and fall are the best time to see the flowers and the fall foliage.

There is an easy scramble to get to the top, but my small lab made the journey with no problems if you want to bring your pup. This could be a sunset or sunrise hike, but the views to the west are slightly better looking into the valley.

This trail is dog friendly.

Note: Please refrain from hiking on private land near the Montebello State Fish Hatchery. There is a secure gate adjacent to the fish hatchery denoting private land and blocking access to the AT. Please access Spy Rock via Cash Hollow to stay on public land and avoid any issues of trespassing. The pin in the driving directions will lead to the Cash Hollow starting point. 

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Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Hayley Tuck
5/4/2025
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Eleanor Davis
8/26/2022
Beautiful views at the top
Started at around 10am on a Friday. Parked at the trailhead. Saw 3 people on the way up and no one on our way ...
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Stephen Catalano
8/13/2020
Combine with crabtree
Nice combination when paired together. If you're in the GWNF, I'd put this on your list.
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Mike Yankovich
6/25/2020
Fish Hatchery route is closed, use Meadows Lane road
Private road from fish Hatchery to National Forest is closed to general public. Use Meadows Lane road to cash hollow road to approach spy ...
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Jaime Saunders
7/18/2018
Great Hike with Dog
My husband and I hiked this beauty with our medium sized dog, Daisy! We had a blast. Simple enough of a hike for our ...
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Justin Pincham
1/22/2018
Gorgeous views
Hiked this trail from the Hatchery with my 10 year old on 1/21/18 so it is currently open. Just about the best ratio effort:reward ...
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Elyse Clark
8/10/2017
Trailhead Is Closed
As per the review below mine, the trailhead is currently closed and is gated with "No Tresspassing" signs. There is a map at the ...
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Mike Yankovich
7/19/2017
Alternate route to Spy Rock
Mike Yankovich The trail to spy rock from the Fish Hatchery AT parking lot has closed down. The private road is now closed to the ...
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Jess Fischer
5/19/2017
Also Great for Camping
One of the best views in Central Virginia. A short, but steep hike up to the top with a fun rock scramble at the ...
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Brandon Dewey
12/31/2016
Outstanding View, Great for Families
This short hike has some amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Once you get to the top I have found the best ...
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Kelly Park
11/3/2016
Perfect Short Hike
This is a short hike with great payoff! The 360 degree views at the top are amazing and I love how it's dog ...
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Kenton Steryous
4/26/2016
One Of My New Favorites!
Honestly, Spy Rock was way better than I anticipated...and it was also steeper than I anticipated. But well worth it! That also makes it ...
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Scott O'Donnell
4/25/2016
One Of The Best Views Around
This views at the summit were simply spectacular. Completed the hike with my wife, 10 year old son and pup. The rock scramble at ...
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Molly Price
4/21/2016
Spy Rock
Fun hike! There is a great spot to camp at the top.
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Caity Johnson
7/14/2015
Spy Rock is an awesome Virginia hike. It has Civil War history as well as incredible views. They say the Confederate soldiers watched from ...
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