Backyard adventures: I spy ... Virginia!

A short trek and a spectacular view make Spy Rock in Montebello one of the most popular day hikes in the central portion of the Appalachian Trail.

The view is so expansive that it is believed to have been used by Confederate scouts to monitor the movement of Union soldiers — hence the name.

Depending on whom you ask, the hike is between 1.3 miles and 1.6 miles. If you’re not paying attention to the trail blazes, as I neglected to do, you might add a couple of miles to that.

The trail begins at the Montebello State Fish Hatchery off Virginia 56, which offers a “two-fer” if visiting the prolific trout farm catches your fancy. Parking is just beyond the hatchery. Following the Spy Rock parking signs will take you down a short gravel lane to a parking lot that can accommodate about 10 cars.

I visited the trail recently with my intrepid hiking poodle, Foxy, on what turned out to be a busy day on the trail. But at 9:30 a.m. on a beautiful Saturday, mine was the only car in the lot. (If you’re visiting with friends, though, carpooling is suggested.)

Most Web sites about the Spy Rock hike list the short trek as moderately strenuous. Between recent knee surgery and the resulting six-month break from hiking, if I can do it, you can do it.
The trail starts off crossing a small creek, so unless you’re a fan of blisters or the drought is in full swing, you’ll need some sturdy, waterproof shoes. It continues up along the Fish Hatchery Road a moderate grade, which had my out-of-shape calves burning by the time we reached the top.

Reaching the top of the road, hikers face four options. If it’s your first time visiting Spy Rock, this can be disconcerting. The trail is blazed in blue and takes a left turn at the top of the hill.
It’s also a good time to grab a drink of water (I ran through about a quart and a half for the whole hike) and stretch those muscles. The next portion of the hike has a few steep sections.

Following those blue blazes, the trail leads to an intersection with the Appalachian Trail about a mile from the Fish Hatchery Road parking lot. If you’re not like me and can read the sign showing the 90-degree left turn onto the white-blazed Appalachian Trail for the remainder of the half-mile hike, get ready for the show.

The trail flattens out at the peak. Trees open to reveal both Spy Rock and a grassy area perfect for camping, rest or lunch. There are several ways to get to the top of the rock, depending on your fitness and climbing skills. I found a route about three-quarters of the way around the left side of the rock that was easy enough for both my battered knee and the 4-month-old poodle to navigate.

The 3,700-foot elevation and 360-degree view reveals of some of the Blue Ridge’s most well-known peaks, including The Priest nearby. As someone who views hiking as a way to get between outlooks and mountaintops, Spy Rock takes the cake.

For reference, if McAfee’s Knob in Catawba is a 10, Spy Rock goes to 11.

If you’re going
What: Spy Rock day hike
Where: Montebello State Fish Hatchery, Virginia 690 off Virginia 56 west of Crabtree Falls
You need: Water and sturdy hiking shoes or boots
You’ll want: Trekking poles, a compass and/or GPS receiver, “The Appalachian Trail Guide to Central Virginia,” and accompanying maps