Spy Rock Trail (Forest Trail #732)

The Spy Rock Trail (Forest Trail #732) is a 0.17-mile spur trail accessed from the Appalachian Trail. This out-and-back trail features outstanding scenic vistas from it’s terminus at Spy Rock, a large rock outcropping with views overlooking forested valleys and mountains including "the Religious Range," the Priest, the Fryar, Little Fryar, and even Mount Pleasant.

Access to the trail requires a minimum 6.5-mile round-trip hike which includes a steady uphill grade, sections of very steep trail and rocky terrain and sections of gravel road.

Trail Open To:

Current Conditions

Four-wheel drive vehicles are strongly recommended. The Spy Rock Trail can no longer be accessed from the Montebello Fish Hatchery. The parking lot and access trail behind the Montebello Fish Hatchery is closed.

Specific Trail Information

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

Trail Length: .17 miles
Trail Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Connecting Trails: Appalachian Trail

Open year round

No drinking water available. All water taken from natural sources should be purified before use.

Trail is open to hikers only. Bikes, horses or pack animals, and motorized use is prohibited. When recreating on Forest Service Lands, follow the safety and outdoor ethics recommendations.

Getting There

Directions

From State Route 56, take State Route 826 (Meadows Lane) for approximately 3.75 miles to its end at the Crabtree Meadows parking area. High clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles are needed. Icy road conditions may exist during winter months. From the parking area, hike back along State Route 826 for 0.5 mile and turn left onto FS Road 596 (Cash Hollow Road). Parking on or along Cash Hollow Road is not permitted. Hike along Cash Hollow Road for 0.5 mile to the intersection with the Appalachian Trail. Turn right (south) on the Appalachian Trail and continue for 2.1 miles to the intersection with Spy Rock Trail, Forest Trail #732.

PDF map of driving directions

The road to Crabtree Meadows, State Route 826 (Meadows Road), is not recommended for travel during the winter months due to ice buildup on sections of the road that can create hazardous conditions.