Hawksbill Mountain Summit
Stanley, Virginia
Details
Distance
1.54 miles
Elevation Gain
669 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Elyse Clark
Tallest point in Shenandoah National Park. 270 degree views. Great for sunset photography.
A hike to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain will not only put you at the highest point in Shenandoah National Park (4050'), but you'll have a 270 degree view perfect for a sunset.
This moderate hike is located at MP 45.6 on the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, so you'll have to pay a $20 entrance fee (valid for 7 days) per car to enter the park if you don't have an annual pass. There is a helpful trail map at the parking lot to assist you in choosing your ascent route.
This link will also help: nps.gov
The trail on the right of the parking lot is a moderate, but very scenic hike along the Appalachian Trail to the summit (via the Salamander Trail). The trail out of the center of the parking lot is a VERY steep and the most direct trail to the summit called the "Lower Hawksbill Trail".
The Lower Hawksbill Trail climbs straight up the mountain, and you ascend 800 feet in 0.85 miles. The trail emerges from the woods at the summit, and the Byrds Nest Shelter (day use) will be on your right. Continue past the shelter to the stone platform on the summit of the mountain.
Views to the west are of Massanutten Mountain, to the north is Stony Man Mountain and northern Shenandoah, and the rocky peak to the east is Old Rag Mountain. Find a perch on the rocky outcrop and have a picnic or watch the sunset. Once done admiring the view, simply retrace your steps back down to the car to complete the round trip hike.
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Reviews
Done in Sept 2021 with our 12(ish) year old Weimaraner. He navigated everything well. Less than an hour of active hiking.
5.0
We took our pup on this easy out and back hike knowing that we'd have an incredible view up at Hawksbill peak. Wow, was that an amazing view. The highest point in Shenandoah NP was well worth it. We took about 15-20 minutes to just take in the massive vistas around us and captured some beautiful shots. All in all, a must do when in the park!
5.0
The AT and Salamander Trail was not scenic unless you find a walk in the woods scenic. Peaceful yes, but boring. The Salamander Trail felt a lot longer than the .7 miles to the top, but maybe that was it was our last trail after a full day of hiking.
4.0
This was a quick 45 minute hike up. It was fairly easy but closer to the summit it got very steep and we were breathing hard- but not for long! Once you get to the summit there is a big boulder with 3 trails, make sure to take the one on the right- that has the best views. You can see 360 degrees, with views of shortoff mountain and table rock. You can hear the falls below and see the Linville River. Absolutely beautiful and so fun to climb around the rocks on the summit. I wish I had brought my hammock up.
5.0
As the highest peak in the park, it is a definite 'must do' if you're ever making a trip to Shenandoah. With multiple trailhead parking locations (upper or lower) it is pretty easy to find a spot usually. At the summit is a nice day shelter as well as a directional compass thing to point out landmarks in the distance. One drawback as the highest peak and a very short hike, it gets really really crowded up top.
5.0
This is the tallest mountain in Shenandoah National Park and has a great west facing view, which makes it ideal for watching the sunset (just remember to bring your head lamp). This is also a great place to view and photography birds riding the thermals.
5.0
Hike is incredibly uphill, so if you have bad knees forewarning. That said, the view is so worth it so keep pushing!!
5.0
I went there twice this past summer. I did both the Appalachian Trail/Salamander Trail and the short uphill hike straight from the parking lot. Both are amazing. The views are gorgeous for both sunrise and sunset.
5.0
The hike is short and sweet -- my go to day hike when I'm short on time but want to get in a breathtaking view. As the highest accessible point in Shenandoah National Park, the view never fails -- whether in the summer with blue skies, green and flowery in the spring, bright with autumn colors in the fall, or snow covered in the winter!
5.0
Very easy short trail that leads to an incredible view! Great for families with little kids too.
5.0
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Nearby
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Upper Hawksbill Trail
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