Photograph Hawksbill Mountain at Sunrise or Sunset

Morganton, North Carolina

5.0/5

based on 4 reviews

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Details

Distance

1.5 miles

Elevation Gain

860 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Christin Healey

Short 1.5 mile round trip that climbs to 360 degree views of the Linville Gorge, Table Rock, Shortoff Moutnain, and the Pigsah National Forest. This is a gorgeous place to camp, but is also perfect for a short hike to catch a sunrise or sunset. In the fall the colors are incredible, and in the springtime the path is lined with rhododendron . By far one of the shortest hikes for the reward I have ever done!

The trail to the summit of Hawksbill begins on an unpaved road for the Pigsah National Forest. In about a half a mile the trail turns left just before reaching the Jonas Ridge Trail. This turn is an clearly marked turn with a sign for "Hawksbill Summit". The trail then becomes steeper and rockier for another 1/4 of a mile, then you will arrive at the ridge where the trail splits. Either way will take you to the summit, so just choose a path and explore the area for where you want to be. Don't forget a tripod to get some great shots before the sun comes up or after it goes down, and a headlamp to navigate your way to the top. The wind at the top is also brutal so be sure to bring plenty of extra layers for the summit!

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Camping

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Reviews

Stephen Catalano

Photograph Hawksbill Mountain at Sunrise or Sunset

08/14/20

Check this out as an overnight (don't forget a permit) to have the best seat in the house for sun-up. Its a gorgeous overlook!

5.0

Explorer

Christian Murillo

Explorer

Photograph Hawksbill Mountain at Sunrise or Sunset

11/27/18

Some of the most photogenic views of Linville Gorge are right here at Hawksbill Mountain. Every direction you look there is an epic vista. Jagged and exposed rock formations make for a really rugged appearance and a fantastic adventure!

5.0

Kat Dellinger

Photograph Hawksbill Mountain at Sunrise or Sunset

01/10/18

My husband and I have done this hike for sunrise the past 3 years and it never fails to amaze. And since it’s on April 30th, we’ve been lucky enough to experience the rhododendrons blooming. Highly recommend this hike - all you need is a headlamp and stove to make yourself a nice hot cup of joe on the mountain top while the sun comes up!

5.0

Explorer

Billy DiMirra

Explorer

Photograph Hawksbill Mountain at Sunrise or Sunset

05/11/16

The Views from hawksbill are great. Mountains galore, and golden hour lasts for a while. A definite must if you are in the area and are looking for a place to watch the sun go down.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Photograph Hawksbill Mountain at Sunrise or Sunset

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Hawksbill Mountain Trail

Hike to the Summit of Table Rock Mountain

Little Table Rock Trail

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