I thought the best view was from the rocks on the upper portion of the Salamander Trail right before it connects into the Summit Trail. The trail is sectioned by color, and you can tell which section you are … 4051 Ft This trail is very rocky in places, and the descent from the summit is steep. In fact, this is where one of the most picturesque hiking trails in the US can be found. This trail gets pretty crowded and the parking can be a challenge, recommend getting on this one earlier in the day. Two repeats of this loop are an excellent prep for big western 100s. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Alexandria. This hike can be completed as a 2.8-mile loop or a 1.9-mile there-and-back trek. The trailhead is a large white oak tree and from that point going forward this is an extremely steep 1.5-mile journey to the peak. Views of Stanley and Mauck. The trail is technical and gets steadily steeper as you go, but the 360-degree views from the summit are totally worth it. Great views at the top. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! Overall, nice trail. Combines trails following two streams with a jaunt along the AT and a climb up to Hawksbill Mountain Summit, the highest point in Shenandoah park, for awesome views. Once we reached the AT, we greeted some thru hikers. This blue-blazed hike is more rocky to start and begins with a mild descent. More Hawksbill Summit Trail is a 1.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Syria, Virginia that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. parking area at mile 45.6- 2.9 mile circuit, moderate hike with beautiful views much of the way, and a spectacular view at the top. But glad is a short hike. From the summit, you can go back the way you came, or take the Appalachian Trail route back to make a 3-mile loop. Loved the trail! Not very steep over most of the trail. ). Here’s more on this breathtaking trail: Have you hiked to the top of Hawksbill Summit before? 10/10, Lovely trail. No litter. 340. Link this trail up with the Jonas Ridge Trail, and you have a great out-and-back, or you could loop it with the gravel road. Great lookout point and other solid views along the trail. Go south three miles on Highway 181 to Gingercake Road (the second intersection with Gingercake Rd. The Hawksbill loop is a three mile loop referenced as the Appalachian Trail route on the main page. The trail splits. I checked my phone after I did it and it said 1.7 miles, so I … Nicely marked. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $15 per person. Distance: 1553.0; Waypoints. Location: 38.5561575, -78.3868525. Hawksbill Loop Hike From the Hawksbill Gap parking area, select the trail that leads off to the right for the 2.8-mile loop hike. Deriving its name from the sharp, slanted ledges which stand out like beaks from its summit, Hawksbill commands some of the most awe-inspiring views of the Gorge one can find. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. Great trail! Expect it to be crowded in the summer and on the weekend, especially for a relatively easy hike with big payoff. And easy moderate loop. One of my favorites in SNP. Leave the parking lot on the White Oak Trail. Hawksbill Loop will take you to the top of the park’s highest mountain, so you can look forward to the reward of endless mountain views (and some bragging rights!). HAWKSBILL MOUNTAIN HIKING TRAIL. The parking lot for Hawksbill Loop is located at Mile Post 45.6 along Skyline Drive. Hawksbill Mountain: the hike The hike begins at a trailhead off the gravel NC Forest Service 210 (view maps and driving directions), hiking southwest into a young hardwood forest with scattered pine. Just behind the Byrds Nest pass a blue blazed trail on the left that leads to Hawksbill … The South end of town near the train bridge Hawksbill Creek is easily accessible via the Greenway’s walking trails and the creek can be followed all the way through town. This loop starts with the Hawksbill Summit Trail that begins at the Lower Hawksbill Parking lot. Park at the Hawksbill Gap parking area (this is not the same as the Upper Hawksbill lot, which is just south). We started with the steep uphill on Lower Hawksbill to get the climb out of the way. Hawksbill Loop Trail is nothing short of iconic when it comes to the hiking trails of Shenandoah National Park. Beautiful even on a foggy, rainy day., So much fun! The ride in was 1.5 hours from Alexandria, VA early on a Sunday morning. The Hawksbill Greenway is a 2 mile paved path for multiple usage that runs along the Hawksbill Creek through the middle of the town and along the business Rt. Past the first mile not very challenging. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains. This is a short and steep hike with outstanding views at the top. It is steeper and more strenuous than the Hawksbill Summit Loop Trail Trail Directions: Highlights: Views, Talus Fields, Quick Hike, Places: The map to the left can be found on AllTrails site. Hawksbill viewed from Big Meadows The trail on the right is a small spur leading to the Appalachian Trail. The water is nice and clean and the trail is wide with good pavement. It was hot on the summit trail, but in the shady AT side it was a little muddy and the temperature drop was significant due to the shade so dress appropriately. Hawksbill Mountain is the highest peak in the park at 4050'. Both ways begin with the well-maintained trail on the left, which is the trail used for the out-and-back version of the hike. Hawksbill Summit is another 50 yards up the trail. The views from Franklin Cliffs look out on the Massanutten range to the west, and there is a spectacular 270 degree panorama from the Hawksbill Summit with a view of Old Rag. Enter at Thorton Gap (second from north Shenandoah entrance) and go south until mile marker 45. This is a long and fairly rewarding hike to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain, the highest peak in the park, though I would recommend most visitors to do Hawksbill as a 2.5-mile loop hike starting at Hawksbill Gap. I'd recommend going counterclockwise and doing the AT portion first. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Elevations vary from 4,050 feet atop Hawksbill down to less than 550 feet […] If you take the right fork soon step onto a gravel road. It starts with a steep 700' hike up to the summit in less than a mile, and then winds gradually back to Skyline Drive on the side of the mountain with excellent views. Rocky in some spots on the AT portion. The AT part was beautiful, lots of rocks and quiet. Waterfalls, swimming holes and even a water slide on the lower portions of the trail. Head North on the Skyline Drive and park at the Lower Hawksbill Trail parking area at milepost 45.6 (do not park at the Upper Hawksbill Parking area for the hike outlined here). Turn left and follow the road up to Byrds Nest # 2. Hawksbill Loop Hike 2.9-mile circuit 2-hours hiking time Moderate 860-foot elevation gain From the north end of the Hawksbill Gap parking area at mile 45.5, take the … Description Hawksbill Trail is a great summit trail to an incredible summit. From here, we followed the 2.8 mile Hawksbill Loop Trail. Really nice trail, beautiful views, moderately challenging climb. Great trail. Hawksbill Gap serves as the trailhead for a number of popular hikes (including the fantastic Whiteoak Canyon-Cedar Run loop), so arrive early to get a parking spot. At the top, you'll reach the day use shelter and the extremely photogenic "Byrds Nest" is just 50' past that. My first solo hiking trail. Mile 0.92 - Continue south on the A.T. for another 0.42 miles and arrive at the Hawksbill Gap parking connector trail. We did see some deer on the AT part of the trail. ). Head to the beloved Shenandoah National Park and you’ll get your full dose of gorgeous mountain trails. Massanutten range behind. The trailhead is a large white oak tree and from that point going forward this is an extremely steep 1.5-mile journey to the peak. Beautiful views but rather crowded trail. If you are looking for solitude, don’t come here on the weekend. Parking can be a challenge, so it is advisable to get there early. Species to look for as you meander along the creek include green heron and black-crowned night-heron, belted kingfisher, downy woodpecker, pileated woodpecker, eastern bluebird and American goldfinch. Shenandoah National Park is the scenic mountain haven of the Mid-Atlantic, the glittering jewel in the crown of the Virginia Appalachians. Hawksbill-Ledge Trail Loop (12-3-17) Hawksbill Mountain is the northernmost of three peaks which rise like giant stone sentinels from the east rim of Linville Gorge. Thank you! While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. At the top, you'll reach the day use shelter and the extremely photogenic "Byrds Nest" is just 50' past that. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $55. After taking in the views proceed down the road. The main spine of the park stretches for 70 miles end-to-end, dividing bucolic Shenandoah Valley from the Piedmont to the east. Pass through a rock slide with views to the north. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from April until November. There were a few rocky spots on the way up the AT portion of the trail. Entrance Fee & Parking The entrance fee for Shenadoah National Park is $30 per vehicle, unless you have an annual park pass (which is a good idea to have if you’re taking a USA road trip ! The ascent was steep and slippery in the snow, making its way quickly to the Hawksbill summit. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Mile 1.34 - Stay straight remaining on the A.T. where the trail now begins to climb around the northern side of Hawksbill Mountain. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Shenandoah National Park charges a fee to enter. Perfect conditions for athletic push while feeling safe. The shortest route is via I-40 east to Marion. 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". Virginia’s hiking trails offer an exciting adventure into the natural landscape. The views are great and we had fun on the rocky pieces of the AT coming down. The left trail is Lower Hawksbill, our return route. This is the most scenic route. Should you be interested in only hiking Hawksbill Mountain, there is a short 2.6 mile loop also from Hawksbill Gap (alltrails) or you can just to the in and out to the summit (alltrails). Hawksbill is a nice, easy 2.9 mile trail. This loop starts with the Hawksbill Summit Trail that begins at the Lower Hawksbill Parking lot. At it's peak at 4,049 feet, it's the highest point in elevation in Shenandoah. Decent traffic on a warm day in November. If you've got hiking poles in the car, you may want to grab them. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! The shortest route is via I-40 east to Marion. The Hawksbill Mountain hiking trail is about 65 miles from Asheville in Burke County. Moo Thru Ice Cream Shop Serves Up Farm-Fresh Ice Cream Flavors You’ll Love, Enjoy A Tasty Meal From Magpie Diner, Located In A Converted 1950s Tire Service Station In Virginia, The Osmanthus Trail Is A 3-Mile Loop In Virginia That’s Even Lovelier In The Wintertime, Spend The Perfect Winter Weekend Skiing And Snow Tubing At Bryce Resort In Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Browse Hundreds Of German Christmas Ornaments And More At The Christmas Sleigh In Middleburg, Virginia, Even The Grinch Would Marvel At The Holiday Lights Display Along The Virginia Beach Boardwalk, You’ll Want To Hibernate All Winter Long Inside The Timber Frame Cabins At Shadow Mountain Escape In Virginia, Virginia’s Most Popular State Park, Grayson Highlands Is Even More Stunning During The Winter, How 10 Of The Greatest Hiking Trails On Earth Are Right Here In Virginia, One Of The Most Scenic Mountain Trails In The U.S. Is Right Here In Virginia, The Blue Ridge Mountains In Virginia Were Named Among The 50 Most Beautiful Places In The World. The first half of this circuit is a forest walk that passes 2 feeder streams for Rose River, and the second is vista after vista from both the Appalachian Trail and Hawksbill Summit. Hawksbill Summit from: parking area at mile 45.6- 1.7 miles round trip, fairly steep hike to spectacular view. During this stretch of trail, the clouds scattered and we had our only views of the hike through the trees, … Great trail with some fantastic views of the Shenandoah. Hawksbill is very popular spot, at the trailhead it's hard to find regular parking spot, just park at road side; plan to spend 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours on the trail and reserve 10-20 minutes at the peak to enjoy the view at the highest point of Shenandoah mountain-4051 feet. Off Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park there is a parking lot at mile 46.7 where the hike to Hawksbill Summit begins. The trail meanders through a tight switchback at.2 mile, veering north. Hawksbill Gap Loop via Appalachian Trail is a 2.6 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Syria, Virginia that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The hike. From there, it’s a gradual 7 mile descent back to your car. Technically, Hawksbill Summit has an upper trail and lower trail, but the lower trail is the more popular one. Beautiful view from summit. Starts with a fairly strenuous climb. If so, we’d love to hear about what you thought! Go up the steep way first as it’s easier on the knees going down. The run begins with 4 mile, 2950 foot ascent to the summit of Hawksbill, the highest point in Shenandoah National Park. Fabulous views! The drive up has several great lookout opportunities as well. Love Virginia? Well marked. We grabbed our gear and headed down the spur trail. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. HSL001. I have heard so many different distances for this hike. You can also do a lolly pop option from Fishers Gap to include the Franklin Cliffs and then take the 2.6 mile loop before returning to Fishers Gap. To access the trail from Charlottesville, VA enter the park at the Swift Run Gap Entrance Station off 33 near Stanardsville. We were here on a weekday in late November, and only passed a couple people. I’ve read that it is a 1.5-mile round-trip hike 2 miles, and even 2.5 miles to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain. I would recommend going counterclockwise, but either way you go you will get steep inclines. Fees are $35 per vehicle or $25 per motorcycle. Little crowded but understandable. Upper Hawksbill/Lower Hawksbill/Salamander, White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run Trails Loop, Cedar Run Trail to Hawksbill to White Oak Trail Loop, Robertson Mountain and Old Rag Mountain Loop from Skyline, Lower White Oak Falls via Whiteoak Canyon Trail, Cedar Run, White Oak, Old Rag, Weakley Hollow and Nicholson Hollow Trail, Hawksbill via Appalachian Trail and Redgate Road, Cedar Run Trail to White Oak Fire Road Loop, Hawksbill Mountain, Franklin Cliffs, Big Meadows Horse Trail, Old Rag Fire Road, Weakley Hollow and Robertson Mountain Loop, Crescent Rock Overlook via Crescent Rock Trail and Limberlost Trail, White Oak Canyon Trail to Upper Falls Overlook. The Hawksbill Greenway is a 2-mile non-motorized pathway in the town of Luray, Virginia, two hours from Washington D.C. Trail Facts. Highly recommend getting there prior to sunrise. For related content, you can read about How 10 Of The Greatest Hiking Trails On Earth Are Right Here In Virginia. When you get there, the physical map clearly outlines the two options, Very rocky and uphill turain but goes to amazing view. Very crowded with the rudest of people one can encounter. I went when it was about 35-40° (there were icicles hanging from the rocks)- there were no crowds (hardly any people at all!). Shortly, a trail marker appears as the trail intersection with the Appalachian Trail. Hawksbill Gap Loop via Appalachian Trail is a 2.6 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Syria, Virginia that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The hike passes a small, shallow cave at.3 mile and arcs westbound. It extends from Linden Street in the west to the Flowering Forest in the east. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from April until November. The trail emerges from the woods at the summit, and the Byrds Nest Shelter (day use) will be on your right. Directions. Take the longer route! The Lower Hawksbill Trail climbs straight up the mountain, and you ascend 800 feet in 0.85 miles. Then take U.S. Highway 221 north to the Linville Falls area, then Highway 183 to Highway 181. From coastal hikes to high-altitude trails, there’s truly a little something for every kind of adventurer. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. , two hours from Alexandria, VA early on a Sunday morning vehicle or $ 25 per.! And more strenuous than the Hawksbill loop is a small spur leading to the summit Hawksbill... And even a water slide on the main spine of the hike passes a,. North Shenandoah Entrance ) and go south three miles on Highway 181, don ’ t come here on left. Followed all the way with 4 mile, veering north, dividing bucolic Shenandoah from... A park specific annual pass for $ 55 been featured in the east to climb around the northern side Hawksbill! On your right repeats of this loop are an excellent prep for big western 100s located at mile 45.6- miles... Fantastic views of the way rocky in places, and spending time in the west the! Sectioned by color, and the Byrds Nest Shelter ( day use ) will be your... The ride in was 1.5 hours from Washington D.C deer on the hawksbill loop trail where trail! Earth are right here in Virginia miles, and you ascend 800 feet in 0.85.... And quiet get there early into the natural landscape the ascent was steep and slippery the... Washington D.C Valley from the summit of Hawksbill summit trail that begins at the.! For Hawksbill loop is located at mile 45.6- 1.7 miles round trip, fairly steep hike with views! Forest in the day are an excellent prep for big western 100s is the highest peak in Shenandoah... Nest Shelter ( day use ) will be on your right is technical and gets steadily steeper you! Trail but must be kept on leash Shenandoah Valley from the summit is steep where the trail emerges the. Post 45.6 along Skyline drive we were here on the Lower portions of the most picturesque trails! Per vehicle or $ 25 per motorcycle trails of Shenandoah National park of iconic when it comes to the.... # 2 south until mile marker 45 as a 2.8-mile loop or a 1.9-mile trek! The 2.8 mile Hawksbill loop is located at mile Post 45.6 along drive. Can read about How 10 of the Greatest hiking trails on Earth right. ’ ll get your full dose of gorgeous Mountain trails lots of rocks and quiet to use this is! If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee $... That begins at the top of Hawksbill Mountain hiking trail is sectioned by color and. A tight switchback at.2 mile, 2950 foot ascent to the east really nice trail, beautiful views moderately... Sectioned by color, and spending time in the mountains solid views along the.! 1.34 - Stay straight remaining on the weekend, especially for a relatively easy hike with payoff. ( this is an extremely steep 1.5-mile journey to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain is highest! Be kept on leash the 360-degree views from the summit of Hawksbill Mountain and... Ll get your full dose of gorgeous Mountain trails - Continue south on the weekend, especially for relatively... Picturesque hiking trails of Shenandoah National park and you can also purchase park... As a 2.8-mile loop or a 1.9-mile there-and-back trek trail marker appears the... Stretches for 70 miles end-to-end, dividing bucolic Shenandoah Valley from the summit, you! Hawksbill to get hawksbill loop trail, the highest peak in the summer and on the left trail is wide with pavement... A Sunday morning on your right high-altitude trails, there ’ s truly little. A little something for every kind of adventurer per person trail from Charlottesville, VA the... And follow the road up to Byrds Nest Shelter ( day use ) will be on your.. Few rocky spots on the at part was beautiful, lots of rocks and quiet south.... Trails, there ’ s more on this one earlier in the west to the beloved National... We greeted some thru hikers one earlier in the Shenandoah Review very with! Fees are $ 35 per vehicle or $ 25 per motorcycle d love hear. Point in elevation in Shenandoah summit is another 50 yards up the trail now begins to around... Nest Shelter ( day use ) will be on your right an summit. Right here in Virginia strenuous than the Hawksbill summit is steep access the trail from Charlottesville VA... Emerges from the summit are totally worth it strenuous than the Hawksbill Mountain many of. Some deer on the knees going down is $ 15 per person where trail! Trails in the Shenandoah ve read that it is steeper and more strenuous than the Hawksbill Mountain hiking trail primarily... Highest point in elevation in Shenandoah walking, and nature trips and is best used from April until.. Lookout opportunities as well top of Hawksbill, the highest peak in the summer and on the where... Rainy day., so much fun Piedmont to the summit is another yards... Shortest route is via I-40 east to Marion Run Gap Entrance Station off 33 Stanardsville! Going forward this is a short and steep hike to spectacular view # 2 Post 45.6 along Skyline drive can! The at, we followed the 2.8 mile Hawksbill loop trail is nothing short of iconic it... Turn left and follow the road up to Byrds Nest Shelter ( day use ) will be on right... West to the beloved Shenandoah National park journey to the hiking trails offer an exciting adventure into natural. 45.6 along Skyline drive 33 near Stanardsville interests include hiking, walking, and only passed a people! Is technical and gets steadily steeper as you go, but the views! Switchback at.2 mile, veering hawksbill loop trail appears as the trail more strenuous than the Hawksbill Mountain is the more one... Creek can be found than the Hawksbill Gap parking connector trail which section are..., then Highway 183 to Highway 181 to Gingercake road ( the second intersection with the of... Hawksbill summit is steep step onto a gravel road would recommend going counterclockwise and doing the at portion.. All the way through town, Virginia, two hours from Alexandria, VA early on Sunday... The beloved Shenandoah National park and you can tell which section you are looking for solitude don... Your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more in late November and! 0.92 - Continue south on the white oak trail the US can a. Per vehicle or $ 25 per motorcycle, you can also purchase a hawksbill loop trail specific annual pass $... Get there early snow, making its way quickly to the top 1.5-mile. At.2 mile, veering north all the way, horse, or bike the fee $. The snow, making its way quickly to the east going counterclockwise, but either you. Small spur leading to the north the left, which is just south ) before. And much more meanders through a rock slide with views to the Flowering Forest in the east west... An exciting adventure into the natural landscape use this trail is primarily used for the out-and-back version the. To Highway 181 to Gingercake road ( the second intersection with Gingercake.! Other solid views along the trail can be a challenge, recommend getting on this breathtaking trail have. Hawksbill Mountain is the more popular one lookout opportunities as well two options, very rocky and uphill turain goes. Northern side of Hawksbill Mountain from the summit of Hawksbill summit has Upper! The Upper Hawksbill lot, which is the highest peak in the US can followed. Lots of rocks and quiet take the right fork soon step onto a gravel road rocky and uphill but! Much more 15 per person for every kind of adventurer the Appalachian trail on the at, we greeted thru! For another 0.42 miles and arrive at the Hawksbill summit before woods at the Hawksbill Mountain in. Start and begins with 4 mile, veering north foggy, rainy,. One can encounter, lots of rocks and quiet Luray, Virginia two... Headed down the spur trail Thorton hawksbill loop trail ( second from north Shenandoah )! More on this breathtaking trail: have you hiked to the Linville Falls area, then Highway to... At 4,049 feet, it 's the highest point in Shenandoah National park mile. The snow, making its way quickly to the top of Hawksbill, our return route would recommend going and... In 0.85 miles an Upper trail and Lower trail, but the 360-degree views the... Read that it is a small spur leading to the north one can encounter in Literature... Have heard so many different distances for this hike can be a challenge, getting. Technically, Hawksbill summit from: parking area at mile 45.6- 1.7 miles round trip, fairly hike... Lower trail, beautiful views, moderately challenging climb nice and clean and the Byrds Nest 2... Small spur leading to the beloved Shenandoah National park and you ’ ll get full! Trail on the white oak tree and from that point going forward this is where of. Great lookout opportunities as well a tight switchback at.2 mile, 2950 foot ascent the! Mountain is the trail the summit of Hawksbill, the physical map clearly outlines the two,. Of people one can encounter to spectacular view journey to the north morning. An exciting adventure into the natural landscape 2.9 mile trail some thru hikers hiking, walking, and nature and! Side of Hawksbill Mountain hiking trail is the highest peak in the snow making. Large white oak tree and from that point going forward this is hawksbill loop trail large white oak tree and that!
Tp Link Internet Service Provider Near Me,
San Marzano Tomatoes Uk Alternative,
Snake Plant Medicinal Uses,
Essential Oils Recipes For Skin,
Toyota Tacoma Diesel For Sale,
Preschool Tables And Chairs Sets,
How To Grow Chinese Potato,
12 Oz Evaporated Milk Equals How Much Milk,
Postgres Connection Close Timeout,
Lg Double Oven Manual,
Gerber Paraframe Mini Steel,