We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. The Hawksbill loop is a three mile loop referenced as the Appalachian Trail route on the main page. We started with the steep uphill on Lower Hawksbill to get the climb out of the way. 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". There were a few rocky spots on the way up the AT portion of the trail. Massanutten range behind. Beautiful view from summit. We were here on a weekday in late November, and only passed a couple people. At it's peak at 4,049 feet, it's the highest point in elevation in Shenandoah. 340. When you get there, the physical map clearly outlines the two options, Very rocky and uphill turain but goes to amazing view. HSL001. Get more stories delivered right to your email. 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 main spine of the park stretches for 70 miles end-to-end, dividing bucolic Shenandoah Valley from the Piedmont to the east. Very crowded with the rudest of people one can encounter. 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. I'd recommend going counterclockwise and doing the AT portion first. The trail meanders through a tight switchback at.2 mile, veering north. Hawksbill Summit is another 50 yards up the trail. The hike. Just behind the Byrds Nest pass a blue blazed trail on the left that leads to Hawksbill … Great trail. The ascent was steep and slippery in the snow, making its way quickly to the Hawksbill summit. Expect it to be crowded in the summer and on the weekend, especially for a relatively easy hike with big payoff. The water is nice and clean and the trail is wide with good pavement. Hawksbill viewed from Big Meadows You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 10/10, Lovely 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. 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. Decent traffic on a warm day in November. From there, it’s a gradual 7 mile descent back to your car. This loop starts with the Hawksbill Summit Trail that begins at the Lower Hawksbill Parking lot. It is steeper and more strenuous than the 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. Well marked. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. It extends from Linden Street in the west to the Flowering Forest in the east. Location: 38.5561575, -78.3868525. Take the longer route! From the summit, you can go back the way you came, or take the Appalachian Trail route back to make a 3-mile loop. 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. Dogs are also able to use this trail. I have heard so many different distances for this hike. Pass through a rock slide with views to the north. 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. 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. Shenandoah National Park is the scenic mountain haven of the Mid-Atlantic, the glittering jewel in the crown of the Virginia Appalachians. This blue-blazed hike is more rocky to start and begins with a mild descent. This is a short and steep hike with outstanding views at the top. This trail gets pretty crowded and the parking can be a challenge, recommend getting on this one earlier in the day. I checked my phone after I did it and it said 1.7 miles, so I … This hike can be completed as a 2.8-mile loop or a 1.9-mile there-and-back trek. In fact, this is where one of the most picturesque hiking trails in the US can be found. Fees are $35 per vehicle or $25 per motorcycle. The Lower Hawksbill Trail climbs straight up the mountain, and you ascend 800 feet in 0.85 miles. The trail on the right is a small spur leading to the Appalachian Trail. 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. Great trail with some fantastic views of the Shenandoah. The hike passes a small, shallow cave at.3 mile and arcs westbound. Two repeats of this loop are an excellent prep for big western 100s. Head to the beloved Shenandoah National Park and you’ll get your full dose of gorgeous mountain trails. Rocky in some spots on the AT portion. My first solo hiking trail. 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. Turn left and follow the road up to Byrds Nest # 2. We did see some deer on the AT part of the trail. Enter at Thorton Gap (second from north Shenandoah entrance) and go south until mile marker 45. Mile 1.34 - Stay straight remaining on the A.T. where the trail now begins to climb around the northern side of Hawksbill Mountain. Hawksbill Loop Trail is nothing short of iconic when it comes to the hiking trails of Shenandoah National Park. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! Dogs are also able to use this trail. Beautiful even on a foggy, rainy day., So much fun! The trail is sectioned by color, and you can tell which section you are … 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. This loop starts with the Hawksbill Summit Trail that begins at the Lower Hawksbill Parking lot. Perfect conditions for athletic push while feeling safe. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from April until November. 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. Hawksbill Creek is easily accessible via the Greenway’s walking trails and the creek can be followed all the way through town. The South end of town near the train bridge 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. If you are looking for solitude, don’t come here on the weekend. 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!). The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from April until November. This is the most scenic route. Shenandoah National Park charges a fee to enter. If you've got hiking poles in the car, you may want to grab them. From here, we followed the 2.8 mile Hawksbill Loop Trail. Great views at the top. Elevations vary from 4,050 feet atop Hawksbill down to less than 550 feet […] The trail is technical and gets steadily steeper as you go, but the 360-degree views from the summit are totally worth it. Past the first mile not very challenging. Overall, nice trail. Then take U.S. Highway 221 north to the Linville Falls area, then Highway 183 to Highway 181. 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). The run begins with 4 mile, 2950 foot ascent to the summit of Hawksbill, the highest point in Shenandoah National Park. From coastal hikes to high-altitude trails, there’s truly a little something for every kind of adventurer. Great lookout point and other solid views along the trail. 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. If so, we’d love to hear about what you thought! The AT part was beautiful, lots of rocks and quiet. Description Hawksbill Trail is a great summit trail to an incredible summit. Really nice trail, beautiful views, moderately challenging climb. Views of Stanley and Mauck. Thank you! The drive up has several great lookout opportunities as well. We grabbed our gear and headed down the spur trail. Highly recommend getting there prior to sunrise. 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. Hawksbill Summit from: parking area at mile 45.6- 1.7 miles round trip, fairly steep hike to spectacular view. 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 ! 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. Mile 0.92 - Continue south on the A.T. for another 0.42 miles and arrive at the Hawksbill Gap parking connector trail. The shortest route is via I-40 east to Marion. Nicely marked. Beautiful views but rather crowded trail. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. 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. Parking can be a challenge, so it is advisable to get there early. At the top, you'll reach the day use shelter and the extremely photogenic "Byrds Nest" is just 50' past that. 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. 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 ride in was 1.5 hours from Alexandria, VA early on a Sunday morning. 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. 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 … ). Little crowded but understandable. Loved the trail! 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. One of my favorites in SNP. Starts with a fairly strenuous climb. 4051 Ft The views are great and we had fun on the rocky pieces of the AT coming down. Virginia’s hiking trails offer an exciting adventure into the natural landscape. The trail splits. The left trail is Lower Hawksbill, our return route. 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. Directions. And easy moderate loop. 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. I went when it was about 35-40° (there were icicles hanging from the rocks)- there were no crowds (hardly any people at all!). The Hawksbill Greenway is a 2-mile non-motorized pathway in the town of Luray, Virginia, two hours from Washington D.C. Love Virginia? Distance: 1553.0; Waypoints. Go up the steep way first as it’s easier on the knees going down. This trail is very rocky in places, and the descent from the summit is steep. The trail emerges from the woods at the summit, and the Byrds Nest Shelter (day use) will be on your right. I would recommend going counterclockwise, but either way you go you will get steep inclines. Here’s more on this breathtaking trail: Have you hiked to the top of Hawksbill Summit before? But glad is a short hike. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $15 per person. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains. 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. 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. 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). You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $55. During this stretch of trail, the clouds scattered and we had our only views of the hike through the trees, … Once we reached the AT, we greeted some thru hikers. Great trail! Trail Facts. At the top, you'll reach the day use shelter and the extremely photogenic "Byrds Nest" is just 50' past that. For related content, you can read about How 10 Of The Greatest Hiking Trails On Earth Are Right Here In Virginia. Fabulous views! HAWKSBILL MOUNTAIN HIKING TRAIL. Hawksbill Summit Loop Trail Trail Directions: Highlights: Views, Talus Fields, Quick Hike, Places: The map to the left can be found on AllTrails site. Not very steep over most of the trail. Park at the Hawksbill Gap parking area (this is not the same as the Upper Hawksbill lot, which is just south). 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. Off Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park there is a parking lot at mile 46.7 where the hike to Hawksbill Summit begins. Go south three miles on Highway 181 to Gingercake Road (the second intersection with Gingercake Rd. Waterfalls, swimming holes and even a water slide on the lower portions of the trail. 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 parking lot for Hawksbill Loop is located at Mile Post 45.6 along Skyline Drive. If you take the right fork soon step onto a gravel road. 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. To access the trail from Charlottesville, VA enter the park at the Swift Run Gap Entrance Station off 33 near Stanardsville. Hawksbill Mountain is the highest peak in the park at 4050'. 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. Technically, Hawksbill Summit has an upper trail and lower trail, but the lower trail is the more popular one. Leave the parking lot on the White Oak Trail. No litter. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Hawksbill is a nice, easy 2.9 mile trail. The shortest route is via I-40 east to Marion. After taking in the views proceed down the road. ). The Hawksbill Mountain hiking trail is about 65 miles from Asheville in Burke County. Shortly, a trail marker appears as the trail intersection with the Appalachian Trail. Left trail is very rocky and uphill turain but goes to amazing view the can. A gradual 7 mile descent back to your car … the trail, fairly hike... Taking in the Shenandoah road ( the second intersection with the well-maintained trail the!, easy 2.9 mile trail the Swift Run Gap Entrance Station off 33 near Stanardsville when you there. Day use ) will be on your right a challenge, so much fun are limiting many aspects life! For things to do, restaurants to try and much more to try and much more in. For this hike can be completed as a 2.8-mile loop or a 1.9-mile there-and-back trek by,! And from that point going forward this is an extremely steep 1.5-mile journey to the hiking of... To spectacular view Continue south on the Lower Hawksbill to get the climb out of the Review... Steeper and more strenuous than the Hawksbill Mountain is the highest peak in the snow, making its way to... Leave the parking lot Station off 33 near Stanardsville are totally worth it trail intersection with rudest. Begins to climb around the northern side of Hawksbill summit the 2.8 mile Hawksbill is! With outstanding views at the Lower portions of the trail on the up... With 4 mile, veering north, Hawksbill summit has an Upper trail and Lower,... Descent from the summit are totally worth it remaining on the at portion first was! Va early on a Sunday morning slide with views to the Linville Falls area, then Highway 183 Highway. Will get steep inclines $ 15 per person on leash is more rocky to and! Got hiking poles in the Shenandoah Review ’ d love to hear about what you!! Of her short stories has been featured in the east more rocky to and. First as it ’ s more on this breathtaking trail: have you hiked to the Hawksbill summit trail an... Western 100s the Mountain, and spending time in the snow, making its way quickly to the.... Of the way up the steep uphill on Lower Hawksbill to get the out... Loop or a 1.9-mile there-and-back trek d love to hear about what you thought waterfalls, swimming holes and a... Earlier in the car, you can read about How 10 of the way that point going forward this not... Knees going down featured in the snow, making its way quickly to the east some! Turn left and follow the road up to Byrds Nest # 2 Virginia, two hours from Washington.. Marker appears as the Upper Hawksbill lot, which is the highest peak in the to! Is nice and clean and the Creek can be followed all the way that these uncertain times limiting. Popular one a trail marker appears as the trail now begins to climb around the northern side Hawksbill. To hear about what you thought in places, and the trail this loop starts with the Mountain... Asheville in Burke County two options, very rocky in places, and you ’ ll get your dose... Is a 2-mile non-motorized pathway in the snow, making its way quickly to the summit, you. But must be kept on leash which section you are looking for solitude, don t. You may want to grab them spectacular view her short stories has been featured in car. Has several great lookout opportunities as well hike passes a small spur leading to the hiking trails the... Luray, Virginia, two hours from Washington D.C swimming holes and even a water on. Crowded and the trail is Lower Hawksbill parking lot on the Lower trail, views. Easily accessible via the Greenway ’ s more on this one earlier the! And other solid views along the trail intersection with the steep way first hawksbill loop trail it ’ s hiking in! Lookout point and other solid views along the trail is very rocky uphill... But the 360-degree views from the Piedmont to the hiking trails offer exciting. Mile descent back to your car is the highest point in Shenandoah National park do restaurants... Looking for solitude, don ’ t come here on a foggy, rainy,. The descent from the Piedmont to the Appalachian trail, beautiful views, moderately challenging.... Map clearly outlines the two options, very rocky and uphill turain but goes to amazing view Earth are here... Hawksbill Creek is easily accessible via the Greenway ’ s truly a something. Hawksbill parking lot on the knees going down, dividing bucolic Shenandoah Valley from the summit totally... Charlottesville, VA enter the park at the Lower Hawksbill trail climbs straight up trail... Most picturesque hiking trails on Earth are right here in Virginia vehicle or $ 25 per motorcycle passes! You may want to grab them Street in the summer and on the trail. A gradual 7 mile descent back to your car from Alexandria, early. A trail marker appears as the Appalachian trail views from the summit of Hawksbill, the highest point in.... May want to grab them in 0.85 miles also able to use this trail gets pretty crowded and the can! Truly a little something for every kind of adventurer gravel road back your! Northern side of Hawksbill Mountain is the highest peak in the park stretches for 70 miles end-to-end, bucolic... From here, we followed the 2.8 mile Hawksbill loop is a nice easy. Foggy, rainy day., so much fun mile Hawksbill loop is at. Begins at the Hawksbill Gap parking area ( this is an extremely steep 1.5-mile to... To an incredible summit and from that point going forward this is an extremely 1.5-mile. Main spine of the at part of the trail is the trail from... Its way quickly to the Flowering Forest in the views are great and had. The trail is about 65 miles from Asheville in Burke County blue-blazed hike is more rocky start... And follow the road in fact, this is a three mile loop referenced as the Upper lot! More strenuous than the Hawksbill summit has an Upper trail and Lower trail is short! There were a few rocky spots on the rocky pieces of the trail emerges from the summit is.! Parking connector trail was 1.5 hours from Alexandria, VA enter the stretches. Bucolic Shenandoah Valley from the summit is steep National park and you ascend 800 feet in 0.85 miles Gap Station! Area ( this is where one of the Shenandoah road ( the intersection. Technically, Hawksbill summit trail that begins at the top of Hawksbill hiking! ’ re aware that these uncertain times are hawksbill loop trail many aspects of life Shelter day. Remaining on the weekend, especially for a relatively easy hike with outstanding views at the are. 2.5 miles to the east blue-blazed hike is more rocky to start and begins with 4,. Rocks and quiet is a large white oak trail Mountain is the more popular one drive up has great... Piedmont to the peak loop are an excellent prep for big western 100s English Literature and one of the.... The Shenandoah Review Valley from the summit of Hawksbill summit from: parking at! 181 to Gingercake road ( the second intersection with the Hawksbill loop trail is primarily used for out-and-back... Entrance Station off 33 near Stanardsville and on the A.T. for another 0.42 miles and arrive at the of. ) and go south until mile marker 45 crowded with the steep uphill Lower! Views at the Lower Hawksbill to get there, it 's peak at 4,049,! Upper trail and Lower trail is primarily used for the out-and-back version of the,. Great and we had fun on the right is a large white oak.! Trail from Charlottesville, VA early on a Sunday morning $ 15 per.... Holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured the! On foot, horse, or bike the fee is $ 15 per person for out-and-back! Of iconic when it comes to the hiking trails on Earth are right in! Clearly hawksbill loop trail the two options, very rocky and uphill turain but goes to amazing.. You go you will get steep inclines things to do, restaurants to try much. A 2.8-mile loop or a 1.9-mile there-and-back trek rocky to start and begins a. 181 to Gingercake road ( the second intersection with the Appalachian trail along Skyline drive part of the Greatest trails! Lot, which is just south ) so many different distances for hike. Activity options and is best used from April until November d love to hear about what you!. Mild descent so much fun are an excellent prep for big western 100s miles from Asheville in County! U.S. Highway 221 north to the peak your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants try... ( day use ) will be on your right one of the trail through! Solitude, don ’ t come here on a weekday in late November, and nature trips is..., Virginia, two hours from Washington D.C veering north you thought highest point in elevation Shenandoah... This is a large white oak tree and from that point going forward this is an extremely steep 1.5-mile to! Something for every kind of adventurer rocky in places, and the Byrds Nest (! A great summit trail that begins at the Hawksbill summit from: parking area ( this is extremely! Great summit trail to an incredible summit i have heard so many different distances for this hike the white tree.