Hiking Project Logo

gem icon Hawksbill Mountain Summit [Suggest Edits]

35 votes
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

Description

Getting to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain will require some effort, but for the intrepid explorers who make the journey, the rewards are one of a kind. The summit is the highest point in the park, and from the top, unobstructed views of the Shenandoah Valley abound, though, on some summer days, smog and air pollution from neighboring cities may limit the visibility from the peak.

Take your time to take in the views from here, and enjoy a picnic in Byrd’s Nest #2, one of the many shelters constructed by senator Harry Byrd. The stone shelter is a scenic spot, and visitors won’t want to miss having a snack, or taking a short rest in or around the structure. Take in the scenery, enjoy the northern forests, and keep a look out for the Shenandoah Salamander, a unique and fiery orange inhabitant of the summit!

While on the summit, visitors will enter a unique ecosystem. Boreal forests cover the top of the peak, and the balsam fir and red spruce inhabiting the area are uniquely suited for cool, wet environments such as those found in New England. These species have adapted specially to this summit and are therefore fragile. Please treat them with respect!

A picnic at the Byrd's Nest in conjunction with the views from the summit make a visit to Hawksbill an unforgettable experience for everyone from day trippers to AT through-hikers. You're not likely to enjoy a better view of the Shenandoah Valley anywhere else!

Short Hike: Visitors have many options to reach the summit, all of which involve a bit of hiking. A mile-long trip is possible via the Hawksbill Trail/Byrds Nest #2 Road, or the more strenuous Salamander Trail. Visitors looking for a longer journey can take the Upper Hawksbill Trail, or can start from the Hawksbill Gap, and ascend via the Lower Hawksbill Trail.

Family Friendly: Kids will love the sense of achievement they gain from hiking to the highest point in the park. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the top!

Gem Type: Viewpoint

Shared by:
Mikhaila Redovian

0 Comments

You & This Gem

Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins


Nearby Gems

gem Favorite Foggy Old Rag. Still beautiful!

Old Rag Summit

(83) Stanley, VA
gem Favorite Night shot of Dark Hollow Falls

Dark Hollow Falls

(54) Stanley, VA
gem Favorite The second of 6 waterfalls in Whiteoak Canyon (the 1st being the very upper falls).

White Oak Canyon Swimming Hole

(41) Stanley, VA
gem Favorite It's almost unfair to not have to work for this view from Stony Man Summit in Shenandoah National Park.

Stony Man Summit

(42) Stanley, VA
gem Favorite Sunset view from atop Bearfence.

Bearfence Mountain

(32) Stanley, VA
gem Favorite Sunrise view from atop Mary's Rock

Mary's Rock Viewpoint

(31) Luray, VA
gem Favorite Upper Rose River Falls.

Rose River Falls

(25) Stanley, VA
gem Favorite Remnant of an old building at Rapidan Camp. with permission from rootboy

Rapidan Camp

(13) Stanley, VA

Nearby Trails

8.9 mi 14.3 km Old Rag Loop
Difficult Difficult
Stanley, VA
Difficult Difficult
Stanley, VA
All Clear
Update
37 days ago
288 
8.2 mi 13.1 km Whiteoak Canyon to Cedar Run Loop
Difficult Difficult
Stanley, VA
Difficult Difficult
Stanley, VA
All Clear
Update
Mostly Dry - Some water crossing are a little high. Got feet wet once and had to change socks
2 days ago
143 
3.8 mi 6.1 km Rose River Loop
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Stanley, VA
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Stanley, VA
Minor Issues
Update
Muddy, Snowy
85 days ago
82 
1.7 mi 2.7 km Dark Hollow Falls
Intermediate Intermediate
Stanley, VA
Intermediate Intermediate
Stanley, VA
Minor Issues
Update
Muddy, Icy
87 days ago
66 
2.6 mi 4.2 km Hawksbill Mountain Loop
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Stanley, VA
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Stanley, VA
Unknown
Update
61 
1.1 mi 1.8 km Bearfence Loop Trail
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Stanley, VA
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Stanley, VA
Unknown
Update
55 
5.5 mi 8.9 km Little Devil Stairs Loop
Difficult Difficult
Washington, VA
Difficult Difficult
Washington, VA
All Clear
Update
Mostly Dry
37 days ago
37 
0.5 mi 0.8 km Stony Man Trail
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Stanley, VA
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Stanley, VA
Unknown
Update
33 
5.0 mi 8.0 km Whiteoak Canyon
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Stanley, VA
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Stanley, VA
All Clear
Update
Some Mud
26 days ago
26 
3.7 mi 5.9 km Ridge Trail
Difficult Difficult
Stanley, VA
Difficult Difficult
Stanley, VA
Unknown
Update
16 
Shared by Mikhaila Redovian on May 18, 2016. All Page Views: 3,435. Last Month: 7.

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.