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Hawksbill Mountain, Shenandoah National Park

4.9

#4 of 8 in Nature in Shenandoah National Park

Mountain · Nature / Park

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Hawksbill Mountain is a mountain with an elevation of 4,050 feet (1,234 m). Marking the border between Madison County and Page County in Virginia, the summit of Hawksbill Mountain is the highest point in Shenandoah National Park, as well as the highest point in both Madison and Page counties.

The north face of Hawksbill Peak is a 2,500-foot (760 m) drop into Timber Hollow, which is the largest elevation change in the park. The summit is one of the few places in Shenandoah National Park where one can find balsam fir, a tree more typical of northern New England and southeast Canada.

The National Park Service has constructed a stone observation platform at the summit. Byrd's Nest No. 2, one of a series of shelters built in the park by Senator Harry Byrd, is nearby. Hawksbill peak is also the site of a peregrine falcon restoration project. The summit of Hawksbill Mountain can be reached by a short hike from a trailhead located at the Upper Hawksbill parking area, just off of Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. A number of other hiking trails lead to the summit of Hawksbill, while the Appalachian Trail goes around and about 500 ft (150 m) in elevation below the summit.

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Hawksbill Mountain reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

160 reviews

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4.9

By Bowmanator22

Chilly morning. Went clockwise. The climb wasn’t bad at all! Steep, for sure, but steady. The surface was very rocky at times, and some rocks were a bit loose. Watch your ankles. Lot full on a...

Chilly morning. Went clockwise. The climb wasn’t bad at all! Steep, for sure, but steady. The surface was very rocky at times, and some rocks were a bit loose. Watch your ankles. Lot full on a... more »
By heddyg2021

Really enjoyable hiking here. Beautiful views to be your reward when you reach the top. Lovely to get to see.

Really enjoyable hiking here. Beautiful views to be your reward when you reach the top. Lovely to get to see. more »
By Agnes W

A must do hike!! This is a moderate level hike within the park. My husband and I like to do loop hikes, you can make this hike to the hawksbill summit a loop by starting on the appalachian trail..... more

A must do hike!! This is a moderate level hike within the park. My husband and I like to do loop hikes, you can make this hike to the hawksbill summit a loop by starting on the appalachian trail..... more »

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By Katie

Absolutely stunning hike to the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park. We took the upper Hawksbill Summit Trail which is 100 ft less of elevation gain than the lower summit trail. They have separate parking lots, and they fill up fast so I would take whichever is open! the hike was 2.3 miles and 480 ft of elevation gain. It was a fairly easy hike that was the steepest at the top. Well worth it for this view. Even when it is busy, the rock structures are so large that you won't be sitting on top of others to see the view. There is also a viewing platform at the top in addition to the rocks to look out on. A definite must hike if you are looking for things to do along skyline drive.

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By Adam

Steady incline up the mountain but worth it. Get there early. The views are amazing. Parking wasn't that big of an issue, as I went early in the morning.

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By Ben Nyce

The lower hike is strenuous straight up to the top. The upper hike is not as strenuous/steep but slightly longer. Views are worth it either way!

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By Albert Schmitt

I really enjoyed the phenomenal views of this hike , u are able to see several of the well known hiking mountains to the east when at the summit . I parked at hawksbill gap parking area and did the salamander loop. I rate the difficulty of the trail a 3 with 10 being most difficult, good hike for beginners.

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By Don Snyder

Off of Skyline Drive the Hawksbill Mountain/Peak hike is a relatively easy climb to some of the most amazing mountain views in the mid-Atlantic region. Its a beautiful hike on a pretty smooth trail. While smooth the incline up is persistent and down almost seemed like more of a workout. And watch out for the occasional tree root and rock in the trail. With that said the award at the top is worth it! The views in almost are directions are wonderful and if you go several time during different weather conditions you will experience a different perspective each time! So what are you waiting for? Even in this time of COVID you can get off your backside and go see some nature! Better call ahead though; you can never be too sure what is closed for health safety reasons!

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