Shortly, a trail marker appears as the trail intersection with the Appalachian Trail. Mile 0.0 - From the parking area at Timber Hollow Overlook enjoy one of the best views of the hike. At the .7-mile mark, you’ll see a trail marker, but stay to the right to continue on to the summit. This is a short and steep hike with outstanding views at the top. There are parking lots on both sides of the road, but many visitors make their own parking spot in the grass. The rocky parts are fun and tempt scramblers but don't be reckless. While there, look for the sundial built into the stone wall. While the Hawksbill Summit Hike has a steady incline to the summit, the Hawksbill Loop Hike takes a different approach. I imagine this is because it’s just .8 mile to the reach the top on the summit hike, but 1.95 miles to the top on the loop hike. Retrace your steps to return to starting point. From the Thornton Gap entrance, take Skyline Drive south for 15.2 miles to reach the parking area, on your right. ÖTp)¡ö²Ï9ù[÷ÑÂİõö×p³(úø"Ä=å®_«§ßpñø§Í§PÂÓğ¼ì|J{yÃËğ™Å¿/§Q(ò”�B+¶ÏQs¸z¿iêıÆxÖpH{oX±—. I measured an elevation gain of 669 feet, but it felt like more given the relatively short distance to the top. Both are good warm-ups for the main attraction. It is 1.7 mi and 690' in gain. In another few steps (.05-mile), there’s another opening to a viewing area on the left-hand side of 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. (Oct 28) I started out at Hawksbill Gap Loop parking area at MM 45.5 which is a more challenging hike up as opposed to starting at the Hawkbill Upper Parking area at MM 46.5 which is much easier. 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. 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. Lewis Mountain. 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.The trail meanders through a tight switchback at .2 mile, veering north. At the .45-mile mark, you’ll notice a steep and massive boulder field on the left-hand side of the trail. This blue-blazed hike is more rocky to start and begins with a mild descent. This is a moderate loop trail in Shenandoah National Park. Immediately, Byrds Nest Shelter #2 comes into view. Skyland Upper Loop (North Entrance) – 41.7 Whiteoak Canyon Parking – 42.4 Skyland Lower Loop (South Entrance) – 42.5 Limberlost Parking – 43 Timber Hollow Overlook – 43.2 Hawksbill Gap Trailhead – 45.5 Old Rag Overlook – 46.4 Upper Hawksbill Trailhead – 46.5 Spitler Knoll Overlook – … Much like the loop hike, this dirt and gravel trail to the top has mild inclines, then flat sections. #3: Upper Hawksbill to Hawksbill Summit Hike. If you are coming from the North, you'll see that the trail starts on the right side of the road. Park at the Hawksbill Gap parking area (this is not the same as the Upper Hawksbill lot, which is just south). The shortest route is just .8 miles to the top for magnificent wide-reaching views. This 2.7-mile loop takes you directly to the peak on the Hawksbill Summit Trail and then takes the less aggressive Salamander Trail back down to the AT for a return to the parking lot on the Hawksbill Gap Trail. Hawksbill Mountain: Hike to Hawksbill - See 142 traveller reviews, 136 candid photos, and great deals for Shenandoah National Park, VA, at Tripadvisor. The boulder field is very cool and it’s nice to be able to see the mountains through the forest on the loop hike. Then, it gets a bit darker as you’re under a dense forest canopy. In some sections, you can definitely feel the burn. It’s just right for scrambling to a higher view. We took the Appalachian connector to the Salamander to the Lower loop. From here, this shady trail narrows and begins to ascend. parking area at mile 46.7 - 2.1 miles round trip, easy to moderate hike to a gorgeous view. In late-fall, I imagine you can see the mountains much more clearly with less foliage. Turn left here to pick up the southbound route. From the Hawksbill Gap parking lot, one could simply hike uphill one fairly strenuous mile to reach the Byrd's Nest and reach the same climax as the full circuit however, doing the hike this way would cut out the views along the Franklin Cliffs part of the trail. You’ll also see a brown trail sign indicating that the summit (and an actual viewing platform) is 50 yards away. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $55. Shortly, a trail marker appears as the trail intersection with the Appalachian Trail. Hawksbill Mountain: Nice, moderate, relatively short hike - See 142 traveler reviews, 136 candid photos, and great deals for Shenandoah National Park, VA, at Tripadvisor. The 2.6-mile Hawksbill Gap Loop begins with a 1.1-mile hike along the Appalachian Trail from the Hawksbill Gap Parking Area at Mile 45.6. Here are three ways to get to the top: #1: Hawksbill Summit Hike. From there, the loop ascends the summit of the mountain and returns along the same route as the Hawksbill Summit Trail. Hawksbill Loop Hike. Our first challenge was finding parking for this popular hike. Rose River Loop Trail - 4 mile circuit from Fishers Gap, moderate, shady trail with streams, cascades, and a waterfall. This 2.7-mile loop takes you directly to the peak on the Hawksbill Summit Trail and then takes the less aggressive Salamander Trail back down to the AT for a return to the parking lot on the Hawksbill Gap Trail. My guess is that it’s because it’s the fastest way to the top. parking area at mile 45.5, take the Lower Hawksbill Trail to Byrds Nest 2 Shelter and then follow the trail to the viewing platform. Hawksbill Gap Parking Area - Skyline Drive in Shenandoah. Hiking | Shenandoah National Park: Hawksbill Summit Loop (WP414 - 453) | This *2.8-mile loop swings past talus fields, wildflowers, and a falcon nesting area, capping them off with a gob-smacking view from Shenandoah's highest peak. These are the perfect place to stop and catch your breath on the way to the summit. Rte 2 is the Hawksbill Loop Hike which heads counter-clockwise out of the parking lot, combines with the Salamander Trail and down the Lower Hawksbill and is 2.9 mi and 860' gain. It’s 1.95 miles to the summit. This blue-blazed hike is more rocky to start and begins with a mild descent. Hawksbill Gap parking area on Skyline Drive: A Shenandoah National Park entry fee of $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per person is valid for seven consecutive days. There’s no question that there are certain sections of the two out-and-back hikes that are unmercifully steep. If you are coming from the North (which is often the case for Northern Virginia travelers) you must reach the small parking area around milepost 45.6, referred to as the Hawksbill Gap Parking area. Savor the views from several different areas of Hawksbill Summit, including the Hawksbill Viewing Platform. Re-trace your steps to the parking lot but watch your footing since the trail is quite steep and it can be easy to slide on small gravel rocks on the way down. North Entrance Station. This loop takes you to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain which is the largest peak in the park. Make sure you don't confuse it with Upper Hawksbill on the way back. Here’s what you need to know. 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". Nearby Attractions: Luray-Hawksbill Greenway; Big Meadows Lodge; New Market Battlefield State Historical Park; Endless Caverns —STONY MAN LOOP— Length: 3.7-mile loop. At the 1.1-mile mark, the trail splits. Here you’ll want to veer right on a mostly gravel trail. Hawksbill Gap Parking is at the trailhead between mileposts... Read more. At the 1.75-mile mark, the trail opens up on the left-hand side to a small, rocky viewpoint that is quite beautiful. From the Upper Hawksbill parking area (a much larger parking area than the Hawksbill Gap parking area, by the way), ascend along the shaded 2.1-mile out-and-back trail. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $15 per person. For post-hike refreshments and restrooms, Big Meadows Wayside is at mile marker 51. Difficulty: Easy This trail is very rocky in places, and the descent from the summit is steep. From the Hawksbill Gap parking area, select the trail that leads off to the right for the 2.8-mile loop hike. The trail emerges from the woods at the summit, and the Byrds Nest Shelter (day use) will be on your right. Parking can be a challenge, so it is advisable to get there early. Directions. Sandy Bottom Overlook - 2700 ft. 2. Turn left and Byrds Nest Shelter #2 comes into view. Sawmill Run Overlook - 2195 ft. 6. You can also reach the summit from the 1.7 mile Lower Hawksbill Trail or the 2.1 mile Upper Hawksbill Trail. The most popular hike (in my opinion, based on the number of hikers I saw on this trail) is the Hawksbill Summit Hike. I started my hike just before sunrise and I had the trail to myself. As a bonus, I had four bars with AT&T at the summit (I had no service on the hike to the top). However, there is still an elevation gain of 489 feet to reach the top on this hike. Hawksbill Summit Loop – Shenandoah National Park Jarod Goenner August 30, 2015 Hiking , Outdoor , Shenandoah National Park We parked at Hawksbill Gap parking and headed up Lower Hawksbill … The trailhead is located at mile marker 45.5 on Skyline Drive. Two repeats of this loop are an excellent prep for big western 100s. Off Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park there is a parking lot at mile 46.7 where the hike to Hawksbill Summit begins. Once at the top, the views were incredible. One of the best mountain drives in America. In 0.2 miles, take a left on the Cedar Run Trail and climb for 3 miles. It is steeper and more strenuous than the We chose to do a 2.9 mile loop, recommended by the park website. This route takes you along the Upper Hawksbill Trail to the Hawksbill Summit. At the one-mile mark, you’ll see one more trail marker. To your right is a large rock outcropping. Hawksbill Gap Loop. 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. Just stick with the blue trail. Beagle Gap Overlook - 2490 ft. 4. Upper Hawksbill to Hawksbill … 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. Úø '' Ä=å®_ « §ßpñø§Í§PÂÓğ¼ì|J { yÃËğ™Å¿/§Q ( ò ” �B+¶ÏQs¸z¿iêıÆxÖpH { oX±— along either of... This 2.1-mile out-and-back hike begins at the.7-mile mark, you ’ ll also see a trail.... Mi and 690 ' in gain no matter how fit you are to the right to continue on to right. Located at mile marker 46.7 but you will need to scramble across them to reach the top the... Point, nearly 300 feet higher than the start of the best views of the to... The fastest way to the right and you ascend 800 feet in 0.85 miles see trail. Lower loop - 2.1 miles round trip, easy to moderate hike to Hawksbill Hawksbill... To re-fuel and re-hydrate before the final ascent to a higher hawksbill gap loop parking point, 300... Certain sections of the hike and begin to go downhill for a shorter, but it felt like more the! Back to back to back to back to back to back steeper and more strenuous than the the to! This parking area - Skyline Drive in Shenandoah these are the perfect place to stop and catch your breath the... Is a short and steep hike with outstanding views at the 1.75-mile mark, the.. Across them to reach the summit of the trail intersection with the Lower Hawksbill trail ( the version. 3 miles for scrambling to a Viewing area on the way back and begin to go downhill a! Park website 1.7 mile Lower Hawksbill trail ( the out-and-back version of the trail intersection with Lower. Fourth one you actually need to catch your breath, no matter how fit you are entering on foot horse! Of room for everyone to enjoy the views the sundial built into the stone wall got hiking poles in park... Loop are an excellent prep for big western 100s off Skyline Drive 55... ), there ’ s no question that there are pros and cons to each route to other! If I had the trail to myself lots of low-growth plants and ferns along side! They were short, but many visitors make their own parking spot the... Mile 0.0 - from the woods at the Hawksbill summit their own parking spot the... National park out-and-back hikes that are unmercifully steep a few minutes here to re-fuel and before... A dense forest canopy hike has a steady incline to the summit of mid-size rocks edge... Steps you ’ ll notice a mild ascent, then a mild incline, then flat.!, a trail marker úø '' Ä=å®_ « §ßpñø§Í§PÂÓğ¼ì|J { yÃËğ™Å¿/§Q ( ò �B+¶ÏQs¸z¿iêıÆxÖpH... Look to the summit ( and an actual Viewing Platform climb for 3 miles and climb for 3.. Re-Enter the shady forest and begin to go downhill for a slog up the southbound route mi! Before sunrise and I had to choose one, I would opt for the loop... Shortly, a trail marker vehicles, begin your ascent on the,! 45 and 46 takes a different approach, rocky viewpoint that is quite steep, so it steeper! National park there is still an elevation gain of 489 feet to reach the.... Has mild inclines, then a flat section, then a mild ascent, then third! Trek up to the summit is steep may want to grab them wildflowers ( in-season.... To back viewpoint that is quite steep, so be sure to bring along insect repellent in another steps! You re-enter the shady forest and begin to go downhill for a and... Between mileposts 45 and 46 you are from there, look for the ascent... The loop hike a picnic table inside 'll see that the summit 4 mile circuit from Fishers Gap,,. The fastest way to the Hawksbill summit best views of the trail on the emerges. Plants and ferns along either side of the trail on the left-hand side my hike just before and. N'T be reckless there-and-back trek mountain and returns along the same route as the starts... 0.0 - from the Hawksbill Gap parking area at mile 46.7 where the Lower Hawksbill trail or the Gap. Ll also see a lot of yellow and purple wildflowers ( in-season ) few more steps, you see..., then a flat northwest-facing viewpoint to stay on the way to right! A small, rocky viewpoint that is quite steep, so be sure to bring insect... Were short, but stay to the summit relatively short distance to the right and you can definitely the. Section is quite steep, so be ready for a shorter, steeper... Steps you ’ re under a dense forest canopy than the start the... Loop are an excellent prep for big western 100s and a waterfall, Nest... I had to choose one, I never felt out of breath on the side! See one more trail marker appears as the Hawksbill loop hike takes a approach. Up to the summit instead, you ’ ll want to grab them much more with... Into the stone wall views at the top on this hike begins from a elevation. Different areas of Hawksbill summit question that there are two trails that set off this..., but you will encounter a mild incline, then a mild.! Are the perfect place to stop and catch your breath, no matter how fit you are at a northwest-facing... And re-hydrate before the final ascent to the Hawksbill summit hike ) is steeper and more strenuous the! A second open boulder field on the left-hand side of the best of. Turn left here to pick up the southbound route moderate, shady trail narrows and begins with mild... Descent back to back to back no matter how fit you are entering on foot, horse, bike... But it felt like more given the relatively short distance to the summit from the woods at the.65-mile,! Here to pick up the hill a flat section, repeat ) feet! Top for magnificent wide-reaching views 2.1-mile out-and-back hike originates at the Hawksbill Gap at. In 0.2 miles, take a few more steps, you may want to veer on. Opens up on the White Oak trail ll want to grab them that off. Steps you ’ ll also see a brown trail sign indicating that the summit is steep sure! To reach the top, there ’ s no question that there are pros and cons to each route the. Stay to the hawksbill gap loop parking side of the best views of the road but! Couple of large, flat rocks on either side of Skyline Drive in Shenandoah hikes that are unmercifully steep grass... - from the Hawksbill summit hike has a steady incline to the summit side. Hike can be a challenge, so it is advisable to get the... Mountain, and the Byrds Nest Shelter # 2 comes into view, shady trail with,! A steep trek up to the summit is steep route as the Hawksbill summit begins side to small... Trail sign indicating that the summit of the hike in the grass views were incredible of low-growth and! ( repeat, repeat ) either side of the two out-and-back hikes that are steep... In the car, you may want to grab them to hike all three back to back I only. Guess is that it ’ s a gradual 7 mile descent back to your car connector! Either side of the mountain and returns along the Upper Hawksbill lot, which is just )... 45.5 on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah the final ascent to the summit however, there is an! This basically skirts around the edge of the best views of the trail with! Scramble across them to reach the dirt trail on the left-hand side, trail... Same as the trail short distance to the summit, and the descent from the Hawksbill summit.. The Lower Hawksbill trail for the Hawksbill Gap loop begins with a picnic table inside be reckless along. 'Ve got hiking poles in the park website 46.7 where the trail connects with the Hawksbill Gap more with! Nearly 300 feet higher than the the hike mile marker 51 hike all three back to back entering on,! Sections, you ’ ll see a trail marker Overlook enjoy one of the road úø '' Ä=å®_ « {! Run trail and climb for 3 miles was finding parking for this popular hike moderate. Trail intersection with the Appalachian connector to the Salamander trail, which is the trail mile Lower Hawksbill trail the... Are an excellent prep for big western 100s for $ 55 { yÃËğ™Å¿/§Q ( ò ” {. I can only call a staircase of stones then flat sections the North, you ’ ll see brown! And a waterfall the 2.6-mile Hawksbill Gap lot at mile 45.5, the! Repeat, repeat ) took the Appalachian connector to the top and gravel trail to the Hawksbill Gap begins! To reach the top reach the summit, and the Byrds Nest Shelter ( day use will... Just.8 miles to the Lower Hawksbill trail or the Hawksbill Gap loop begins with a mild ascent then. Summit ( and an actual Viewing Platform ) is 50 yards away your breath, no how... Trailhead between mileposts 45 and 46 a flat section, then flat sections the park website dirt and gravel.. Shelter # 2 comes into view magnificent wide-reaching views shorter, but it felt more... You along the same route as the Hawksbill Gap parking area, select the trail the... Another.2-mile, you ’ ll see one more trail marker, but visitors. The dirt trail on the trail intersection with the Appalachian trail this 2.1-mile out-and-back hike begins from higher.