Shenandoah Central

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Hawksbill Area | Shenandoah National Park Ro ck Tra il 2017 nt sce e r C Crescent Rock Overlook North Whiteoak Canyon Fire Road Hawksbill Gap Parking MP 45 P Hawksbill Viewing Platform C l i d Ru Lo w e r H a w k ll sbi lan Rock Spring Cabin Rock Spring Hut n il r Tra S ala mande 46 Tr a il er H Upp w do Old Rag View Overlook s Trail Spitler Knoll Overlook ea 48 M MP sbill awk MP 47 r Upper Hawksbill Parking Ho P se P B ig MP Rock Spring Access Road (no vehicle access) Rock Spring Cabin Parking ar a Tr Sky (day use only) ed Byrds Nest 2 Shelter Trail Skyland-Big Meadows Horse Tr ail Hiking Trail Hiking Trail (Appalachian Trail) Hiking Trail (Horses) Unpaved Road Paved Road Skyline Drive 0 0 P Parking Building 0.5 Kilometer 0.5 Mile Summit Emergency 1-800-732-0911 • Information 540-999-3500 • Online www.nps.gov/shen Hawksbill Summit Hike Markers & Blazes 1.7-mile round trip 1¼-hrs hiking time Easiest 690-ft elevation gain Trail markers are at trailheads and intersections. The metal bands are stamped with directional and mileage information. From the Hawksbill Gap 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. Retrace your steps to return to starting point. Trail blazes are found on trees and rocks throughout the Park. The color identifies the trail type: Upper Hawksbill to Hawksbill Summit Hike 2.1-mile round trip 1½-hrs hiking time Easiest 520-ft elevation gain Blue - Hiking trail White - Appalachian Trail Yellow - Open to horses From the Upper Hawksbill parking area at mile 46.5, take the Upper Hawksbill Trail to Byrds Nest 2 Shelter and then follow the trail to the viewing platform. Retrace your steps to return. Hawksbill Loop Hike 2.9-mile circuit 2-hrs hiking time Moderate 860-ft elevation gain From the north end of the Hawksbill Gap parking area at mile 45.5, take the short connector trail to the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). At the trail post, turn left onto the A.T. south. Continue on the A.T. south to the trail post indicating the Salamander Trail. Go left onto the blue-blazed Salamander Trail and follow it to the summit. Be sure to take the short trail past the shelter to the viewing platform. To return to the parking area be sure to take the blueblazed Lower (NOT the Upper) Hawksbill Trail. Hiking Difficulty Scale Easiest: Generally suitable for anyone who enjoys walking. Mostly level or with a slight incline. Generally less than 3 miles. Moderate: Generally suitable for novice hikers seeking a bit of a challenge. The terrain will involve a moderate incline and may have some steeper sections. Generally 3 to 5 miles. Moderately Strenuous: Generally challenging for an unconditioned person. The terrain will involve a steady and often steep incline. Generally 5 to 8 miles. Strenuous: Will challenge most hikers. The hike will generally be longer and steeper, but may be deemed strenuous because of the elevation gain. Generally 7 to 10 miles. Very Strenuous: Only well-conditioned and well-prepared hikers should attempt. Generally long and steep, and may include rock scrambling, stream crossings, and other challenging terrain. Generally 8 miles and over. Need to Know ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6’ at all times. Take plenty of water—at least a quart per hour. When you return from your hike, check for ticks. Be aware that you are in snake habitat. Be sure someone knows where you are and when to expect your return. Good to Know Many of Shenandoah’s most popular views are from rocky outcrops like Hawksbill. Did you know that these popular spots are also home to some of the Park’s most rare and sensitive vegetation? Look closely to see these tough, yet fragile plants— they look like they are growing right out of the rocks! Constant trampling puts this rare vegetation at risk, so please be aware of these special plants we are working to protect. Fun to Know Hawksbill is Shenandoah’s highest peak at 4,051 ft. Be sure to see the view from the observation platform just a few feet up the trail from the shelter. How far you can see will depend on a number of factors including the current air quality. It’s a great reminder of the simple things we can all do to reduce emissions and improve air quality—not just for the views, but also for our health! Leave No Trace ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Plan ahead and prepare. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Dispose of waste properly. Leave what you find. Respect wildlife. Be considerate of other visitors. Trail maintenance and map funded by entrance fee dollars.