"Hazel Mountain Overlook Sunrise" by U.S. National Park Service , public domain
Shenandoah CentralHawksbill |
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National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Hawksbill Area | Shenandoah National Park
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Tra
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2017
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Crescent Rock
Overlook
North
Whiteoak Canyon
Fire Road
Hawksbill Gap
Parking
MP
45
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Hawksbill
Viewing Platform
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Rock Spring Cabin
Rock Spring Hut
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S ala mande
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Old Rag View
Overlook
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Trail
Spitler Knoll
Overlook
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48
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MP
sbill
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MP
47
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Upper
Hawksbill
Parking
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B ig
MP
Rock Spring Access Road
(no vehicle access)
Rock Spring
Cabin Parking
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Sky
(day use only)
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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
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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
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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
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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.