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 Reporter |
Summary: This trail is steep for nearly the entire hike. You are well inside the tree line for the entire hike, so there is not much to see. Once you reach the byrd shelter the views abound, and just another 100 feet or so, you reach the summit overlook, a beautiful 360 degree view. The NPS has a stone overlook built on the summit, so it's easy to know when you have gotten there. It's a tough walk but worth it. Within an hour you can bag the tallest peak in Shenandoah! There is an alternate version of this hike that is a loop. The hike described in this report is an out an back route. Trailhead: The trailhead is actually a small parking area on the side of the Skyline drive, near mile marker 45.6. There is a typical NPS trailhead sign with a map on the edge of the lot, which holds only 4-5 cars. (Lat:38 Lon:-78) Trail Guides for Hawksbill Summit: Hiking Shenandoah National Park by Bert & Jane Gildart (Falcon Guide) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: National Park Service Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jeffrey R. Daro, who has posted 2 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Keith on 1/11/2009 Hiked this for the first time today with my 13yo daughter and we really enjoyed the summit even though it was very windy and around 20 degrees up there. The hike wasn't all that hard and the view was well worth the walk. It took less than 35 minutes to go up and less to go back down. The rest of the time is spent enjoying the scenery at the summit. Like they say, not much to look at on the way up but plenty at the summit. It seems that there may be more than one way up to the summit. The best way (the way we went) appears to be from the Upper Hawksbill parking lot, and then tracing back.
Reviewed by David on 3/15/2008 My two oldest daughters and I hiked Hawksbill today. Great view at the top. Short hike,somewhat steep at times. We encountered many animals on this hike. about 3/4 up we saw a Ruffed Grouse on a log and near the top saw a goup of 5 large deer. On the way down we scared a sow and her cub. A must hike for all visiting the park. 
Reviewed by Victoria on 11/27/2007 This hike was wonderful! It was steep and a little tricky at times with the rocks slipping out from your feet,but most every trail will have that. The wildlife, deer and birds bound. We had a deer about 3 feet away from us that was eating, so it was a great way to see a deer up close and personal. The view was absoulutley amazing! Well worth the hike.
Reviewed by Rob on 1/2/2007 My wife son and I did this one 2 weeks ago. We did the loop - 2.9 miles, I believe and it took us about 2 hrs. The loop has you walking along the road for a mile and a half or so (back to the parking area)- something I personally do not like to do. All in all a nice family walk.
Reviewed by Chuck on 12/19/2006 This was our first hike in Shenandoah National Park back on Memorial Day. We knew it would be fairly strenuous given previous write-ups. What really astounded us was the proximity of wildlife. The deer are obviously well taken care of by tourists and other trekkers, as they are not timid and approach with little fear looking for handouts, despite federal rules. This was also our first encounter with a very large Timber Rattler, crossing our path at the junction of the fire-road and trail. We gave it plenty of room and it ignored us as it continued into a rocky outcropping. Finally reaching the top, the view is stunning. 
Reviewed by Viewer on 10/31/2006 the picture labeled hawksbill summit is not hawksbill at all. its a picture of another peak not far from hawksbill called marys rock. i know this because i have that same shot with me sitting on the pointed rock to the right in the picture.
Reviewed by JAMIE on 11/29/2005 For the first time hiker this trail has your biggest bang for your buck offering great views on the way up , several small rock scrambles , and the peaks view is breath taking. Most folks make the mistake of takeing upper Hawksbill or going up the much shorter , viewless , dull and steep trail to the top. when you get to the start of the trail at the lower level parking lot be sure to go to your right and folllow the AT until you find the trail up the mountian .You see what youve been missing! Personally this is my favorite short hike!
Reviewed by Joe on 11/15/2005 Great hike ! alittle hard on the legs at the top of the trail , but well worth it. a must see when in the park. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Virginia Hiking, Virginia Trails, Virginia Hikes, Rappahannock County Hiking, Rappahannock County Trails, Rappahannock County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
