Welcome to Travel Tuesday! I’m finally catching up on writing about some travels from earlier this year , so we’re popping across the country to check out the Hawksbill Summit Trail over in Shenandoah National Park today!
Hawksbill Summit Trail in Shenandoah National Park
Distance: 1.5 miles (out + back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 672 feet
Trailhead Address: 38.55641,-78.3868
There are 2 different trails you can take for Hawksbill — one is the Hawksbill Loop Trail, which is 2.9 miles with an 860-foot elevation gain. We did the Hawksbill Summit Trail/Lower Hawksbill Trail, which is about 1.5-1.7 miles + 670-690-foot elevation gain depending on if you follow the National Park Service info vs AllTrails.
Shenandoah sits downwind from major cities, so air pollution can unfortunately obscure the view from the park’s high points. Hawksbill is the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park, sitting at 4,051 feet.
The 360° view up at the top of Hawksbill Mountain is gorgeous! :]
Shenandoah National Park is home to the Shenandoah salamander, a rare and endangered species that can only be found in this park! We didn’t get to see one while we were here but they like the mostly cool, moist elevation of this mountain!
When the sun hits the tree juuuust right, it looks like the bark is golden!
Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash at all times. Cell phone service is pretty unreliable in this area, so make sure you download the map beforehand.
- Have you ever been to Shenandoah National Park? Check out one of the other hikes there (Old Rag Mountain)!
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This looks like some great hiking! Definitely saving it for later. I’d love to start seeing more National Parks when I travel. Thank you.
Yay! I hope you get to visit more! :]
What a gorgeous trail! I love the views and the option to make it a little longer or shorter.
Yeah! Can tailor it to however you happen to be feeling that day (or how much time you have)! :]
Farrah recently posted…Ultimate Coffee Date: January 2023
Really nice. In which State is this located?
This trail is in Virginia in Shenandoah National Park! :]
Farrah recently posted…Ultimate Coffee Date: May 2023
Not bad for such a short trail eh!? Those views are fantastic! It is interesting that the pollution is blown in from surrounding cities. I had a peek at a map – Shenandoah national park looks so far into the wilderness!?
Yeah, I really wouldn’t have expected that, given how much we had to drive in just to get to the trails! :P It’s pretty deep into the wilderness but I kinda like it that way! :D
Farrah recently posted…Ultimate Coffee Date: January 2023
Beautiful pictures. I lived in VA once but it was during early covid so I didn’t get to visit SNP.
I lived in VA once but it was during early covid so I didn’t get to visit SNP. Looks like the views are incredible.
Aww, if you ever go back, I hope you get to visit!
Great views and beautiful walks in nature and you’ve captured it beautifully in your photos.
Thank you! It was a fun escape! :]
Farrah recently posted…Ultimate Coffee Date: January 2023
I have been to VA but missed visiting Shenandoah national park. The views are awesome. Looks like a lovely trail and some parts look challenging and fit for seasoned hikers. Your images have captured the scenery and greenery very well. :-)
hehe, the incline definitely got my heart going! :P It was so pretty though – always a treat to escape to nature for a while! :]
Farrah recently posted…Ultimate Coffee Date: January 2023
I would love to check the Hawksbill Loop Trail, it might be harder – but the views will make it with an effort!
Yeah! The view was definitely worth it! :D!!
Farrah recently posted…Ultimate Coffee Date: January 2023
Shenandoah is on my to-visit list, maybe in 2024?
I hope so! :D It’s a gorgeous park!!
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