Hawksbill Summite

It was a strenuous climb up Salamander trail with the occasional switchback, but usually it was just another long leg up requiring fairly frequent stops to catch one’s breath.  After a mile and quarter, the path became a gentle, manageable climb.  I then came upon the Appalachian Trail and then a very short distance to Byrd’s Nest #2 shelter and signs for the Hawksbill overlook.  The overlook was fairly elaborate with nice stone work and cement.  Also there were two brass compasses embedded with a moveable dial so you could line up the dial with a distance object and the compass would tell you what that peak or city was in the distance. 

There weren’t many people at the top while I was there so it was like having the tallest peak in Shenandoah, 4,051 ft., all to one’s self.  Just beautiful views on a crisp autumn-like day in late August.  The hike down meander to the edge of a cliff and then back several times before descending down the AT and then Lower Hawksbill Trail.  This time the trail was less steep but a little longer, which was fine by me.  Total hike was around 3 miles and about 2.5 hours.

In Central Shenandoah National Park this is a hike to Shenandoah’s highest mountain peak at 4,051 ft.  Hike is moderately difficult and is 2.9 miles long. This hike should give us sightings of Peregrine falcons.

We’ll walk along  the Appalachian Trail to Salamander trail and then arrive at Hawksbill Mountain.  We’ll return via Lower Hawksbill Trail passing Byrds Nest 2 Shelter, building in the 1930s.

Total hike will be 2.9 miles and about 4 hours.  Bring at least a liter of water, hiking boots, lunch/snacks, a hat, sunscreen, bug spray and sweat rag

https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/hawksbill_mtn_area_web.pdf