A shorter, yet steeper, route to Shenandoah’s highest peak. The viewing platform on top of Hawksbill offers a magnificent 360-degree panoramic view of the Shenandoah Valley, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Virginia Piedmont.
Note that very limited closures are in effect in an effort to prevent further degradation of important outcrop ecosystems on Hawksbill.
Distance: 1.7-mile round trip hike
Difficulty: Moderate (hiking difficulty scale)
Hiking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Elevation Gain: 690 feet
Hike Description
- From the Hawksbill Gap Parking Area (mile 45.5), take the Lower Hawksbill Trail to the Byrds Nest 2 Shelter
- Follow the trail to the viewing platform.
- Retrace your steps to return to your starting point.