Hiking · Stanley, Virginia
Hawksbill Summit
The highest point in Shenandoah National Park, reachable by a short steep climb or a longer circuit.
- Distance
- 2.9 mi
- Elevation gain
- 690 ft
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Typical time
- 1.5 hr – 2.5 hr
About this route
Hawksbill tops out at 4,050 feet, the highest ground in the park. The Upper Hawksbill route is the gentler approach; the Lower Hawksbill Trail is shorter and considerably steeper.
The summit has a stone observation platform and remnants of the high-elevation spruce-fir community that survives only on Virginia's tallest peaks. Peregrine falcons have been reintroduced in the area.
Why this difficulty rating: Short but steady climbing with rocky sections near the summit.
Highlights
- Highest point in the park
- Stone observation platform
- Spruce-fir remnant forest
Map and trailheads
Approximate locations for orientation only. Carry an offline map — cell service is unreliable on much of this network.
Know before you go
- Route type
- Loop
- Surfaces
- Rocky, Dirt
- Setting
- Mountain, Ridgeline, Forest
- Amenities
- Parking, Shade
- Parking
- Upper Hawksbill parking near Skyline Drive milepost 46.7.
- Restrooms
- Not yet verified
- Water
- Not yet verified
- Fees
- Shenandoah National Park entrance fee applies.
- Permits
- Not yet verified
- Hours
- Not yet verified
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed on leash
- Accessibility
- Not yet verified
- Stroller friendly
- No
- Good with kids
- Yes
- Seasonal notes
- Not yet verified
- Weather exposure
- Exposed summit platform; weather changes fast at elevation.
- Cell service
- Not yet verified
- Emergency
- Not yet verified
Hazards and wildlife
- Lightning
- Wind and cold at the summit
- Rocky footing
Peregrine falcon habitat; observe from the platform and do not approach cliffs.
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- Elevation gain
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- Elevation gain
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- Elevation gain
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- Route type
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