Hike to the tallest peak in Shenandoah National Park! Hawksbill Summit sits at 4,050 feet and is one of the most popular hikes in Virginia. The summit of Hawksbill has many lookout spots which offer stunning panoramic views. Stick around and watch sunset. In the right conditions, it’s worth it!
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Know Before You Go
Shenandoah National Park – Entrance Fee
Entrance into Shenandoah National Park is $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. If you have the Annual Park Pass (America the Beautiful Pass) then you get in for free. If you don’t have an Annual Pass and you visit National Parks frequently, we highly recommend making the purchase. It costs $80 but totally worth it!
Leave No Trace
Before you go, please make sure you understand the Leave No Trace principles. These seven principles help reduce our environmental impact from outdoor recreational activities. Nature is meant to be enjoyed and respected. 🌱
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
About the Trail
Hawksbill Summit via Lower Hawksbill Trail
Location: Hawksbill Summit is located within Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 1.7 miles with an elevation gain of 690 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 1 to 1.5 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is an out-and-back hike.
Difficulty Rating: Moderate to hard depending on fitness level.
Terrain: This trail has dirt and gravel/rocks.
Pet-friendly? Yes! Your furry friend must be a on leash.
How to Get to the Trailhead
The trailhead (to Lower Hawksbill Trail) is located at Hawksbill Gap Parking area at mile marker 45.5.
QUICK TIP!! There is another parking area called Upper Hawksbill Parking which also has a trail (Upper Hawksbill Trail) that leads to Hawksbill Summit. This is good to know in case Hawksbill Gap Parking area is full!
Put this address in Google maps: Hawksbill Loop Trailhead, Luray, VA 22835, United States
Trail Directions
This trail is straightforward and easy to follow. Starting at the Hawksbill Gap Parking area, follow the Lower Hawksbill Trail. Get ready for a short yet steep climb! You’ll reach an intersection as you get closer to the summit. Take a right (you will see a sign that will lead you in the right direction).
Keep hiking a bit further until you see the Byrds Nest 2 Shelter.
Go past the shelter and continue on the trail to reach a viewing platform. Congrats, you made it! 🥳
We highly suggest sticking around to watch sunset if you can! My husband and I did this, and it was AMAZING! One of the most beautiful sunsets we have ever seen.
My parents and I hiked this trail on April 24th, 2022, and my husband and I hiked up to watch sunset on July 3rd, 2022. I wrote a blog post about our personal experience! Interested in reading Our Adventure Journal post about hiking to Hawksbill Summit- the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park and best spot to watch sunset in Virginia??
Alternate Routes
Here are alternate hiking routes to Hawksbill Summit. The main trail I discuss in this blog post starts at the Hawksbill Gap Parking area (Lowers Hawksbill Trail). There is another route that begins in the same parking area called Hawksbill Loop. Then at another parking area (Upper Hawksbill Parking) there is a route that leads to Hawksbill Summit. Either trail is a great choice! For the purpose of catching sunset on time, we chose to take the shortest route via Lower Hawksbill Trail.
1. Hawksbill Loop: 2.9 miles round trip; 860 feet elevation gain; 2 hours to complete; moderate difficulty; pets allowed (on leash); trailhead located at Hawksbill Gap Parking area.
2. Hawksbill Summit via Upper Hawksbill Trail: 2.1 miles round trip; 520 feet elevation gain; “easiest” difficulty per NPS; 1.5 hours to complete; pets allowed (on leash); trailhead located at Upper Hawksbill Parking.
We Vlogged Our Experience!
More Great Hikes in Shenandoah National Park
There are a bunch of awesome hikes to do in Shenandoah National Park! Below is a list of some of our personal favorites.
Bearfence Mountain – This is one of our favorite hikes in Shenandoah National Park! This short hike involves a challenging rock scramble to 360-degree views and continues on to another viewpoint with 180-degree views.
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