The 4051 foot summit of Hawksbill Mountain is the highest point in Shenandoah National Park. The trail to the summit is wide and gentle, with the climb on this 2.1 mile round trip hike is moderate as the elevation gain is about 520 feet. The views are spectacular from this extremely popular hiking destination inside of Shenandoah National Park. There are other ways to reach the summit, this description is the easiest.

Start from the Upper Hawksbill Parking Area located at milepost 46.7 along Skyline Drive. You'll enter the woods almost immediately as you follow this very wide trail. At 0.7 miles you turn right onto the Hawksbill Fire Road. The trail is a bit steeper now. When you reach Birds Nest 2, a day use shelter, you've arrived at the summit. Turn right in front of the shelter and walk 150 feet to an observation platform with spectacular views.

You can also check out the other ways to reach the summit by looking at the second map below. We recommend purchasing Shenandoah National Park (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map), Hiking Shenandoah National Park and Best Easy Day Hikes Shenandoah National Park to help plan your adventure in Shenandoah National Park.

Sign and wide trail near the summit