Hawksbill Mountain Trail
Morganton, North Carolina
Details
Distance
1.87 miles
Elevation Gain
633 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by John Stephens
Dynamic 360 views looking over Linville Gorge from 4,009 ft elevation at peak. The mountain provides beautiful hidden nooks to set up camp.
Hidden far above the beautiful Linville Gorge stands Hawksbill Mountain, among many other fantastic hikes. The roughly 1.7 mile hike from the dusty gravel parking lot is steep but worth every step. It took me about an hour to conquer with a few water bottle-guzzling stops.
At the top, you are almost immediately hit with the gorgeous views. You have two options for a view: looking left toward Asheville and Table Rock, or looking right toward the gorge lying over 2,000 feet below. Both provide a stunning height and breathtaking vision of the rolling hills ahead. If you time your hike right, you can catch the sunset from here, and watch as the sun suddenly cascades warm light all over the valley and rocks.
The mountain has plenty of little nooks and hiding places to set up a little one or two-person tent. The nights can be a little breezy (my little tent blew around and shook in response to the howling wind). But as the night moved on so did the furious weather. By morning the mountain had again returned to its solemn silence.
The sunrise is again a beautiful view that seems better accompanied by a cup of strong camp coffee.
Camping Permits may be required (May-Oct.). For permit info, contact the local ranger office:
Grandfather Ranger District
109 East Lawing Dr.
Nebo, NC 28761
(828) 652-2144
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Hawksbill Mountain Trail Reviews
We camped this trail in May and it was amazing. We only saw one other hiker/camper during our hike. We went in May and the flowers and views of the trees were amazing. We saw signs for a bear sanctuary but did not see any during our two days there. We also caught a meteor shower while we were up there. So cool
5.0
This hike was not too hard, my 10 year old sister hiked the trail easily. The views at the top are beautiful. The rocks are fun to climb over, and find good picture spots on.
5.0
Came here on a weekday evening and got one of the sites with a view. It was a unique place with plenty of nooks and crannies to get interesting perspectives for photos.
5.0
There are not as many campsites on the mountain here as you might think and expect to find them occupied very early on the weekends. Many of the campsites do not have immediate views, but are a stones throw away from epic vistas. Be sure to get a permit for the weekends!
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Photograph Hawksbill Mountain at Sunrise or Sunset
Hike to the Summit of Table Rock Mountain
Little Table Rock Trail
Camp at the Chimneys in the Linville Wilderness
Hike the Conley Cove Trail into Linville Gorge
Hike to Hawksbill Mountain
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