Catch the Sunset at Hawksbill Mountain Summit

Stanley, Virginia

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Details

Distance

1.2 miles

Elevation Gain

650 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jess Fischer

This short one mile hike will bring you to one of the best outlooks in Shenandoah National Park. With expansive views to the south, west, and north, this location is the perfect spot to photograph a sunset.

Park at the Hawksbill Gap Park Area at MP 45.6. From the parking area there are two trails; one is the Appalachian Trail that heads north (trail to your right) the other is the Lower Hawksbill Trail that goes up to the summit (trail straight ahead behind two boulders). For our sunset hike we went straight up the Lower Hawksbill Trail. After about 0.9 miles you'll see a shelter (for day use only) and a couple hundred feet past this point is the main lookout. However, you'll notice there are a lot of spots along the whole cliff where you can sit and enjoy the sunset!

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Features

Photography

Hiking

Easy Parking

Forest

Romantic

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

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