Hiking VA: Hawk's bill @ Shenandoah NP

Hawk's bill

The highest point in Shenandoah National Park, but it is very reachable.

Parking: Hawksbill Gap at mile 45.5.

Tip: get a trail map.

There are three ways to reach the summit. We took the loop - the longest way:

Hawksbill Loop Hike 2.9-mile circuit 2-hours hiking time

Moderate 860-foot elevation gain.

From the north end of the Hawksbill Gap parking area at mile 45.5, take the short connector trail to the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). At the trail post. Then, turn left onto the A.T. south. Continue on the A.T. south to the trail post indicating the Salamander Trail. Go left onto the blue-blazed Salamander Trail. At the next trail junction, turn left onto the Upper Hawksbill Trail. Be sure to take the short trail past the shelter to the viewing platform. To return to the parking area be sure to take the blue-blazed Lower (NOT the Upper) Hawksbill Trail.

Hiking VA: Browns Gap Hike @ Shenandoah NP

Doyles Falls and Jones Falls

These waterfalls are in the south part of Shenandoah national park near the Loft Mountain area.

It was a rainy day and the heavy fog made the trip very interesting.

Waterfalls, wild flowers, moss and lichen, etc.

Driving VA: Mist on Skyline Drive @Shenandoah NP

Mist on Skyline Drive

It was a rainy day with thick fog, but we got the greatest reward on the Skyline Drive!

Hiking VA: Old Rag @ Shenandoah NP

Old Rag

We went to Shenandoah National Park in Spring break and hiked the most popular trail, the Old Rag mountain trail. That was the third time we went Old Rag, but it is still our favorite trail!

Distance: 9.4-mile circuit hike
Difficulty: Very Strenuous (hiking difficulty scale)
Hiking Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
Elevation Gain: 2,348 feet

Parking: it is outside the NP. Ask for a trail map at the park entrance of the park office.

Check out the official site for details.