The state of Virginia is filled with breathtaking mountains, and one of the best places to experience them is Shenandoah National Park. Of course, there are other regions of the state that boast beautiful mountain views, but there’s something special about this famous national park to visit in Virginia. The next time you’re able to visit, you should have Upper Hawksbill Trail at the top of your itinerary. This 2.2-mile trail will take you on a scenic hike to the top of Hawksbill, which just so happens to be the tallest peak in Shenandoah National Park. Here’s more on what you can expect from this magnificent trail.
Upper Hawksbill Trail is a popular trail in Shenandoah National Park, the best national park to visit in Virginia for incredible outdoor adventures. Measuring just 2.2 miles in length, it’s one of the easiest ways to experience the summit of the park’s tallest mountain.
Corrine Wasacz / AllTrails
The majority of the trail is wooded and uphill. Hikers will want to follow the blue blazes from the Hawksbill Trail lot as they meander through the woods.
Elizabeth Hinson / AllTrails
Before long, the trail will open up into a beautiful clearing, marked by an Appalachian Trail shelter. This is known as Byrd’s Nest Shelter.
Michael Flavin / AllTrails
From the shelter, hikers will follow signs to the summit, which features a beautiful stone observation platform. Standing on the outcrop, you’ll feel like you’re peering out over the edge of the world.
Jacob Dubois / AllTrails
Hikers note that it’s easy to spend at least 30 minutes at the summit given how beautiful the views are. Depending on visibility, it’s possible to see Betty’s Rock to the northeast and Old Rag to the east.
Kelly McManus / AllTrails
Even in the winter, the views are simply remarkable. Don’t forget to bring your camera to document your journey to the summit!
Stephanie Saint Laurent / AllTrails
As you enjoy the view from the summit, you’ll have reached 4,050 feet in elevation. The top of the peak can be notoriously windy, so be sure to bring plenty of layers!
Fred Chenot / AllTrails
Have you made it to the summit of Upper Hawksbill Trail before? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience! It’s no mystery that Shenandoah is the best national park to visit in Virginia. For more information, be sure to visit the official Shenandoah National Park website. Looking for more unforgettable adventures in Shenandoah? Check out our list of incredible hikes in Virginia under 5 miles — many of them are within the park!
Corrine Wasacz / AllTrails
Elizabeth Hinson / AllTrails
Michael Flavin / AllTrails
Jacob Dubois / AllTrails
Kelly McManus / AllTrails
Stephanie Saint Laurent / AllTrails
Fred Chenot / AllTrails
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Address: Upper Hawksbill Trail, Luray, VA 22835, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
national park to visit in Virginia February 09, 2022 Beth C. What are the best trails to hike in Shenandoah National Park? It’s no mystery why so many visitors and residents of Virginia alike flock to Shenandoah National Park. With its bountiful scenery, mountain views, and countless opportunities for adventure, it’s easily the top national park to visit in Virginia. When planning your trip to this iconic landmark, you might be wondering about the best trails to hike in the park. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered! While you really can’t go wrong with any designated trail in the park, there are some that stand apart from the rest. These include Dickey Ridge Loop, Mary’s Rock, Old Rag, Whiteoak Canyon Falls, Hawksbill Summit, Stony Man Loop, Rapidan Camp, Lof Mountain Loop, Furnace Mountain via Blackrock Summit, and Browns Gap Waterfall Loop. How many of these Shenandoah National Park Trails have you experienced? What are some of the best state parks to visit in Virginia? Now that we’ve covered a few reasons why Shenandoah is the best national park to visit in Virginia, it’s time to take a look at our state parks. Virginia is renowned for having some of the most beautiful state parks in the country, and each one is worth a visit. Some of the most popular include First Landing State Park, Hungry Mother State Park, Sky Meadows State Park, Grayson Highlands State Park, Occoneechee State Park, Natural Tunnel State Park, High Bridge Trail State Park, Douthat State Park, Kiptopeke State Park, Westmoreland State Park, Pocahontas State Park, Wildnerness Road State Park, Chippokes Plantation State Park, and Claytor Lake State Park. Learn more about what makes these Virginia state parks so remarkable.
The OIYS Visitor Center
national park to visit in Virginia
February 09, 2022
Beth C.
What are the best trails to hike in Shenandoah National Park? It’s no mystery why so many visitors and residents of Virginia alike flock to Shenandoah National Park. With its bountiful scenery, mountain views, and countless opportunities for adventure, it’s easily the top national park to visit in Virginia. When planning your trip to this iconic landmark, you might be wondering about the best trails to hike in the park. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered! While you really can’t go wrong with any designated trail in the park, there are some that stand apart from the rest. These include Dickey Ridge Loop, Mary’s Rock, Old Rag, Whiteoak Canyon Falls, Hawksbill Summit, Stony Man Loop, Rapidan Camp, Lof Mountain Loop, Furnace Mountain via Blackrock Summit, and Browns Gap Waterfall Loop. How many of these Shenandoah National Park Trails have you experienced? What are some of the best state parks to visit in Virginia? Now that we’ve covered a few reasons why Shenandoah is the best national park to visit in Virginia, it’s time to take a look at our state parks. Virginia is renowned for having some of the most beautiful state parks in the country, and each one is worth a visit. Some of the most popular include First Landing State Park, Hungry Mother State Park, Sky Meadows State Park, Grayson Highlands State Park, Occoneechee State Park, Natural Tunnel State Park, High Bridge Trail State Park, Douthat State Park, Kiptopeke State Park, Westmoreland State Park, Pocahontas State Park, Wildnerness Road State Park, Chippokes Plantation State Park, and Claytor Lake State Park. Learn more about what makes these Virginia state parks so remarkable.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
It’s no mystery why so many visitors and residents of Virginia alike flock to Shenandoah National Park. With its bountiful scenery, mountain views, and countless opportunities for adventure, it’s easily the top national park to visit in Virginia. When planning your trip to this iconic landmark, you might be wondering about the best trails to hike in the park. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered! While you really can’t go wrong with any designated trail in the park, there are some that stand apart from the rest. These include Dickey Ridge Loop, Mary’s Rock, Old Rag, Whiteoak Canyon Falls, Hawksbill Summit, Stony Man Loop, Rapidan Camp, Lof Mountain Loop, Furnace Mountain via Blackrock Summit, and Browns Gap Waterfall Loop. How many of these Shenandoah National Park Trails have you experienced?
What are some of the best state parks to visit in Virginia?
Now that we’ve covered a few reasons why Shenandoah is the best national park to visit in Virginia, it’s time to take a look at our state parks. Virginia is renowned for having some of the most beautiful state parks in the country, and each one is worth a visit. Some of the most popular include First Landing State Park, Hungry Mother State Park, Sky Meadows State Park, Grayson Highlands State Park, Occoneechee State Park, Natural Tunnel State Park, High Bridge Trail State Park, Douthat State Park, Kiptopeke State Park, Westmoreland State Park, Pocahontas State Park, Wildnerness Road State Park, Chippokes Plantation State Park, and Claytor Lake State Park. Learn more about what makes these Virginia state parks so remarkable.
