Hawksbill summit, the highest point in the park.
NPS / N. Lewis · Public domain

Hawksbill Summit

The shortest route to the highest point in the park.

Stays on the map
Distance
2.1 mi
round trip
Elevation gain
520 ft
Hiking time
1 hr 30 min
NPS estimate, no breaks
Difficulty
Easiest
NPS scale

From the Upper Hawksbill lot at mile 46.5, a fire road and trail climb gently to the summit platform. The view takes in Old Rag to the east and the valley to the west.

Dogs allowed on a leash

Leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. NPS pet rules

Park entrance pass only

$30 per vehicle, good for 7 days, or an annual pass. NPS fees

Highlights

  • Highest summit in the park
  • Gentle grade
  • Dogs allowed on leash

Before you go

  • Some summit outcrops are closed to protect rare plants. Stay behind the signs.

Where to stay, by the drive

Rank on the map

Ordered by drive time to the parking area, then by how close the stay is to this area and how complete and current its listing is. How ranking works.

Exterior of the Skyland dining room and taproom.
Unclaimed

Skyland

Lodge rooms and cabins inside the park · Skyline Drive, mile 41.7

12min drive

4.7 mi by road · 3.4 mi straight

Exterior of Big Meadows Lodge.
Unclaimed

Big Meadows Lodge

Lodge rooms and cabins inside the park · Skyline Drive, mile 51

15min drive

5.6 mi by road · 2.8 mi straight

Sunrise over Big Meadows.
Unclaimed

Big Meadows Campground

National park campground (reservation only) · Skyline Drive, mile 51

15min drive

5.4 mi by road · 2.6 mi straight

Moss phlox on the rocks at Crescent Rock Overlook in spring.
Unclaimed

Lewis Mountain Cabins

Rustic cabins inside the park · Skyline Drive, mile 57.5

24min drive

10.8 mi by road · 8.7 mi straight

Main Street in Sperryville, Virginia, in October.
Unclaimed

Hopkins Ordinary

Bed and breakfast with a brewery · Sperryville

48min drive

22.6 mi by road · 11.9 mi straight

2 more beyond 60 minutes
Fields toward the Blue Ridge from Route 231 near Etlan, Madison County.
Unclaimed Some pet-friendly units

Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges

Lodge rooms, cabins, farmhouses and campground · Syria

1 hr 20 mindrive

42.2 mi by road · 5.2 mi straight

Panorama across a field toward Old Rag from Route 231 near Etlan.
Host verified Dogs welcome

Birch's Library

Cabin, 1865 homestead · Syria

1 hr 36 mindrive

41.8 mi by road · 2.8 mi straight

Sources

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