Fishers Gap to Hawksbill Summit Hike - 6.2 miles (Moderate)

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Fishers Gap to Hawksbill Summit Hike - Shenandoah National Park

Located in the Central District of the Shenandoah National Park, this is a moderate 6.2 mile hike that will take us to the Parks highest peak (4,050'). The hike will start at Fishers Gap, where we will hike North on the Appalachian Trail until we reach Salamander Trail which will take us to Hawksbill Summit. PLEASE note, we will not be alone when hiking to Hawksbill in the peak of "leaf season" - most will take a different trail to get there, but we will have company at the summit.

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Hawksbill Summit & Observation Platform: We will be taking a break for lunch, picture taking and exploring at the summit.

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Difficulty: moderate

Note on difficulty: This hike will have approximately 1,300' of elevation gain, almost entirely on the outbound leg to Hawksbill. The uphill is not extreme, its just constant from the Fishers Gap to Hawksbill.

Where: For those wanting to carpool and/or caravan out together, we will meet at Barracks Road Shopping Center in front of Great Outdoor Provision Co. We will depart Barracks Road no later than 10:15 a.m - please arrive by 10:00 so that we can figure out who is riding with whom. Driving time to the trail head will be a little over an hour. From Barracks Road, we will be heading North on 29 to Ruckersville, where we then will turn left and head West on Hwy 33. We will jump off at the Shenandoah Park entrance and go North on Skyline Drive to the Fishers Gap overlook (mile post ~ 49.5) - we will park & meetup along the fire road which is at the North end of Fishers Gap overlook. If you plan on driving directly to the trail head, please say so in the comment section, so that we are not waiting for you at the carpool. Please be at the Trail Head by 11:20.

Fees & Such: Of course for the carpool to work, some have to offer to drive so others can ride. Riders, please give your driver $5.00 to cover their expenses. Also, note that there is a entrance fee to the Park - $25.00 per vehicle or $50.00 for an annual pass, good for anyone in the car (if you enjoy going to the park, the annual pass is the way to go and most of these funds stay in the park for improvements). If you already have a Park Pass, please bring it...

Supplies: please bring plenty of water and wear hiking boots/shoes. Trekking poles are recommended for this hike. We will be taking a nice break for exploring and enjoying lunch at Hawksbill Summit - so bring lunch and snacks...! Also, pay attention to the mountain weather - a rain shell is always a good idea to have in your pack.

Disclaimer: GetHiking Charlottesville's Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. With your RSVP you agree with this disclaimer - Disclaimer (https://www.meetup.com/GetHiking-Charlottesville-Charlottesville-VA/pages/21088739/Disclaimer/)

Weather: If inclement weather necessitates canceling or postponing the hike, the decision will be made no later than 7:30 a.m. - cancellations will be posted in the hike comment section... Steady rain with not much chance for clearing and/or forecast for dangerous conditions will call for postponing the hike.

RSVP: If you find that you're not going to be able to attend the hike, please update your RSVP to "No" as soon as possible. This allows those on the waitlist to have the opportunity to attend.

Dog Policy: If you want to hike with your pup, please check out our - Dog Policy (https://www.meetup.com/GetHiking-Charlottesville-Charlottesville-VA/pages/22042321/Dog_Policy/). The simple basics are dogs need to be on a short (max 6', non-retractable - Park rule) leash, owners need to pick up after their dog, your pup will need plenty of drinking water, dogs need to be well behaved and capable of keeping up with the pace of the two legged hikers.