Hawksbill and Franklin Cliffs Circuit-8.6 Miles/Moderately Strenuous
Details
Starting Point - Lower Hawksbill Gap Parking Area
Ending Point - Lower Hawksbill Gap Parking Ares
Hike Distance/Rating - 8.6 Miles/Moderately Strenuous
Trailhead GPS Coordinates - [38.555621, -78.386549]( "Get Directions")
PLEASE NOTE - This is a moderately strenuous hike. The Big Meadows Horse Trail was in rough shape with a lot of trail erosion the last time I hiked this circuit, especially after we descend to the stream crossings. It is subject to this erosion especially after recent rainfall. This cannot be your first hike on remote and rugged trails of Shenandoah National Park. I am going to review past events in determining those who should be allowed on this hike. If you feel that you should be allowed on it, please email me at patrickcory@hotmail.com.
Hike Highlights - Lower Hawksbill Gap, Cedar Run Trail, Big Meadows Horse Trail, Fishers Gap, Appalachian Trail, Vista Points on Appalachian Trail, Salamander Trail, Hawksbill Summit, 270-Degree Views from Hawksbill Summit
Hike Details - We are going to start this by accessing the Cedar Run Trail. We will descend a short distance to the Big Meadows Horse Trail. We will turn right on the Horse Trail and pass underneath the Old Rag Overlook on Skyline Drive before arriving at a T-intersection. We will turn left and descend to our only stream crossings. After these 2 stream crossings, we will arrive at another T-intersection with the Rose River Falls Trail. We will turn right onto the Rose River Falls Trail and steadily climb up to Skyline Drive at Fishers Gap. We will cross Skyline Drive and turn right onto the Appalachian Trail. This stretch of Appalachian Trail features multiple viewpoints of the Massanutten Ridge and Shenandoah Valley. We will climb up to the Salamander Trail. We will turn right and climb up to the summit of Hawksbill. The summit of Hawksbill features multiple vista points and a 270-degree view and platform with views of Old Rag and Stony Man. After soaking in the views, we will descend back to the cars at the Lower Hawksbill Gap Parking Area. There will be an optional post hike at Big Meadows Wayside. Please bring something to share with the group for the post hie.
What to Bring - Good Day Pack, Good Hiking Boots/Shoes, Layers for Possible Cooler Fall Weather, Sunscreen, Tick Repellent, Lunch/Snacks, 3 to 5 Liters of Water/Electrolytes depending on the Weather, Camera, Money for your Driver is participating in the organized carpool, Money for the Post Hike, Something to share with the Group