Skyland Lodge to Hawksbill Mountain (Rating: A)


Details
You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.
10 miles with 1900 feet of elevation gain.
Join us for a scenic hike to the top of Shenandoah National Park's highest peak, Hawksbill Mountain, offering 360-degree views of the Shenandoah Valley, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Virginia Piedmont.
Description:
We'll start from the parking lot in front of Skyland Lodge. The hike will involve several trails to and from Hawksbill to include portions of the Appalachian Trail, White Oak Canyon, Limberlost, Crescent Rocks, Salamander, Skyland Horse trail, and Skyland stables. We'll enjoy the lunch and the views atop Hawksbill summit and then make our way back to the starting point. We'll make a short stop at Crescent Rock Overlook on the way.
Hiking Pace:
The pace will be about 2.5 mph, slower on the uphill. Hiking time with lunch, about 5 hours.
Bring:
Adequate water/hydration (at least 2-3 liters), snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes for some of the rocky areas, tree roots, and potential wet areas. Hiking poles are helpful if you usually hike with them. Recommend insect repellent and sunscreen.
Park Entry Fee:
$30 entrance fee for Shenandoah National Park unless you have a National Park pass or a Shenandoah annual park pass. Military and Veterans are eligible for a military pass, just show your military/retired/veterans ID.
Dogs:
Dogs are not permitted on this hike since they are not allowed on Limberlost Trail.
CARPOOLING:
For those who are looking to carpool, meet at University Blvd - Gainesville Park and Ride and plan to leave at 7:15am to arrive at the trailhead in time to get signed in and start hiking at 9am. Park & Ride GPS 38.80137, -77.58975
A new Sheetz has opened in the Park & Ride, on New Stable Way, this would be a good meeting point. Park across the street from Sheetz, versus in their parking lot.
Neither the Club nor the hike leader is responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. Suggested carpool fee: $7.00 per rider. Driving time from Gainesville Park & Ride to Skyland Lodge is about 1 hour 30 minutes.
NOTE: The times listed for the hike include starting and finishing at Gainesville Park & Ride. If you are going directly to the trailhead at Skyland Lodge the times will be 9:00am-2:00pm.
Skyland Lodge is between mile markers 41.7 - 42.5
Trailhead GPS coordinates: 38.5920, -78.3809
Optional post hike rehydration at Skyland Lodge.😊
If you haven't hiked with me before, please provide you full name, cell phone number, and emergency contact number. You can provide the info to me on Meetup message or text me at the number below.
Any questions? Message me on Meetup messenger or text me, 202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.

Skyland Lodge to Hawksbill Mountain (Rating: A)