Skyland to Hawksbill Summit (Rating: A)

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.

This is an approximately 10 mile modified circuit hike with about 1700' of elevation gain. We will start from the parking lot in front of Skyland Lodge, from where we will hike south along the AT for 4 miles to the Salamander Trail, and then climb to the summit of Hawksbill, the highest peak in the park. We'll return to the AT via the Lower Hawksbill Trail, which we'll follow until the Crescent Rock Trail, which we will take to the Limberlost and White Oak Canyon trails that will return us to the Skyland Parking lot. For those interested in post-hike refreshment, we will grab something at the Skyland Restaurant next to the parking area.

We will hike at a pace of about 2.5 mph while moving. Bring adequate water/hydration (at least 2 liters), snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas, tree roots, and potential wet spots. Hiking poles are helpful if you usually hike with them.

Dogs are not permitted on this hike, because they are not allowed on the Limberlost trail.

Carpools: For those wishing to carpool, the suggested carpool location is at the Centerville P&R. The driving time from there to the trailhead is about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Please arrive at the Park and Ride by 6:45 AM so all cars can leave no later than 7:00 AM. The hike leader will be at the carpool location and has a park pass. Suggested carpool fee is $8.

Trailhead: Skyland Lodge parking lot, GPS coordinates: 38.5920, -78.3809. Please arrive at the trailhead 8:45 AM so we can get everyone signed in and begin hiking by 9:00

Leader: Randy Wood

Rating: A

Map of hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-september-5-2025-298f587

Park Entry Fee: $30.00 or free with National Park Service passes.