This challenging 4.8-miler in the Black Mountains features a stiff climb past rhododendron and rocky outcrops to a windswept ridge connecting Celo Knob and Gibbs Mountain. Park in the designated area and look for the Hawksbill Trailhead on the west side of the road. As you approach on Highway 181, you will turn on Ginger Cake Road and then follow the signs to Table Rock. Hawksbill isn't easy but not too difficult either. Marking the border between Madison County and Page County in Virginia, the summit of Hawksbill Mountain is the highest point in Shenandoah National Park, as well as the highest point in both Madison and Page counties.. Hit up this gentle, 10.4-mile loop in the Mills River area of Pisgah National Forest. Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, this 10-mile loop treks through the Pisgah National Forest past numerous ridge-top overlooks and up to a quartz-clustered summit. I think it's the altitude. Enjoy sometime at the lookout point, but you'll want to keep going for a more incredible view. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. This 1.5 mile roundtrip hike is short but climbs almost 1000ft to the summit giving it a strenuous rating by most accounts. -Mapped by Phil Sandoz. We're moderately in shape and this trail, First time to Hawksbill, and yes it was worth the effort. It's not such a tough hike. The mountain trail was fairly easy to get to, from Asheville. Due south, the distinct figure of Table Rock Mountain can be easily discerned. Sitting high atop the Linville Gorge overlooking the entire area is the great hiking destination of Hawksbill Mountain. © Phil Sandoz, Some of the rock outcroppings near the summit may be the peak's namesake. After leveling off for a brief stretch, the trail turns left about 0.5 mile in and begins a steep ascent (400 feet over 0.2 mile) up to the exposed, craggy summit of Hawksbill. Begin hiking west from the designated parking area on the Hawksbill Trail. Soak it all in before backtracking to the trailhead. We hiked this trail in the late morning and had an enjoyable time-except for the swarm of bugs at the very top that prevented us from going to the outer edges. However, Ginger Cake Road loops and intersects Highway 181 twice. Be prepared to be blown away when you het to the top and look down the gorge. The trailhead for Hawksbill Mountain is located off of the unpaved Table Rock Rd about 5 miles off highway 181. Hawksbill Trail. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. more, Things to do near Hawksbill Mountain Trail. Look west for far-reaching vistas of the Linville Gorge and south for a view of Table Rock Mountain, a popular climber's destination. Beautiful 360 degree Views, Moderate Hike, One of our favorite hikes in the region, the Hawksbill Trail has some of the best views of the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. Most trails obviously don't have restrooms, so do use it at one of the few gas stations before you get tot the. Look west for far-reaching vistas of the Linville Gorge and south for a view of Table Rock Mountain, a popular climber's destination. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. I checked my phone after I did it and it said 1.7 miles, so I am going to stick with that! © Phil Sandoz, This hike presents a moderate physical challenge appropriate for a family outing. The trail is technical and gets steadily steeper as you go, but the 360-degree views from the summit are totally worth it. Challenge the family with a 1.5-mile roundtrip that climbs nearly 1,000 feet to a craggy summit and far-reaching views of Linville Gorge and Pisgah National Forest. Down the other side and then a shorter hike up the next mountain. The trail begins climbing on a steady grade under the cover of a diverse hardwood forest. Fairly short actually. Starting at the Hawksbill Mountain Trailhead, which is clearly marked start hiking up! HAWKSBILL MOUNTAIN HIKING TRAIL. First time to Hawksbill, and yes it was worth the effort. Beautiful views and rock outcroppings after a short hike up to Hawksbill Mountain. The trail starts out with some easy uphill switchbacks and leads you to the first lookout point. Sample a weekend-sized chunk of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in the Pisgah National Forest. From here, enjoy 360-degree, treetop views across (and up and down) Linville Gorge and Pisgah National Forest. Please choose a different date. worth every step!! The Hawksbill Trail climbs steadily from the trailhead under light tree cover on a mix of gravel and crushed stone singletrack. © Phil Sandoz, This trail affords fantastic panoramic views of Pisgah National Forest. Conquer two 6,000-foot peaks in Pisgah National Forest on this 3-mile trek that straddles the Blue Ridge Parkway.