Hawksbill Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hawksbill Mountain |
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Hawksbill Mountain from the north
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 4,050 feet (1,234 m) |
| Prominence | 2,148 ft (655 m) |
| Listing | List of mountains in Virginia |
| Geography | |
 Hawksbill Mountain
Location in Virginia
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| Parent range | Appalachian Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Big Meadows |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | metamorphic basalt, more commonly known as greenstone |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Hike |
Hawksbill Mountain is a really tall mountain in Virginia, standing at about 4,050 feet (1,234 m) high. It sits right on the edge between Madison County and Page County. This mountain is super special because its top is the highest point in all of Shenandoah National Park! It's also the tallest spot in both Madison and Page counties.
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Discovering Hawksbill Mountain
Hawksbill Mountain is part of the Appalachian Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The mountain's north side has a huge drop of about 2,500-foot (760 m) into a place called Timber Hollow. This is the biggest change in height you'll find anywhere in the park!
Unique Trees and Wildlife
At the very top of Hawksbill Mountain, you can find a special tree called the balsam fir. These trees are usually found much farther north, like in New England or southeast Canada. It's pretty cool to see them growing here!
The mountain is also a special place for peregrine falcons. There's a project here to help these amazing birds come back and live in the wild.
Exploring the Summit of Hawksbill
The National Park Service has built a stone viewing platform at the very top of Hawksbill Mountain. From here, you can see amazing views all around.
Near the summit, you'll also find Byrd's Nest No. 2. This is one of several shelters built in the park by Senator Harry Byrd. These shelters offer a nice place to rest for hikers.
Hiking to the Top
Reaching the top of Hawksbill Mountain is a popular activity. You can get there by taking a short hike from the Upper Hawksbill parking area, which is right off Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park.
There are also other hiking trails that lead to the summit. The famous Appalachian Trail goes around the mountain, about 500 ft (150 m) below the very top.
Gallery
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Byrd's Nest Shelter No. 2
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Appalachian Trail Blaze en route to Hawksbill Summit
