Whenever there’s a break in the weather during winter, my first thought is to pack up and head to Shenandoah. Skyline drive is just so inviting and the kids are getting old enough for some of the smaller hikes. When such an opportunity presented itself a week back, we set our eyes on Hawksbill Mountain. On paper it seemed reasonable at only 1.5 miles, but we soon found out that every bit of those miles was straight uphill. While the kids handled it admirably, they were exhausted by the end of it.
Everything started out easy-peasy, with everyone getting stoked for the views. It was a clear day, but it was windy and the chill it brought made us all don sweatshirts.
One of the overlooks just past the tunnel
The curvy path back to Skyline Drive
Pinnacles Overlook
We parked at Hawksbill amongst a ton of other cars, then started uphill. Layla led the pack with a ton of gangly energy, while I followed close by if only to keep her in view. Kristin and Adie trailed behind, with Adie taking tentative steps over the rock scrabble.
All the hard work was worth it. Once we turned the corner to the summit we were greeted with amazing views outward.
Looking out from Byrd's Nest 2
It's a fantastic, windy day!
Shortly past the Byrd’s Nest Shelter #2 on the summit (which isn’t much to look at) is a little stone overlook with a great view of Old Rag Mountain to the east.
A view of Old Rag from the top of Hawksbill Mountain
Coming down from Hawksbill trail was much easier than going up, and we soon were enjoying some music and a nice breeze from inside the car. We traveled back via Luray and stopped at a brand new restaurant for some much-needed lunch. It turns out that was its opening day, thus we had an inexcusably long wait and mediocre food. Oh well! Nothing could ruin the great time we had.