Hawksbill Summit Hike - Shenandoah National Park

Photographs: © Lauren Johnson | Instagram: @laurenbexplorin_photography

(a photo gallery is at the end of the story)

My journey was supposed to begin at around 5 AM. I was supposed supposed to leave the house so I could make it to Shenandoah in time to watch the sunrise.

As it turns out, I was not as prepared as I thought I was the night before.

I ended up taking an extra 50 minutes to pack some things that I thought were necessary....turns out I didn't use any of it, but that's beside the point.

Once I arrived, I noticed the entrance station was closed, just like last time. (Swift Run Gap Entrance) So, free trip, AGAIN!

When I got to the Bearfence Mountain parking lot, I noticed that NO DOGS were allowed on this trail. I was skeptical, as Little Stony Man said the same thing, yet there was no danger to my pups other than the cliff itself. The entire trail was perfectly passable.

I start hiking up those steps and once I got past them, I wasn’t going any farther. As it turns out, there is definitely a reason this trail has a "No Dogs" policy. I got about 1/4 of the way up to the top, and there were tons of jagged rocks you had to climb to get through the rest of the way.

Now, I know my dogs, and I know what they can do. I knew they'd probably be fine to get themselves up there. (they always do fine on their own) However, it was super cold, I was completely alone in the park at the time, and I was not about to risk injuring my dogs for a stupid picture of us with the view at the top. So, sadly, we turned around, and headed back to the car.

Time for some trail research!

I got on my AllTrails app, and searched for trails that allowed dogs, and weren't longer than 3 miles. (I didn't want them to freeze) Hawksbill Summit was one of the trails that popped up.

When my Dad and I Hiked Little Stony Man, this couple told us about Hawksbill Mountain, and how it was better than Little Stony Man, and that I should totally try it out. So I decided to give it a shot.

I parked at the lower Hawksbill parking area. I figured I'd rather go down on the way back, than up on the way back, so this is how I chose to do it. And i'm glad I did! There's really no flat part to this trail, its all uphill, and rocks. So, Mom, sorry but this trail is not for you...until your ankle heals fully!

Once we got near the top, there was this nice little building called a "Birds Nest". It was nice, and I had planned on making some coffee in there to warm up, but my phone was dying and I needed to complete the trail before it kicked the bucket.

The cliff in front of this building is alright for photos with your dog I feel. It's solid ground, and if you angle it right, you can make it look like you're actually on the edge. Just a little tip though, if your dog does not want to go near the edge, do no make it get close to the edge. That is mean, and I will hunt you down. Ramsey wasn't really feeling this cliff, so I didn't make her get near it if she didn't want to. Also, she was very cold, I'm sure it was because of the wind (as she has no problem normally with going towards the edge).

We got to the very top of the viewpoint, and I was happil surprised at the amazing view! You had just about a 360 degree view of the top of the summit, and the rolling mountains in the distance could not be more majestic. They definitely call it the Blue Ridge Mountains for a reason! The haze in the distance makes the mountains always appear blue in the background of my photos. I love it!

After that great adventure, I realized just how cold and windy it was. I had plans to Hike to Mary's Rock after that, but I was not making Ramsey go through all that shivering again. Plus I was cold too, and I forgot my gloves. I just wasn't feeling it I guess.If the weather is nice next weekend, Ill try it out for sure!

Time to invest in a hiking jacket for dogs!

So, I decided to head on back towards home, searching for trails along the way in a less windy and slightly warmer town. I had to stop at The Barbecue Exchange for lunch. My Dad and I did for Stony Man, so I made it my own little tradition. Every time I leave Shenandoah NP, I am stopping here. It is literally the best BBQ I've ever put in my mouth.

I am currently eating the half I saved specifically to eat while I write this story.

#shenandoahnationalpark #nationalpark #hikingwithdogs #food #hiking