August 23, 2025
Hawksbill Loop in Syria, VA ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shenandoah National Park
This was the longest mountain hike to date. The trip up to the summit, was very rocky and narrow. There were parts that you had to cross over "rock slides". It was cloudy for the majority of the hike, you were actually walking through clouds. Most of the summit was not visible due to cloud coverage.
For me, the hike down (the shortest part) was more difficult than the hike up. If you have bad knees, the hike down will be difficult.
WHO WENT: Bethany, Robert & Autumn
LANDMARKS: Hawksbill Summit
TRAIL(S): Appalachian Trail, Salamander Trail, Upper & Lower Hawksbill Trail
TERRAIN: Rocky
LENGTH/TIME: 2.9 miles / 2.25 hours
LEVEL: Moderate / Hard