Despite a sore calf, I decided to try to make the short hike up Hawksbill Mountain. I parked at the trailhead, gathered my gear, and began strolling up the trail. Thankfully, the grade was mild and did not aggravate my calf too much.
I passed a deer enjoying the grass, looking at the passing hikers without a care in the world. Soon, I approached the day-use hut and was greeted with a sweeping view of the Shenandoah Valley. The true summit lay about 50 yards to the north, and I hiked over to it. There, a stone platform had been built back in the 1930s by the CCC. I chatted with a family from Ohio for a bit before heading back down.
It was now late enough to check in to the Lodge where I was staying for the night. Once settled in, I grabbed a beer and sat outside and soaked in the views. How I wish Anita were with m
The hike up Hawksbill was 2.1 miles in 1:10 with 348 feet of gain. It was also my third national park high point!
I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I co-authored Urban Trails: San Diego, available now!
In 2019, I became the third person to complete the San Diego 100 Peak Challenge. Not stopping with that accomplishment, I set my sights on the harder San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list, which I completed in 2021. I’ve also conquered several Six-Pack of Peaks challenges (SoCal, San Diego, Central Coast, and both the Arizona-Winter and Arizona-Summer).
I look forward to exploring new summits and adventures across the Southwest.