Hawksbill Mountain Trail, A 1.8 Mile Hike In North Carolina, Takes You Through A Beautiful Forest
If you want to get amazing views of Linville Gorge, you can find them along many of the trails of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Head to the top of North Carolina’s Hawksbill Mountain in just about any season (except in the blistering cold, maybe) and you’re sure to love the hike itself as much as the panoramic views of Linville Gorge once you reach the summit. The hike to the top is just shy of a mile and doles out a bit of an uphill scramble through a forested trail lined with rhododendrons.
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If you're up for a bit of a stamina challenge, then this moderate trail is just for you.
In the hottest of months, the trail offers ample shade to help combat the heat; and on cold and windy days, the trees and other vegetation offer some welcome shelter from the elements.
Anything but easy, the trail doles out a few technical challenges. Expect some moments like this one, where the trail seems to taper down to a skinny stack of shifty-looking rocks. Just focus on your footing and trust the process...
From up here, all things seem possible. The summit of Hawksbill Mountain may be the most favorite spot of photographers from near and afar. And it's so easy to see why.
What’s your favorite Parkway overlook or trail side view of Linville Gorge?
The trail to Hawksbill Mountain is 1.8 miles long and is rated moderate. It’s probably not suited to small children or novice hikers. As always: bring plenty of water, hike with a companion (when you can), and don’t leave a trace. Find out more at this link from our friends at alltrails.com. Find a Google maps link to the trailhead at this link.
Trailhead Address: Table Rock Road, Nebo, NC, 28761
For another awesome (and shorter) hike that delivers amazing views of the Linville Gorge, read all about the Wiseman’s View Overlook in this previous article.
Robin Jarvis is a travel and entertainment writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She spent more than two decades living on the coast in South Carolina and currently lives in the mountains of North Carolina - although she still makes it back to see family in South Carolina quite often. When she's not working, she loves to hike, kayak, and check out new adventures. Get in touch at [email protected]
