- Highlights: Views, Hawksbill, Franklin Cliffs
- Distance: 8.8 miles point to point
- Elevation Change: 1,598 feet
- Trail Surface: Dirt and rocks
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Trailhead Parking: Big Meadows Lodge, Skyline Drive MP 51
- Trail Markings: White blazes, signs at trail junctions
- Website: Shenandoah National Park
- Beer Pairings: Skyland—Alewerks Tavern Ale & Limberlost Lager
Trail Map:
The Hike:
Day 3 of our inn to inn hike on the AT in Shenandoah National Park begins at Big Meadows. We arrived at Big Meadows the day before in clouds, rain, and fog and the views from Blackrock were non-existent. We decided to start day 3 with a great view. We followed the sign through the parking area to Blackrock Summit. A short (.4 mile) blue-blazed trail leads to the summit with some great views. Continue past the summit to reach the white-blazed AT, turn right and head north.
If you’ve had your fill of Blackrock views and want the shortest route to the AT, follow the path to the north of the Lodge. Keep the Lodge on your left and the campground on your right and in a few hundred yards you will run into the AT. The AT travels north passing beside the Big Meadows Campground and gradually descends for the next two miles. Just past the Fisher’s Gap parking area, the AT travels over Franklin Cliffs with some great views to the south and west. The AT begins a steady climb as it approaches Hawksbill.
To visit the summit of Hawksbill, follow the Salamander Trail on the right to the Upper Hawksbill Trail. Hawksbill is the highest peak in Shenandoah and the viewing platform at the summit has panoramic views of mountains and the valley.
Continuing north on the AT the trail becomes rocky as it skirts around Hawksbill. Just before Pollock Knob, great views open up on the left of the rocky summit of Hawksbill. The AT climbs during the final approach to Skyland.
Follow the AT past the horse stables and cross the Skyland Loop Road. The AT becomes gravel path/service road. Stay left on the service road to reach the parking area for Skyland. The Mountain Taproom (with cold beer) is straight ahead…
Hike Photos:
Beer Pairing:
The Mountain Taproom at Skyland is just off the main lobby. The taproom has six taps of draft beer, wine, and a full bar. A variety of food items are available including burgers, salads, soups, and small plates. Skyland offers a variety of lodging options ranging from premium hotel-style rooms to cabins.
Kathy was ready for a cold pint of Limberlost Lager (4.7% ABV) is brewed by Basic City Brewing in Waynesboro exclusively for Shenandoah National Park. It’s cold, crisp, and refreshing. Pete enjoyed a pint of Tavern Brown Ale (5.7% ABV) from Alewerks in Williamsburg. This is an old favorite with notes of toffee and pecan. Its as good as it gets in a pint glass. Cheers!
Hike and drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Stay safe, be responsible, and leave no trace.