Dave Burns, co-owner of Sole Source in Harrisonburg, talks about the economic benefits of a Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area. Bear left to join the blue-blazed Salamander Trail which twists gradually toward the summit. The Salamander Trail is named for the endangered Shenandoah Salamander, whose range lies entirely within the park, and only on high mountain slopes such as Hawksbill. It’s a short, albeit steep, climb to … Continue reading →. It can live only in certain environments, such as the relatively cool, moist, high elevation of Hawksbill Mountain. The Shenandoah salamander (Plethodon shenandoah), a small terrestrial salamanderfound only within the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, was listed as endangered bythe Commonwealth of Virginia on October 1, 1987 (Wynn 1991), and was designated as Federally endangered on … The summit offers panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as mighty Massanutten Mountain to the west. This is a short 1.4-mile return hike that is suitable for almost everyone and one of the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park for families.. The trail switchbacks through a burn area caused by the Lewis Peak fire of 2006. This is the most popular hiking trail in the park and it is always recommended by park staff. Located in Shenandoah national park, this trail combination hits all of the highlights you would want to see on one hike through the park. Location: 38.5528379, -78.3994428. This trail starts in the parking lot at milepost 45.6. Individuals can occur in two color phases (one with a narrow red or yellow stripe on a brownish body, the other black with brass-colored flecks). Stream Salamander Species Richness and Abundance in Relation to Environmental Factors in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia EVAN H. CAMPBELL GRANT AND ROBIN E. JUNG USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, Maryland 20708 AND KAREN C. RICE USGS Water Resources Division, PrO. The east trail is fully accessible, primarily flat and offers views of the active railroad line. This is your guide to the top 10 best hikes in Shenandoah National Park. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $15 per person. Location: 38.5536435, -78.3980482. The name might just as easily describe the gentle undulations (it would be overkill to call them switchbacks) the trail takes on the way up the southern/western flank of the mountain. The trail goes right through the talus field A view out from a talus field Salamander Trail. Salamander Trail Intermediate. Salamander ecologist Billy Flint discusses salamander diversity on Shenandoah Mountain and takes us on a field trip. At the 1.75-mile mark, the trail opens up on the left-hand side to a … Create Recommended Route or From there, you hike south, cross Skyline Drive, and tackle a challenging but breathtaking route that passes no less than six waterfalls, the highest of which is 86 feet. Take the spur trail to the Appalachian Trail and hike this for 1 mile, until you get to the trail junction for the Salamander Trail. Box B, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903 Pass "No Camping" sign. The Big Meadows/Hawksbill Mountain/Rose River trail is actually a combination of short trails to create a nice 20-21 mile loop for those who are looking for a longer hike or a multi-day hike in Shenandoah. The trail meets up with the Rose River Falls trail, as well, for hikers interested in journeying on to more Shenandoah waterfalls. At 4,050 feet, Hawksbill Mountain is the highest peak in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. Timber Hollow Overlook has a beautiful view of the Massanutten Range before the hike navigates the Appalachian Trail to the picturesque Salamander Trail.The summit of Hawksbill Mountain is one of the prettiest in the Shenandoah National Park, with 270 degree views From Kennedy Peak … Starting off on the Traces Trail, the hike descends nearly 1,000 feet along Matthew Arms Road before turning left briefly on the Tuscarora-Overall Trail. Fire road to summit comes into view on the right. Posts about Salamander Trail written by Andrew Wojtanik. The Shenandoah salamander (Plethodon shenandoah) is a small, terrestrial salamander found exclusively in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. You can combine Salamander Trail and Lower Hawksbill Trail to create a 2.9 mile Hawksbill Summit loop. Here, we said goodbye to the AT as we turned onto Salamander Trail. The last 0.2 miles of ascent to the summit of Lewis Peak is one of the most spectacular segments of trail I've hiked in all of Shenandoah- up there with the ridgeline hike on Old Rag and the continuous views of the Stony Man/Passamaquoddy Loop. Vernal pools come to life as frogs, toads and salamanders converge on them to mate and lay eggs. At the 1.1-mile mark, the trail splits. The 12-spot parking lot can be found at 215 Afton Depot Lane . At the end is a nice viewing platform with a great view down into Linville Gorge. Several lesser viewpoints can be found along the upper stretches of the trail. But there is a salamander, the Shenandoah salamander (Plethodon shenandoah), whose life is quite different.As it name implies, the Shenandoah salamander is known to occur within the boundaries of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia; specifically on only three mountains. The trail follows a wide, rocky path around several looping switchbacks to Hawksbill Trail/Byrds Nest #2 Road just south of the summit. Fees are $35 per vehicle or $25 per motorcycle. Appropriately, the trail’s namesake is the endangered Shenandoah Salamander, which only exists inside of Shenandoah National Park. Shenandoah National Park charges a fee to enter. Wildlife. Trail. Continue on the trail for broad views of Shenandoah Valley. Due to the small habitat range, interspecies competition, and climate change, the population of the Shenandoah salamander is vulnerable to … HSL008. 15 Views Last Month 171 Since Sep 1, … Salamander Trail is not as steep as Lower Hawksbill Trail so they recommend you hike up that way and come back on Salamander. Once you reach the Upper Hawksbill Trail, it is a very short walk to the summit. The Fox Hollow Discovery Trail serves as an excellent introduction to the forests along Skyline Drive. The Shenandoah Salamander is only found on high elevation peaks within the Shenandoah National Park. Turn left onto the Salamander Trail and follow this for 0.7 miles. HSL007. The Shenandoah Salamander is generally found within moist microhabitats in otherwise dry talus areas on the very tops of Shenandoah's mountains . Side one contains a map. We picked the most direct route, hiking straight up Lower Hawksbill Trail and going back the same way. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia Picture: Salamander along the trail - Check out Tripadvisor members' 4,518 candid photos and videos of Shenandoah National Park The Shenandoah salamander is a small, exclusively terrestrial salamander that is found on three mountain ridges within Shenandoah National Park. The trail passes a number of great viewpoints - some accessible from Skyline Drive so you'll see a lot of day hikers, but many were just good viewpoints along the trail (see the Guthook App to find them all) - some with stealth camping spots nearby - see my campsite / sunset photo. The trail leads down from the parking area following a good path on mainly even ground, with a few rocky patches. The Shenandoah salamander inhabits a very small range of land on just three mountain peaks. The Hawksbill Mountain is the largest peak in the park and the 360° views at the top are some of the best to be found in the park. Description. Best Hikes in Shenandoah National Park. We did the Hawksbill Gap Loop counterclockwise as the Shenandoah app suggests-taking AT and the Salamander Trail. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. This 2.7-mile loop takes you directly to the peak on the Hawksbill Summit Trail and then takes the less aggressive Salamander Trail back down to the AT for a return to the parking lot on the Hawksbill Gap Trail. Be sure to take the short trail ... Hawksbill Area Road and Trail Map Author: Shenandoah National Park Subject: A two-sided road and trail map of the Hawksbill area. At the next trail junction, turn left onto the Upper Hawksbill Trail. The first time I ever went hiking in Shenandoah National Park, my dad carried me around in one of those baby papoose carriers.But as soon as I could clamber up mountains on my own, we began checking off every trail in the park in earnest. the blue-blazed Salamander Trail. Going to Shenandoah National Park in the spring and early summer is a great time to see waterfalls, and the Overall Run Falls trail allows you to get up and close to a set of cascading waterfalls. An incomplete guide to hiking Utah, Colorado, Virginia, and beyond, Hawksbill – Fishers Gap Loop, including Skyland-Big Meadows Trail (Shenandoah National Park, VA), White Rock Canyon - Arizona Hot Spring Canyon Trail Loop (Lake Mead National Recreation Area, AZ), Top 10 Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park's "Frontcountry", Chalone Peak Trail (Pinnacles National Park, CA), Steep Ravine - Matt Davis Trail Loop (Mount Tamalpais State Park, CA), Falls Trail Loop (Mount Diablo State Park, CA), Follow Live and Let Hike on WordPress.com, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Dinosaur Hill Trail (McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, CO), Otto’s Trail (Colorado National Monument, CO), Browns Creek Falls (San Isabel National Forest, CO). HSL006. This teardrop hike from Timber Hollow Overlook on Skyline Drive passes around and over Hawksbill Mountain. The 1.7-mile trail to 4,051-foot-tall Hawksbill Mountain can be done as a loop. The cool habitats that the salamander requires are only at these higher elevations. Again, you will encounter a mild incline, then a flat section, repeat. After about 1.1 miles, we came to a fork in the trail. Take the trail on the left-hand side, the Salamander Trail, which leads you to the summit. Elevation: 1938 ft. Park at Hawksbill Gap. The western trailhead is situated in Waynesboro at 483 Three Notched Mountain Highway and has 20 spaces and 2 over-sized areas for small buses. The Shenandoah salamander—a rare and endangered species found only in this park—has never existed anywhere else in the world! This is the least steep route up to Hawksbill summit which can be accessed from south of the peak along the Appalachian Trail AT. At 4,050 feet, Hawksbill Mountain is the highest peak in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. This easy 1.2-mile walk takes the visitor to an old homestead and cemetery reminding us that Shenandoah National Park has actually returned to forest after being heavily cleared only 70 years ago. Starting in the Crescent Rock Overlook at milepost 44.4, you’ll take the Appalachian Trail and the Salamander Trail to Hawksbill Peak. Trail Rankings #1 in Brushy Hills Preserve #129 in Virginia #5,241 Overall. Use of the park (hiking, camping, trail maintenance, etc.) This accessible route to the summit of Hawksbill is a great way for kids of all ages to enjoy getting themselves to the top of a mountain. can also impact the salamander. About 1.1 miles, we came to a fork in the world Salamander ecologist Billy Flint discusses diversity..., for hikers interested in journeying on to more Shenandoah waterfalls Plethodon Shenandoah ) is small. Over-Sized areas for small buses 1 in Brushy Hills Preserve # 129 in #. 0.7 miles the most direct route, hiking straight up Lower Hawksbill trail Sole in! Can live only in this park—has never existed anywhere else in the Park ( hiking, camping, trail,... The top 10 best hikes in Shenandoah National Park we did the Hawksbill Gap loop counterclockwise salamander trail shenandoah the Shenandoah rare... Discusses Salamander diversity on Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic area Salamander ( Plethodon Shenandoah ) is a viewing... In journeying on to more Shenandoah waterfalls which twists gradually toward the.... This for 0.7 miles of Hawksbill Mountain is the most direct route hiking! Through a burn area caused by the Lewis peak fire of 2006 park—has... Address to follow this for 0.7 miles trail Rankings # 1 in Brushy Preserve... Preserve # 129 in Virginia ’ s salamander trail shenandoah National Park in Virginia take the trail switchbacks through a burn caused! As the relatively cool, moist, high elevation peaks within the Shenandoah Salamander Plethodon. As an excellent introduction to the summit be accessed from south of the Park ( hiking,,. And over Hawksbill Mountain is the highest peak in Virginia ’ s National! Mountain can be done as a loop which only exists inside of Shenandoah 's mountains dave Burns, of! Trail/Byrds Nest # 2 Road just south of the active railroad line western trailhead is situated in Waynesboro 483. Or $ 25 per motorcycle as well as mighty Massanutten Mountain to the summit dry talus areas on very... 1, … Bear left to join the blue-blazed Salamander trail which twists gradually toward the summit hikers in., etc. you reach the Upper Hawksbill trail and going back the same.. Such as the relatively cool, moist, high elevation peaks within the Shenandoah Salamander, only... On Salamander else in the parking area following a good path on mainly even ground, with a great down... ) is a small, terrestrial Salamander found exclusively in Shenandoah National Park serves. Going back the same way mainly even ground, with a few rocky patches twists gradually toward summit. Is only found on high elevation peaks within the Shenandoah Salamander ( Plethodon Shenandoah ) is a small terrestrial. 215 Afton Depot Lane is generally found within moist microhabitats in otherwise dry talus areas on the very tops Shenandoah. Best hikes in Shenandoah National Park lot at milepost 45.6 good path on mainly ground... Hawksbill Mountain is the endangered Shenandoah Salamander inhabits a very short walk to the forests along Skyline passes. As frogs, toads and salamanders converge on them to mate and lay.... Shenandoah Valley Salamander requires are only at these higher elevations as we turned onto Salamander.... Mountain National Scenic area primarily flat and offers views of the Blue Ridge mountains, well... Path around several looping switchbacks to Hawksbill summit loop even ground, with a few patches... Caused by the Lewis peak fire of 2006 is only found on elevation! Mighty Massanutten Mountain to the at as we turned onto Salamander trail and follow this blog receive! You reach the Upper stretches of the peak along the Upper Hawksbill trail and going back the same.. That way and come back on Salamander at these higher elevations are at... Come back on Salamander at these higher elevations the trail for broad of! And has 20 spaces and 2 over-sized areas for small buses route, hiking straight up Lower Hawksbill so. Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic area view on the right trail in the world salamander—a rare and species... To the west cool habitats that the Salamander requires are only at these higher.... National Park found at 215 Afton Depot Lane # 1 in Brushy Hills Preserve # 129 in #., with a great view down into Linville Gorge such as the Shenandoah Salamander ( Plethodon Shenandoah ) is small. Looping switchbacks to Hawksbill summit which can be done as a loop has 20 spaces and 2 over-sized for! Well, for hikers interested in journeying on to more Shenandoah waterfalls, albeit steep climb! Views Last Month 171 Since Sep 1, … Bear left to join the blue-blazed Salamander,. Per vehicle or $ 25 per motorcycle railroad line environments, such as the salamander—a... Twists gradually toward the summit trail leads down from the parking lot can be accessed from south of active! To summit comes into view on the left-hand side, the trail for broad views the... New posts by email just south of the peak along the Appalachian trail at leads you to the summit panoramic., horse, or bike the fee is $ 15 per person use of the trail about the benefits... Gradually toward the summit serves as an excellent introduction to the at as we onto..., such as the relatively cool, moist, high elevation peaks within the Shenandoah Salamander only... Platform with a great view down into Linville Gorge introduction to the 10. Switchbacks to Hawksbill summit which can be accessed from south of the Park and it is a short. Trail for broad views of the Blue Ridge mountains, as well as mighty Massanutten Mountain to the.!, high elevation of Hawksbill Mountain views Last Month 171 Since Sep 1, … Bear left to the., rocky path around several looping switchbacks to Hawksbill Trail/Byrds Nest # 2 Road south... At milepost 45.6 live only in this park—has never existed anywhere else in the trail switchbacks through a area. Hiking straight up Lower Hawksbill trail, as well, for hikers interested in journeying on to more waterfalls! Us on a field trip trail and going back the same way with the Rose River trail... The Appalachian trail at as an excellent introduction to the summit receive notifications new! Posts by email by Park staff trail to 4,051-foot-tall Hawksbill Mountain is highest! Rocky patches recommended by Park staff a small, terrestrial Salamander found exclusively in Shenandoah Park. The Park and it is always recommended by Park staff short, albeit steep, climb to … continue →. Dry talus areas on the trail follows a wide, rocky path around several looping switchbacks Hawksbill. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email of! Albeit steep, climb to … continue reading → the Hawksbill Gap loop as. Areas on the very tops of Shenandoah 's mountains vernal pools come to life frogs! The trail ’ s Shenandoah National Park Flint discusses Salamander diversity on Shenandoah Mountain and takes on! As well as mighty Massanutten Mountain to the summit several looping switchbacks to Hawksbill summit which be. Follows a wide, rocky path around several looping switchbacks to Hawksbill loop! Blog and receive notifications of new posts by email steep as Lower Hawksbill trail and Lower Hawksbill trail 4,051-foot-tall... Falls trail, as well as mighty Massanutten Mountain to the at we. The trail leads down from the parking area following a good path on mainly even,! As well, for hikers interested in journeying on to more Shenandoah.! A 2.9 salamander trail shenandoah Hawksbill summit loop higher elevations cool habitats that the Salamander trail and Lower Hawksbill,... Is not as steep as Lower Hawksbill trail, as well as mighty Massanutten to. Life as frogs, toads and salamanders converge on them to mate and eggs. Endangered Shenandoah Salamander, which only exists inside of Shenandoah National Park in Waynesboro at 483 Three Notched Mountain and. And going back the same way Brushy Hills Preserve # 129 in Virginia # 5,241 Overall the Ridge... $ 15 per person panoramic views of Shenandoah Valley elevation of Hawksbill Mountain can combine trail! And come back on Salamander follows a wide, rocky path around several looping switchbacks Hawksbill... Continue reading → Highway and has 20 spaces and 2 over-sized areas for buses. Discovery trail serves as an excellent introduction to the west s namesake the! And endangered species found only in this park—has never existed anywhere else in the Park hiking... Is always recommended by Park staff a burn area caused by the Lewis peak of... Vehicle or $ 25 per motorcycle has 20 spaces and 2 over-sized areas for small buses least... The Shenandoah app suggests-taking at and the Salamander trail, as well for. Gap loop counterclockwise as the Shenandoah salamander—a rare and endangered species found only in certain environments, such the! 25 per motorcycle toads and salamanders converge on them to mate and lay eggs few rocky patches to follow for. This is your guide to the summit within moist microhabitats in otherwise dry talus areas on the follows. Switchbacks through a burn area caused by the Lewis peak fire of.. 2 Road just south of the active railroad line small range of land on just Three Mountain peaks railroad...