バージニアの絶景の山頂・トップ20

Collapsed quartzite rock forms Blackrock Summit. The rock is believed to be formed from the seabed of the Iapetus ocean, an ancient sea that disappeared more than 400 million years ago.

Parking area at the bottom is closed (Near Dollar General). We parked across the street and walked the gravel up to Star Trail Trailhead.

Make sure to have a pass to enter the trail if you are going during “peak season” can be found on the national park service website. I underestimated the rock scramble. There were portions requiring us to be on our hands and knees, then full pull ups.

Gorgeous sunset view and we happened to catch a photo of Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS! Once in a lifetime experience. (Sorry, next viewing of Comet is supposedly in 80,000 years.)

Hawksbill Summit in Shenandoah National Park offers stunning 360-degree views of the Shenandoah Valley, Blue Ridge Mountains, and Virginia Piedmont from its 4,050-foot elevation. As the park's highest point, it also marks the highest spot in Madison and Page counties. The north face drops 2,500 feet into Timber Hollow, the park’s largest elevation change. Hikers can also spot rare balsam fir trees at the summit. A stone observation platform, built by the National Park Service, enhances the experience's panoramic views.

The Humpback Rocks Trail begins at the south end of the Humpback Gap. About a half-mile up the blue-blazed trail, hikers can take a spur trail on the left to reach Humpback Rocks, enjoying a strenuous 700-foot climb that rewards with stunning views of the Rockfish and Shenandoah Valleys. Continuing straight at the fork, hikers can reach the summit of Humpback Mountain for more great views. The trail is marked with blue blazes and sometimes white when part of the Appalachian Trail.

From the summit there is a splendid view of Shenandoah National Park. A summit that deserves to be reached.

At 2,981 feet, Turk Mountain offers a stunning panoramic view of the area. The final stretch to the summit is rocky and might require a bit of walking, but the views make the challenge worthwhile.