マディソン郡の絶景の山頂・トップ5

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.

Great spot on the exit to Skyland, where there is a restuarant and nice restrooms.

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.

1,000m high mountain popular with hikers due to the rocky peak and sweeping views.

At 3,680 ft (1,121 m), this is the highest point of Skyline Drive. The views reward you for all your effort; the layers of mountains are spectacular. Watch out for snowfall in winter.

These boulders have weathered in place by the forces of wind and water at the mountain's summit. Weathering by wind and water rounded the corners and edges of planar fractures to eventually produce the spherical shape of the boulders you see here. http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2000/of00-263/of00-263.pdf

The Old Rag Hike in Shenandoah National Park is a well-known hike. Some rank it among the top 25 hikes in the world. Old Rag has received several awards. The summit is the top of the large outcrop of Old Rag Granite. On a clear day you will be able to see Skyline Drive to the west, and in the winter the Weakley Hollow fire road in the valley below. http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2000/of00-263/of00-263.pdf

Bring some binoculars with you. On good weather days there will be always be some hawks circling around the summit, eying for some prey.