Are dogs allowed on Hawksbill Mountain, Franklin Cliffs, Big Meadows Horse Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Hawksbill Mountain, Franklin Cliffs, Big Meadows Horse Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Hawksbill Mountain, Franklin Cliffs, Big Meadows Horse Trail?

No, Hawksbill Mountain, Franklin Cliffs, Big Meadows Horse Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Hawksbill Mountain, Franklin Cliffs, Big Meadows Horse Trail?

Hawksbill Mountain, Franklin Cliffs, Big Meadows Horse Trail is rated difficult. It is 9.0 miles long with 2,546 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Virginia trail conditions

Hawksbill Mountain, Franklin Cliffs, Big Meadows Horse Trail route map

DifficultLoop

Shenandoah National Park/Virginia

Hawksbill Mountain, Franklin Cliffs, Big Meadows Horse Trail

Syria, Virginia

9.0 mi

Distance

2,546 ft

Elev. Gain

3h 56m

Est. Time

Loop

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

We don't have an editorial description for Hawksbill Mountain, Franklin Cliffs, Big Meadows Horse Trail in our cache yet. The planning stats above (distance, elevation gain, estimated time, route type) come from the source listed on this trail.

For current conditions, closures, and route notes, check the official sources below — they're the authority for this trail, not us. Spot something we should add?

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:872 ft

Max:1,227 ft

776 ft

Trail Details

Dogs on leash

Route Type: Loop
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Source of truth

National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:540-999-3500
Address:Shenandoah National Park, 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East · Luray, VA · 22835

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.