Hawksbill/Franklin Cliffs Hike!

OVERVIEW

What better way to spend a crisp November Saturday than meandering through the forest? We’re going to be hiking a loop around Hawksbill Mountain and Franklin Cliffs, which is a longer hike but with minimal elevation gain and gorgeous views. In other words, if you’ve been craving a long, chill walk in the woods, this is the adventure for you! This hike is unique in that the summit of the mountain is near the very end, so we will hike for 8.4 miles before reaching the top! (On the bright side, that means it’s only 0.8 miles back to the cars after we summit). We’ll aim to start around 11, hike for a couple hours, take a break for lunch, and finish around 4-4:30 so we can be back to Grounds by around 6.
If you want to learn more about the hike before signing up, here is the link to the Hiking Upward page:
https://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/HawksbillFranklinCliffs/

The Game Plan:
Meet at the corner of Echols dorm at 9 am
Acquire our Bodo’s, fill up on gas, and depart from Grounds by 9:30
Arrive at trailhead and start hiking around 11
After a couple hours, find a nice overlook (there are plenty to be had on this hike!) and take a break for lunch and views
Summit Hawksbill Mountain between 3:30 and 4
Return to cars by 4:30
Back to grounds around 6

What to Bring:
1-2 L of water MINIMUM
Lunch/snacks
Money for Bodo’s (totally optional but highly recommended)
Sturdy hiking shoes
Comfortable hiking backpack
Layers of clothing (It’s gonna be chilly in November)
SNP pass if you have it!!

**I personally do not have a car or a Shenandoah National Park pass, so pass holders and drivers will be given priority off the waitlist! Additionally, drivers will be reimbursed for gas money plus a 50% tip. In the event that not enough Shenandoah pass holders sign up, the entry fee is $30 per vehicle, so plan on bringing $5-10 just in case.