This steep and rocky 1.7 mile round-trip hike with 690 feet of elevation gain ends at the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park at 4,051 ft. Park at the Hawksbill Gap parking area at mile 45.5 and take the Lower Hawksbill Trail to Byrds Nest 2 Shelter, then follow the trail to the observation platform for a spectacular view. See a trail map of the area.
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Hawks Cliff – Green Pond Mountain – Pequannock Watershed
Breakneck Ridge is an incredibly popular hike so don’t expect to get the trail to yourself. The steep rock scramble ascent will get your heart pumping quickly and you’ll be rewarded with great views of the Hudson River. It’s about a 3 mile loop, but all the action is in the first mile.