At 1,239 meters, Hawksbill Mountain is the highest point in Shenandoah National Park. It is located approximately 19 kilometers south of Luray, VA, just inside Madison County's western border. The hack box sat on a cliff about 15 m. tall that runs east-west for about 185 m. just below the summit. Access to the site was by way of scenic Skyline Drive, followed by a nearly 2 km hike up to the cliff edge. From there an observer could look out over the Appalachian Trail and across the Shenandoah Valley to the Massanuttens. Surrounding the immediate area was predominantly a rich hardwood forest with a dense shrub understory of witch-hazel, striped maple, and hawthorn.

Hawksbill was first used as a hack site in 1989. With its easy accessibility, excellent observation area, and relative freedom from predators it ultimately won out as the most desirable hack site in the mountain reintroduction effort. Thirty-six young falcons were released there over a five year period and all but 2 fledged successfully. Despite the intense visitation by hikers and sightseers, it proved to be both a biologically sound and educationally rewarding experience for all involved.

List of Hack Attendants

Amanda Allen
Amy Ehrgott
Dan Langdon
Mandy Marvin
J.J. Morgan
Michael O'Bryon, Jr.
Mark Stoetzer
Craig Tumer
Eric Wilson