The Hawksbill Greenway
Welcome to Luray 's Front PorchWelcome to the Hawksbill Greenway Foundation!
The award-winning Luray-Hawksbill Greenway invites users to enjoy the abundant beauty and wildlife of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley in a unique urban setting.
This multi-use path meanders along scenic Hawksbill Creek through the center of historic Luray, Virginia. Less than a two-hour drive from Washington, D.C.,
Luray is the central entry point to Shenandoah National Park and its scenic Skyline Drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains. This popular tourist destination also is home to Luray Caverns, a U.S. National Landmark and Eastern America’s largest caves.
Where Urban Meets Wild
The Luray-Hawksbill Greenway combines a lush habitat for birds, butterflies, trout and other wildlife with urban amenities including:
- A two mile, 10-foot-wide, paved walking and biking trail that is handicapped accessible
- Six convenient parking areas
- Two modern Restrooms
- Four drinking fountains
- More than 24 trail-side benches
- Eight picnic tables
While on the trail, users are only steps away from Luray’s vibrant downtown area – with its historic homes, restaurants, Farmers’ Market, shops, hotels, museums and restored train depot – or its quaint residential neighborhoods.
Thanks to everyone for your support and kind words about the Greenway.
Everyone Loves Luray’s Hawksbill Greenway!
Greenway Trail Parking, Restroom, Accessible Fishing and GPS Addresses
Cliffside Pocket Park
(Blue Section)
Parking Lot and Accessible Restroom
175 S Hawksbill St
North-Loop Cow Pasture
(Green Section)
Parking Lot and Accessible Restroom
735 US HWY 340 N
Ruffner Plaza
Parking Lot and Portable Restrooms
14 S Hawksbill St
Park and Ride with Gazebo
Parking Lot and Portable Restrooms
119 Commuter Court
Mechanic Street Parking Lot
Portable Restrooms
Corner of Mechanic & Broad
Virginia Ave/ Rt. 340 South
Parking Lot And Portable
Restrooms
Corner of Virginia & Linden Ave
Accessible Fishing Platform
(Orange Section)
Park in Virginia & Linden Ave. Lot
157 Virginia Ave
Accessible Fishing Platform
(Red Section)
Park in 119 Commuter Court Park and Ride Lot
191 North Broad St.
Greenway Marker Map
The almost 2 mile Greenway is divided into 5 unique color sections. (Orange, Blue, White, Red, Green) Each section is identified by it’s corresponding color.
The “orange section”, “blue section”, etc., etc., will make it easier to identify your location in the unfortunate case of an emergency. And, it will make it easier to recognize the location of events taking place on the Greenway. This work was paid for by grant funds.
Download a Greenway Map Here.
A Gathering Place for Locals and Visitors
With two miles of trails, as well as open spaces and scenic rest areas, the Luray-Hawksbill Greenway is a great place to enjoy some peace and quiet, watch the wildlife along the creek or go for a walk or jog.
The Ruffner Plaza on the Greenway is the center of many music festivals and other local activities.
The Greenway accommodates a wide range of everyday activities, including:
- Bird-watching
- Picnicking
- Fishing
- Frisbee
- Bicycling
- Rollerblading
- Walking, Running and Jogging
- Quiet meditation
- Pet exercise
A Birder’s Paradise
More than 200 species of resident and transient birds are known to use the nearby Shenandoah National Park, and many of them can be found along the Luray-Hawksbill Greenway, which is part of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail.
Species to look for along the creek include:
- Green Heron
- Black-crowned Night Heron
- Belted Kingfisher
- Downy Woodpecker
- Pileated Woodpecker
- Eastern Bluebird
- American Goldfinch
- Killdeer
- Tree Swallows
Many common woodland birds and migrating Flycatchers, Warblers and Vireos may be seen in the more heavily wooded sections near the north end of the Luray-Hawksbill Greenway.
Numerous insect species also make their homes in the Greenway.
- Spicebush Swallowtail and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterflies flit among the trees and bushes
- Pearl Crescents and Eastern Tailed-blues are more common in the open spaces.
- Eastern Amberwing, Widow Skimmer and Common Green Darner dragonflies hover around the creek.
Angling for Fun
Anglers enjoy fly fishing in Hawksbill Creek, which is home to many of the Shenandoah’s 37 fish species, including game fish such as Trout, Smallmouth Bass and Bluegill. Offering Category “A” trout fishing, the creek is stocked throughout the year.
During construction of the Greenway, workers planted a 16-acre riparian buffer and installed rock structures to deepen and cool the stream, providing a better habitat for game fish.
Remember Bike & Pedestrian Safety On the Greenway
Due to the number of walkers, runners, and children who use the Greenway paths, cyclists, in particular, need to use appropriate speeds (high speeds are not permitted on the Greenway) and yield the right of way to all pedestrians.
- Please remember, this is a shared space.
- Cyclists should exercise added caution on ramps, bridges, and turns where pedestrians or children may be less visible.
- Serious injury can result from inappropriate cycling on the Greenway.
- Caution and courtesy are essential for the safety and enjoyment of everyone who makes use of our paths.
Contribute to Greenway Expansion Project!!
The Hawksbill Greenway is more than just a walking path. It’s the heart of our community in beautiful Luray, Virginia.
Can we count on your support to maintain and expand the Greenway? Thank you for your support!
Join our Newsletter Mailing List Here.
2025 Greenway Fundraiser Brochure
Scan or click on the QR CODE to Donate Online Now.
