Hawk Mountain

Watch Migrating Eagles, Hawks, Falcons, Osprey, Vultures, Oh My…
Great space for hikers and non-​hikers.
Hawk Mountain is about 2 hours from NYC.
There is a per person use fee.
You can rent binoculars from Visitor Center (only one of three places where there are restrooms — this one is more modern, other two are lavs).
Some of the trails are pretty tough and uneven if you want a rock scrambling challenge, while there are also easy trails, as well as wide carriage type trails that are good for walkers who also want to do some bird watching.
If you go at right time (Fall) you can sometimes catch dozens to hundreds of raptors in migration from one of several promotories — the best are North and South Lookouts.
On weekends during migration season they have a few (free) birding programs including one that uses rescued raptors (Raptors Up Close).
Visitor Center has gift shop, coffee/​hot chocolate and a handful of snack items — what that means is bring your own lunch.
Bird watching? The lookouts have uneven varying sized boulders. bring something comfortable to sit on.
Not good in rain or cloudy days if you want to see raptors.
There are also butterflies and humming birds that migrates through there.
My favorite hikes is down through the River of Rocks — yes, it is like what it sounds (if you hike over them as we do. you better have strong ankles or have good ankle support, and in shape.
Trail maps are available in Visitor Center.
The property is a take out what you bring in so bring a bag with you to take out your trash.
You need lots of patience waiting to see raptors migrating. maybe if you hold out your hand with a handful of worms they may come :)
Visited October 2015

Love coming up here and going hiking with my kids. The trails are very well marked and it’s a pretty easy climb to the North Lookout if you stick to the main trail. There are several lookouts along the trail and if you looking for a more challenging hike, there are options for that as well. We like to pack our lunch and then make our way to the North Lookout where we hang around for a bit and eat our lunch before making our way back down. We’ve been twice so for this summer and unfortunately the hawk action was pretty minimal, but looking forward to going back again this fall. Down at the entrance is a little gift shop that also offers some drinks and a few snacks. At both the South and North Lookouts are guides to answer any questions you have and they typically have binoculars that you can borrow while at the lookout. You can also rent them if you’d rather. One thing to note is dogs are not allowed so if you were hoping to go hiking with your pooch, then this is not the place to go to. If you plan on coming here multiple times per year, then the annual pass they offer is a better deal, but in general, it’s not expensive at all to come here. Looking forward to my next visit, which will hopefully include some lovely fall foliage and more hawk action!

Six dollars buys your way into Hawk Mountain. Think of it as an investment in preserving one of the major stopping places on the southern hawk migration highway. Numerous hawks use a number of different routes to migrate north in the spring, but many use a route that passes through this area on their way south in the fall.
About 100 years ago people thought that hawks were pests, so this was an area where hunters would gather to shoot the breeze — and a lot of hawks. This went on for decades until a wealthy heiress from New York bought the entire mountain and donated it for preservation.
I was here in August for the first time since I was a child and didn’t see any hawks. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t go. There are breathtaking views. It’s about 1.5 hours from Philadelphia. You owe it to youself and some friends and family to spend an afternoon up here. If you want to see hawks, then September to November is the time to be here.
Most people are probably going to hike to the top up the Lookout Trail or the Escarpment Trail. These are the busier trails, very safe and easy walks up to several lookouts, including the main North Lookout. That’s probably about 45 minutes to the top.
Others might opt for the longer River or Rocks, then Golden Eagle Trail, then the Skyline Trail (about a four-​hour hike). These, as advertized, have a lot of rocks (in some places, people should just clear some of the smaller rocks from the trail). Along the ridge of the mountain along the Skyline Trail we are talking boulders. In some cases you climb right up them.
I stopped at one point along the Skyline Trail and decided that I would hop down a few boulders and look at the valley below — until I heard the rattlesnake and quickly backed away. They get to live here, too. I would strongly advise that you wear good hiking shoes, stay on the trail, carry a cell phone (they do work here), and bring water. Hike with others if you can. Make a little noise while you hike.
I continued along and about five minutes later another hiker warned me of another rattler. There was a fork in the trail so I just stayed to the right; there was never a threat. Given that they are here, and that you pay $ 6 to get in, I’m hoping that the visitor center has some emergency first aid for snake bites. An emergency call box at the North Lookout might also be helpful. I didn’t see any signs warning people about snakes. Or you can just wait for the hawks to fly off with a few of them.

Well worth the 90 minute drive each way. Moderate hike to some very picturesque outlooks. The price is a bit high at $ 6 per adult, but the trails and facilities are well maintained. There is also a guide at the north outlook spotting birds for you.

Nothing ever short of 5 stars here. Trails range from rugged where you are walking over rocks and boulders for one hour to some trails where there are only a few rocks until you reach the sprawling vistas.
Dress warm, Purchase a membership because it pays for itself and try to avoid weekends if you can.

I came here for the first time about 15 years ago, for a high school field trip. I fell in love with Hawk Mountain immediately. While I didn’t get to come back again until a few years ago, I now make it a point to try and visit every Autumn.
The rocky climb is well worth it for the view you are awarded at the top. Come in the Fall, when the leaves have already turned. It’s breathtaking.

Beautiful place to visit. Wonderful visitor center. Gorgeous hiking trails and vistas. Well worth the admission price and the trip.

Hawk Mountain is a truly gorgeous place. There’s a multitude of animal species to be seen here and I particularly like going here for bird watching, but that should be obvious considering it’s name. I usually see hummingbirds in the summer which is always a treat. Plus there’s a bunch of walking and hiking trails to take across the mountain.
Go in the autumn when it’s a flurry of colors, you won’t regret it.

The names says it all, and it delivers both hawks and mountains (for the region). Go during the peak migrations, hike up to the lookout, and enjoy the volunteer experts spotting the species for you as they soar on thermals in front of your eyes.

Great quick and easy drive from Philly on a Sunday afternoon. Great destination for one of the best vistas you’ll get in the region, with Hawks flying around as a bonus to the experience.
The biggest downside was that we couldn’t bring our dog on the main lookout trails. In hindsight, I kind of understand, because there are some tricky parts of the incline that require your full attention (nothing crazy, just moments where a dog could be an inconvenience, especially if the dog is small and energetic).
The good news is there is a decent leg of the Appalachian Trail about ½ mile down the road from the sanctuary if you need to wear out the dog; then you can come back to the actual park/​trail and leave the dog in the car (if it’s that kind of dog) while you quickly take the express trail to the north lookout. You’ll only be leaving the dog alone for about an hour — less if you’re quick.
I hope to take the longer trail next time.
Quick tip: THEY REALLY DO NOT HAVE ANY WASTEBASKETS ANYWHERE ON SITE — ANYWHERE, REALLY. SO DON“T EXPECT TO DUMP YOUR ROY ROGERS CUP AND PROTEIN BAR WRAPPERS ANYWHERE EXCEPT FOR YOUR CAR TRUNK UNTIL YOU GET BACK TO ALLENTOWN.

My first time going but my Wife’s second. Great place to visit and affordable right down to snacks in the welcome center. We will be back again next year!

Bird watchers have more fun. The ride up to hawk mountain is truly wonderful. The parking lot and visitors center are clearly marked and offer indoor rest rooms. The experience walking the trails and taking in the vistas is spectacular. The north lookout requires some hiking over rocks so hiking shoes are recommended. Regardless of the time of year this place will help you find inner peace. My personal tip would be a weekday visit. The staff at the visitors center is friendly and helpful. Binoculars are available for rent for $ 5 for the day. Pack a picnic basket and go to the top of hawk mountain and be one with nature. Kids and adults alike will love the hikes and lookout points located throughout.

It’s been over 20 years since my last visit to Hawk Mountain. While visiting family in Reading over Thanksgiving, I decided it was time to visit again.
This is a well maintained park. The Overlook trail is fairly easy and most people will find it very enjoyable. On my visit, there were small children to people over 70 enjoying the trails.
There are lookouts along the trail that are stunning and of course most people hope to see some hawks or other birds of prey.
Some of the trails can be a little rocky so you really have to have both hands free when you are hiking. For an extra challenge, try the escarpment trail. You will surely climb rocks on that one.
On my next visit, I hope to check out the River of Rocks trail. I just didn’t have time for it with this visit.
This is definitely worth the $ 5 to take advantage of the trails and the scenery.

Wow, I planned this hike with a friend for our hiking club. She picked out the River of Rocks to the North Lookout by Express Trail. It was amazing and also pretty challenging. River of Rocks is really rocky so be careful. Once you get through it, you get some great views of Hawk Mountain. I saw some wonderful views of the Appalachian Mountain range with hawks flying above. You will not be disappointed. $ 5 adult out of season and $ 7 adult in season (Sept-​Oct).

Very beautiful well-​maintained and easy hiking area! It has something for everybody! Some of the trails are quite difficult, but most people can experience all of the beautiful scenery with little effort! I’d recommend this hike over and over again!
I enjoyed climbing up the boulders on some of the trails, doing a little sprawling, and getting out on some serious ledges and looking over! The hawks are beautiful and I just absolutely loved this hike! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from a seasoned and traveled hiker!

It’s on the rare occasion that I paw into the wilds of PA, but when I do, more often than not this is my destination. Hawk Mountain is one of my most beloved sites in all of the state. There are few experiences more awe-​inspiring than perching at the top of an escarpment on a brisk, effulgent fall day, sweat beading on your brow, blood coursing through your veins from the stress of a strenuous, boulder-​strewn path and spotting a lone, majestic raptor soaring on an updraft in the panorama of a gorgeous, sweeping vista…
GOD, it’s brilliant. Hawk Mountain offers this and more to you for the mere price of 5 bucks*.
Hawk Mountain is a nationally renowned birds-​of-​prey sanctuary nestled within the realm of the Poconos, with miles of clever trails ranging from one that accommodates even wheelchairs, to grueling (read: awesome) trails featuring 10-​foot vertical drops and expansive ‘scarps. Although it’s magnificent all year ’round, autumn sees the migration of thousands of buteos, falcons, vultures & eagles, all on parade in the skies. Autumn also sees tons more people gallivanting around on the trails, so go early on weekends or try to go during the week. October is normally the best month to go, you see the most bird activity then.**
I actually prefer to go here by myself; I don’t have to mask my embarrassing panting and huffing when scaling over rocks, and I feel very at peace with myself and with nature. I recall my favorite book from childhood, My Side of the Mountain, and sometimes secretly wish that I could disappear into the thickets, fashion a dress of deerskin, and commune with the birds.
So come, gawk at hawks! Just make sure you wear correct footwear, the trails are as rocky as the sky is blue. And please be objectively aware of your abilities… if your idea of hiking prior to coming to Hawk Mountain was puffing up the flight of stairs to your office, might want to wait on the more challenging hikes for a while.
*7 bucks on Fall weekends
**In December, several trails are closed for a spell due to hunting season. Keep this in mind when planning your trip.

The view at the North Lookout is gorgeous. If you can, you need to get up there. There are many stone bench along the trail for you to rest. Get up there early morning and you can view the sun rising at the north side while the south side still cover with morning fog. The north lookout is right at the middle.
Becareful if you want to try the River of Rock trail. At some area, especially area with rocks, it is hard to find the trail. Be very careful to look for the red paint on trees or rocks that mark the direction.

I love this place! You’ll often find me here on the weekends during the warmer months. Known for the world’s longest record of raptor populations, this spectacularly beautiful Sanctuary encompasses an 8-​mile trail system for both novice and advanced hikers. They’re open year-​round with great hours (from dawn to dusk) so you can come here anytime. There are several scenic overlooks that provide stunning and breath-​taking views of the valley floor.
The trails go from relatively flat and easy to jaw-​dropping steep, rugged and daunting so either take one of the free complimentary maps (provided at the entrance of the trail) or a reliable compass. No one wants to get lost in these woods. I doubt many of us have Daniel Boone skills. Also, wear proper footwear and clothes! I can’t emphasize that more.
It gets really, really crowded here from Spring through Fall during peak hours from 10 to 4, so plan ahead. Getting here a bit early is probably best to avoid the crowds and slow-​pokes. There is a modest trail fee to access the Sanctuary but it all goes towards a great educational program and conservatory cause.
P. S. — Bring a pair of binoculars!

Hawk Mountain is a great place to visit with the family. Hawks and other birds of prey are clearly visible during this time of year, in oct-​nov admission is 7 dollars, and the rest of the year it is 5 dollars. The first lookout of the trail is handicap accessible, there is a special all-​terrain wheelchair designed and free to use if you need it.
The visitors center has lots and lots of information about hawks, eagles, owls, birds, migration, obstacles they face (such as illegal poaching), the appalachian trail, mountains, etc. Pretty neat, very modern. The Appalachian Trail runs close by in that area, and there were an abundance of hikers in he area. Be sure to bring energy bars, snacks and drinks with you, and bundle up!

For $ 7 you could hike a beautiful trails and watch Hawks and Vultures surround the different lookouts. I am not a birdwatcher and had never gone hiking, but I loved this place. Check the site for the best times to visit.

The hiking isn’t extreme. The trails are worn enough to know where you are going but the trail also has rocks to look out for. Its about a 15 — 20 minute hike to the North lookout.
Young children may have trouble climbing rocks. Also, since it is a sanctuary, there are no trash cans… anywhere… so take food and drinks that you could easily store in a back pack such as bottles vs cans.