This article was last updated in November 2023.
Locals and avid birders know Hawk Mountain Sanctuary as the place to view migrating birds of prey (i.e., hawks, falcons, eagles, osprey) in the Lehigh Valley. It’s also a great place for a hike, with the payoff being splendid panoramic views for dozens of miles over the valley — no birding experience required. It makes for a fun day out, getting fresh air and exercise — an excellent excursion if you live in the Lehigh Valley or are visiting the area.
Part of the Blue Mountain range in eastern Pennsylvania, Hawk Mountain is perfect for a visit any time of the year. My family has seen hawks and other birds fly over us at Hawk Mountain during our summer visits, but the overhead display is much richer during migrating seasons, of course — especially in the autumn.
My favorite lookouts are South Lookout (an easy stroll from the entrance) and North Lookout (a walk over some rocky terrain that requires some high steps onto boulders, with the aid of a handrail). The reward will be incredible views to soak in, and it is definitely worth the effort.
Tracking Raptors
There are official counters stationed at the North Lookout in spring and fall to identify and count the birds migrating to their summer or winter homes. Hawk Mountain counted over 15,000 migrating raptors in 2023, including about 7,400 broad-tailed hawks, 820 red-tailed hawks, 500 bald eagles, 220 ospreys, and 250 kestrels.
Best Viewing Times
The best times for viewing migrating birds are spring (mid-April through mid-May) and fall (mid-August through mid-December).
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary updates its raptor count daily during migratory seasons. Access the Hawk Count Hotline at 610-756-6000, ext 6, or visit their website. Knowing recent migrating bird counts may help you plan your visit if seeing flocks of migrating raptors is important to you.
Why All the Raptors?
Hawk Mountain is ideal for viewing migratory birds because of the updrafts created by the elevated terrain along the mountain. These updrafts allow the birds to soar and, therefore, conserve energy for their long journeys. For more information on how and why birds migrate, check out the Hawk Mountain Raptorpedia page.
Accessibility
Given all its beauty and amazing overlooks, Hawk Mountain’s trails are rocky with unpaved and uneven terrain. The Silhouette Trail is wheelchair accessible; it’s 900 feet long. It’s an alternative route to the South Lookout with amazing views over the area.
Admission
- Adult – $10
- Seniors (aged 65+) – $7
- Kids (aged 6-12) – $5
- Kids (aged 5 and under) – Free
If you buy your tickets online, you’ll have contactless entry.
What You’ll Find at Hawk Mountain
- Several lookouts offer amazing views.
- A variety of trails with varying difficulty levels lead to lookouts. For example, the South Lookout is easily reached, just a short walk (175 yards) past the entrance. On the other hand, the River of Rocks Trail (note the name!) has uneven terrain and a boulder field to traverse. Skyline Trail is another rugged trail that is considered difficult and for experienced hikers only. The staff member at the entrance can help you choose a trail that meets your interests (i.e., level of difficulty, type of views).
- A habitat garden.
- A visitor center.
Trail Map
Tips for Your Visit to Hawk Mountain
- Buy your tickets online (preferable) or bring cash or a credit card for admission. If you purchase your ticket online, you’ll have a contactless entrance.
- Learn more about Hawk Mountain virtually by visiting the Hawk Mountain YouTube channel.
- Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds. Fewer people = a more enjoyable hiking experience.
- The visitor center and trails are open daily, 9 AM – 5 PM.
- Hawk Mountain is CLOSED on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day and closes at 1 PM on the day before Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve.
- Cell phones need to be turned off while on the trails.
- Bring bug spray. It can get quite buggy at times. And remember that ticks may be present, as well.
- Wear comfortable hiking/walking shoes. Hawk Mountain suggests shoes with gripping soles.
- Bring binoculars to get a better view of the distant vistas from the lookouts.
- Bring your own food and drink. Don’t forget plenty of water as you will probably need to hydrate frequently while hiking.
- Carry in, carry out. Expect to take your trash home and dispose of it there.
- There are picnic tables at the amphitheater and near the parking lot.
- There are restrooms after entering the trail area. There is a short trail to the bathrooms before you proceed to the main trails ahead. There are no bathrooms once you begin your hike.
- Do not feed or otherwise disturb the wildlife.
- No pets are allowed.
- No drones are allowed.
How It All Began
A hundred years ago, the place (now Hawk Mountain Sanctuary) was a bird hunting spot. Then, in 1934, this local gem, with 2,600 acres, became the world’s first refuge for birds of prey. Over the years, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary has become a raptor conservation research site, and the staff is committed to educating the public about birds of prey and nature in general. According to the sanctuary’s website, raptors are “sensitive bioindicators” at the top of a food web. Therefore, changes in their overall health can reflect a change in the environment.
Location Map
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, 1700 Hawk Mountain Rd, Kempton, PA
It is located 25 miles west of Allentown, 75 miles from Philadelphia, and about 115 miles from New York City. If you’re in the area — or passing nearby — this is a great spot to spend time in a beautiful setting and learn more about raptors.
For another good place to hike near the Lehigh Valley, consider Bushkill Falls in the Poconos; you’ll enjoy the lush vegetation and beautiful waterfalls there. And Jacobsburg State Park (just off Route 33 east of Hawk Mountain) has beautiful trails along Bushkill Creek in a primarily wooded setting; some 18th-century historical sites are also on the grounds.
Other great outdoor options with a touch of history closer to Philadelphia are Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA) and Washington Crossing State Park (NJ).
Nearby Attractions
Consider visiting some of these other great places in Pennsylvania:
- Big Pocono State Park, Poconos
- Bucks County Covered Bridges, Bucks County
- Bushkill Falls, Poconos
- Colonial PA Plantation, outside Philadelphia
- Gettysburg Visitor Guide
- Hickory Run State Park, Poconos
- Housenick Park, Lehigh Valley
- Jacobsburg State Park, Poconos
- John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, outside Philadelphia
- Lehigh Valley Covered Bridges, Lehigh Valley
- Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia
- National Museum of Industrial History, Lehigh Valley
- Philadelphia Self-Guided Walking Tour
- Philadelphia: Fairmount Park’s Unique Colonial Mansions & Their Stories
- Best Things to Do in Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania
- Promised Land State Park, Pocono area
- Ricketts Glen State Park, Pocono area
- Ridley Creek State Park, outside Philadelphia
- Tyler State Park, Bucks County
- Valley Forge National Historical Park, outside Philadelphia
- Washington Crossing Historic Park, Bucks County
Final Thoughts
My husband, Pop, and I have visited Hawk Mountain over the years, and one thing is certain. It’s a place with nice trails that lead to various lookouts with stunning vistas over the area. My favorite destination here is North Lookout (1,521 feet high) comprised of huge boulders atop the mountain. We pack a light lunch or snack and recharge our internal batteries while perched on the boulders. That’s dining with a view!
We took our kids to the sanctuary years ago when they were in elementary school, and they were able to navigate Lookout Trail to the North Lookout just fine (with some guidance). Hawk Mountain does suggest, however, that some trails may not be suitable for toddlers. I’d have to agree on that one.
Keep Your Eyes Open!
It’s important to be vigilant while hiking. Keep your eye on where you’re stepping because of the rocks and uneven terrain. When the trail gets really steep (as you approach North Lookout), there are handrails to help steady you as you ascend the incline.
Comments?
Please share your experiences at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and/or suggestions for other places to visit in the general area. Your ideas could be helpful to other travelers. Thanks! 🙂
