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 Hiking at Hawk Mountain
Trail Admission
Hike Safely - Learn More about safety on the trails
Download a Trail Map
Description of Trails
Admission to trails: A modest trail fee supports Hawk Mountain conservation programs and helps to maintain the Sanctuary. Please pay trail fee in the Visitor Center, where you also will receive a trail map. Hawk Mountain Members may proceed directly to the trail entrance and simply show their membership card.
Hiking Safety
A walk in the woods can refresh the spirit and reconnect you with nature. To help you make the most of your outdoor experience, be it a short stroll to South Lookout, or a multi-day trip along a national trail system, below is an outline of general safety tips. If you are visiting Hawk Mountain , the tips below should be followed if you are traveling to North Lookout, or any trail beyond 3/4 mile.
If you are visiting with children, review the tips together and get everyone involved in packing your "essential gear." Though you may not need everything for a walk to North Lookout, it will be a good outdoor lesson, will get everyone excited about their day outdoors, and is advisable to always 'play it safe.'
Remain on the Trail at All Times
At Hawk Mountain, and in any other outdoor area, always remain on the trail for your own safety and to help protect the fragile ecology of the forest. Obtain and study a trail map before you depart.
Wear Proper Footgear
Slips and falls can be minimized by wearing boots or sturdy shoes with good tread. All trails, aside from the graded walk to South Lookout, are rocky, mountainous terrain that provides uneven footing.
Planning is Key
Before you leave home, study a trail map, and know your route. Leave a copy of your itinerary and the location of your vehicle with someone you trust.
At Hawk Mountain , review all trail descriptions and the trail map before you arrive. A walk to the North Lookout is suggested for the first-time visitor and inexperienced hiker. This walk will take at least an hour, usually longer, if you stop to enjoy the view at overlooks along the way. Visitors who carry a pack-in, pack-out lunch and eat at North Lookout, tend to have a full and enjoyable afternoon. Be sure to bring a pair of binoculars, or plan to rent a pair from the Visitor Center if you are visiting during migration season, otherwise you may be disappointed.
Watch the Weather Report.
Always avoid hikes during lightening storms or freezing rain. Turn back if clouds roll in and it appears a storm is approaching.
Dress Appropriately
Remember that it typically is 10 degrees cooler on top of the Mountain. Wear a hat and sunscreen on sunny days, no matter the season. Dress in light, warm layers during autumn and winter. If you become warm, you can shed a layer and stash it in your daypack. A protective "shell" will help shield you from snow, rain and wind.
Allow Enough Daylight
Always overestimate the amount of time it may take you to complete your walk so you are finished well before dusk.
Carry Proper Gear
Keep a stocked daypack for hikes beyond a half mile, and always carry more water than you think you may need. The uneven terrain, steep grades and hot weather all can leave you exhausted or dehydrated. In all outdoor circumstances, you cannot rely on finding water, and should never consume untreated water in the wild.
In your daypack, keep a working flashlight, extra batteries and bulb, and small first aid kit with any special medications you require. Don't forget to stock snacks and water!
Practice Outdoor Etiquette
Remember that you share the natural world with resident critters as well as fellow hikers, so keep noise levels to a minimum, and turn off cell phones. Be particularly aware of your noise level if traveling with a group so as not to disturb others or ruin an opportunity to spot wildlife.
Practice Self Responsibility
Bringing a cell phone is smart, but only if you use it in the event of a true emergency. When you request help, you put first aid responders at risk and incur considerable cost of time and money on the part of rescue personnel.
Trail Admission
Hawk Mountain members are admitted free, year-round. Non-members pay a trail fee, which in turn helps maintain the Sanctuary and support Hawk Mountain's conservation and education programs. Trail fee is collected inside the Visitor Center. Members may proceed directly to gate and show their membership card.
Trail Fees (Always FREE for Members)
Adults $5
Seniors $4
Children ages 6 to 12 $3
Children ages 5 and under are free
Autumn Weekends (Sept-Nov) & National Holidays:
Members FREE
Children age 5 and under FREE
Adults and Seniors $7
Children ages 6 to 12 $3
If you're planning a visit, be sure to read the calendar of events page to learn about any programs or events that may be taking place.
Downloadable Trail Map
Download and study your Hawk Mountain trail map prior to your visit. You will need adobe acrobat reader to view and print. If you do not have the reader, you can download it at www.adobe.com.
Description of Trails
Trail to South Lookout - Easy
The trail leading to South Lookout is a wide, graded dirt trail with a slight incline. Length to South Lookout is a mere 100 yards from the trail entrance, making it easily accessible. An all-terrain wheelchair is available at the Visitor Center , free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis. A golf cart also is available on most weekends, operated by a volunteer. At South Lookout, an all-natural viewing platform offers a flat area to view the migration and the scenery from mobilized or the all-terrain wheelchair.
Beyond South Lookout - Easy for next 100 yards
The graded trail continues beyond south and leads to several additional overlooks. Beyond the first few overlooks, it will become rocky and ungraded.
North Lookout Trail - Moderate
3/4 mile (one way)
Orange Blazes
The trail to North is 3/4 mile long, and may take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes depending upon ability and the amount of time you linger at overlooks along the way. Elevation increases 300 feet, so portions of the trail are a slight climb, and includes a natural stone staircase. Take care when walking on wet leaves, as they will cover the small stones beneath and may be slippery.
Escarpment Trail - Challenging
The escarpment trail leads off the North Lookout Trail closer to the ridge, and requires much boulder scrambling (climbing over large rocks). Be sure to wear hiking boots and to carry any items in a daypack so both hands are free for climbing. This trail connects to the Express Trail, leading hikers to North Lookout.
Express Trail - Moderate
Shortcut to North Lookout, located off the North Lookout Trail. A steeper climb, with some stone "steps". Some visitors choose to take the North Lookout Trail on their journey up, and the Express Trail on their way down.
Sunset Overlook Trail - Challenging
A trail for the hiker, this path requires boulder scrambling and the ability to carefully spot blazes. Leads to a view of Schuylkill County .
River of Rocks Trail - Challenging
3 miles
Time: 3 - 4 hours
This trail explore the valley, and drops 700 feet, requiring a steep decent and return climb. It leads to the River of Rocks boulder field, which can be seen from most lookouts. Because the climb can be physically exhausting, be sure to carry more water and snacks than you think you may need. Due to the rocky nature of Appalachian landscape, plan for your hike to take longer than you may think so you are guaranteed to return before dusk. If you would like to see the boulder field, consider a walk down from South Lookout to the boulder field, and return the same way instead of attempting the entire loop, particularly if you are not an experienced hiker.
Skyline Trail - Difficult
A connector trail
Our most difficult trail, the Skyline is meant only for the experienced, Appalachian mountain hiker, and leads from North Lookout to the Appalachian Trail . Two connector trails, the Golden Eagle, will lead you down to the river of rocks. Skyline is most used to access the East Rocks, an overlook that offers great views of the migration. Note that Skyline has a 8-foot drop-off just below North Lookout, so it demands that hikers use a daypack to ensure both hands are free to climb.
Golden Eagle Trails - Challenging
Connector trails
Golden eagle trails connect the River of Rocks Trail to the Skyline Trail and is very steep. Do not attempt if you are not an experienced hiker, or you may find the trail physically exhausting.
If your visit coincides with the autumn or spring hawk migration, be sure to check our hawk flight guide for the best times to see particular.
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