Overview
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary sits along Kittatinny Ridge in Berks County, Pennsylvania, roughly 80 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Established in 1934, it was the world's first refuge created specifically for birds of prey and remains one of the most visited raptor-counting stations on Earth.
The sanctuary encompasses about 2,600 acres of mixed Appalachian hardwood forest. Its rocky North Lookout — perched at roughly 1,521 feet elevation — channels migrating raptors along the ridge, making it possible to watch dozens or even hundreds of birds pass in a single autumn day without specialized equipment.
Hawk Mountain is operated by a nonprofit membership organization that also conducts scientific research and global raptor conservation programs. It is not a state park, though it feels like one: the landscape is quiet, the trails are well-maintained, and the staff and volunteer 'counters' stationed at the lookouts are genuinely knowledgeable and welcoming to questions.
Note: Despite the name, there is no place in Iceland (the country) associated with this sanctuary. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is located in Pennsylvania, USA, in an unincorporated community historically associated with the village of Kempton.
Before You Go
Admission
Hawk Mountain charges an admission fee for non-members. Fees vary by age category. Verify the current fee schedule at hawkmountain.org before your visit, as pricing is updated periodically.
Seasonal Considerations
- Autumn (September–November): Peak migration season. Broad-winged Hawk counts can exceed 10,000 birds on a single September day under the right conditions. Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, Golden Eagles, and Bald Eagles all pass through in numbers.
- Spring (March–May): Quieter but rewarding; woodland wildflowers, returning songbirds, and occasional late-season raptors.
- Summer: Green and pleasant; useful for hiking and spotting resident species, but migration is absent.
- Winter: The sanctuary remains open but crowds thin; check hours locally before traveling.
What to Bring
Binoculars are strongly recommended — 8×42 is a widely used specification for hawk watching. Dress in layers; ridge tops can be significantly cooler and windier than valley floors, even on mild days. Wear sturdy footwear; the North Lookout trail involves uneven rocky terrain. Bring water and snacks, as no food concessions operate on the trails.
Getting There
Hawk Mountain is located near Kempton, Pennsylvania, in the Lehigh Valley/Blue Mountain region. There is no public transit serving the sanctuary; a personal vehicle or rideshare is essentially required.
By Car
From Allentown (approximately 25 miles east), take Route 309 north to Route 143 west toward Kempton, then follow signs to the sanctuary. From Philadelphia (roughly 80 miles), I-78 west to the Lenhartsville or Hamburg exit provides a common route. GPS coordinates and detailed driving directions are available on the official Hawk Mountain website.
Parking
A parking area is located at the sanctuary entrance near the visitor center. During peak autumn weekends, lots can fill early — arriving by mid-morning is advisable. Overflow procedures vary by season; verify locally.
Getting Around
The sanctuary is explored entirely on foot. The main trail system includes several named paths of varying difficulty.
- River of Rocks Trail: A moderate, roughly 2-mile loop passing through a large boulder field — a geological remnant of the last ice age.
- North Lookout Trail: Approximately 0.8 miles from the visitor center, with some rocky scrambling near the top. This is the primary hawk-watching vantage point.
- South Lookout: Closer to the visitor center and less strenuous; good for visitors with limited mobility or families with young children.
- Escarpment Trail: A longer, more rugged option for experienced hikers wanting solitude.
All trails are unsurfaced. Dogs are permitted on leash on most trails but are not allowed at the North Lookout during migration season to avoid disturbing both birds and counters — confirm current policy at the visitor center.
Where to Stay
There is no lodging at Hawk Mountain itself. Most visitors stay in the Lehigh Valley or Reading area and make a day trip to the sanctuary.
Hamburg and the surrounding Berks County area have a modest selection of chain motels and small inns. Allentown and Reading offer broader hotel choice across multiple price ranges. For a more rural setting, bed-and-breakfast properties in the Blue Mountain region are worth researching — verify availability and current operations directly before booking, as smaller properties change status frequently.
For serious autumn hawk watchers who want multiple early-morning sessions, staying in Hamburg minimizes drive time. Verify current options on booking platforms and confirm directly with properties.
Things to See & Do
Hawk Watching
Simply sitting at the North Lookout during a good migration morning is the central experience here. Volunteer counters record every raptor that passes and are typically happy to help visitors identify species. The sanctuary publishes daily count totals online during migration season.
Visitor Center and Museum
The visitor center contains exhibits on raptor biology, migration science, and Hawk Mountain's conservation history. A small natural history museum provides context for what you'll see on the ridge. The center also houses the membership and research offices.
Photography
The lookouts are popular with wildlife photographers. Bring a telephoto lens if you want frame-filling shots; birds often pass at a distance. Early morning light on clear days can be excellent.
Guided Programs
Hawk Mountain offers guided hikes and educational programs, particularly during autumn. Check the sanctuary's event calendar at hawkmountain.org for dates and reservation requirements, as popular programs fill quickly.
Hiking for Its Own Sake
Outside migration season the trails offer a quiet Appalachian woodland experience. Spring ephemeral wildflowers — trout lily, trillium, Dutchman's breeches — can be found along lower trail sections in April and May.
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants or cafés within the sanctuary itself. Pack your own food and water for any visit.
The nearest dining options are in the small surrounding communities and in Hamburg (approximately 10 miles south on Route 61), which has several casual restaurants and fast-food options. Kempton itself is a very small village with limited services.
Allentown and Reading, both roughly 25–35 miles away, offer the full range of dining options if you want a meal before or after your visit. Verify specific restaurant hours and availability locally before planning around them.
Practical Information
Hours and Closures
The sanctuary is generally open daily, but specific hours vary by season. The sanctuary is closed on certain holidays. Always check current hours at hawkmountain.org before visiting, as trail or facility closures can occur.
Connectivity
Cell service on the ridge can be weak or absent depending on your carrier. Download offline maps before arriving if you plan to navigate by phone.
Accessibility
The South Lookout is considerably easier to reach than the North Lookout and may be more suitable for visitors with mobility limitations. Contact the sanctuary in advance to discuss accessibility needs; staff can advise on current trail conditions.
Emergency Services
In a medical emergency, call 911. The sanctuary's visitor center staff can assist with directing emergency services. The nearest hospitals are in Hamburg, Reading, and the Lehigh Valley. Verify local emergency numbers and nearest facility locations before your trip.
Leave No Trace
Pack out all trash. Stay on marked trails, particularly on the rocky lookouts, to avoid damaging fragile lichen and plant communities. Do not feed wildlife.
Safety
Hawk Mountain is a very safe destination with no unusual hazards beyond standard outdoor precautions.
- Weather: Ridge conditions can change quickly. Bring a rain layer even on partly cloudy days. Lightning is a real risk on exposed rocky lookouts — descend if a storm approaches.
- Footing: The North Lookout approach involves loose rocks and uneven terrain. Take your time, particularly in wet conditions or when carrying camera equipment.
- Ticks: Lyme disease-carrying deer ticks are present throughout Pennsylvania. Do a thorough tick check after hiking. Wearing long socks and pants tucked in is advisable, particularly from spring through early autumn.
- Poison Ivy: Present along trail edges. Learn to identify it before you go.
- Sun exposure: The open lookouts offer no shade. Sunscreen and a hat are advisable during extended hawk-watching sessions.
