Hawk Mountain Sanctuary | Allentown

Here is a detailed overview of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, including its history, natural significance, visitor experience, and conservation impact:

1. Overview and Historical Significance

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a nature preserve and scientific research center located in Kempton, Pennsylvania, on the Kittatinny Ridge, a part of the Appalachian Mountain chain. Spanning over 2,600 acres, the sanctuary was founded in 1934 by Rosalie Edge, a pioneering conservationist. At the time, raptors were widely persecuted, and Hawk Mountain was a popular site for shooting migrating hawks.

Rosalie Edge leased the land, banned hunting, and employed a warden to protect the birds. In doing so, she established the first sanctuary in the world dedicated to the protection of birds of prey. Her vision led to the creation of a globally significant research, education, and conservation facility that has operated continuously for over 90 years.

2. Raptor Migration and Research

Hawk Mountain lies along a major migratory flyway for raptors in eastern North America. The Kittatinny Ridge acts as a natural corridor that creates thermals and updrafts, helping birds conserve energy during long-distance flights.

Key Migration Periods:

Fall Migration: Mid-August to mid-December (peak viewing in September and October)

Spring Migration: March to early May (less dramatic, but still visible)

Raptors Seen Regularly:

Broad-winged Hawk (thousands in a single day during peak)

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Cooper’s Hawk

Bald Eagle

Golden Eagle

American Kestrel

Northern Harrier

Osprey

Peregrine Falcon

Merlin

Turkey Vulture

Black Vulture

Red-shouldered Hawk

Rough-legged Hawk

Northern Goshawk

The sanctuary is the site of the longest-running raptor migration count in the world, with daily counts conducted by trained observers since 1934. These records are vital for tracking long-term trends in bird populations and are used internationally for conservation policy and research.

3. Trail System and Lookouts

Hawk Mountain offers over 8 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain hikes. All trails are well-maintained, marked, and integrated into the forest and ridge landscape.

Notable Trails and Lookouts:

South Lookout (Easy)

900-foot ADA-accessible trail with a level surface

Popular with families, seniors, and those with limited mobility

Offers sweeping views and educational displays

North Lookout (Moderate)

0.75-mile hike with a 300-foot elevation gain

Offers a panoramic 200-degree view from atop the ridge

Best spot for peak raptor sightings during fall

River of Rocks Trail (Challenging)

Loop trail with steep descents

Passes through an Ice Age-era boulder field

Rugged and rocky, requires careful footing

Skyline Trail (Strenuous)

Ridgetop trail involving rock scrambling

Links with the Appalachian Trail

Suitable for experienced hikers seeking solitude and adventure

4. Visitor Center and Facilities

The Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. The building serves as the main hub for orientation, education, and amenities.

Key Features:

Natural history exhibits

Gift shop with books, optics, and nature-themed items

Clean restrooms

Trail maps and migration info

Knowledgeable staff and volunteers

Accessibility: The Visitor Center and the South Lookout Trail are wheelchair-accessible. Other trails are steep and rocky.

5. Admission and Membership

Daily Admission Fees:

Adults (13–64): $10

Seniors (65+): $7

Children (6–12): $5

Children under 6: Free

Members: Free year-round access

Membership Options:

Individual and family memberships available

Include unlimited visits, program discounts, and early registration for events

6. Educational Programs

Hawk Mountain runs a wide array of educational initiatives aimed at connecting the public with conservation science and nature appreciation.

Programs Include:

Guided nature walks

Raptor identification workshops

Wildlife photography sessions

Children’s summer camps

School field trips

Teacher training programs

The Acopian Center for Conservation Learning, part of Hawk Mountain’s facilities, hosts:

Internships and residencies for college students and postgraduates

Professional development for conservation biologists

Research on raptor ecology, migration, and global conservation issues

7. Conservation Impact

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary’s work extends beyond public education and birdwatching.

Contributions:

Scientific publications and data collection on migratory birds

Training the next generation of global conservation leaders

Habitat restoration and land protection

Collaborations with international raptor monitoring networks

Public advocacy for bird and habitat conservation

8. Visiting Tips

Best Time to Visit: September through mid-October for peak hawk flights

What to Bring: Binoculars, water, sturdy shoes, layers (weather on the ridge can change quickly)

When to Arrive: Early in the day for best parking and less crowded trails

What Not to Do: Pets, smoking, drones, alcohol, and littering are all prohibited

9. Local Area and Nearby Attractions

Kempton and the surrounding Berks County region offer a rural, scenic experience with other points of interest:

Crystal Cave – Pennsylvania’s first show cave, offering guided tours

Appalachian Trail – Access points near the sanctuary

Local farms and markets – Seasonal produce, cider, and crafts

Historic railroad rides – Nearby heritage trains offer scenic tours

Location and Contact

Address:
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
1700 Hawk Mountain Road
Kempton, PA 19529

In summary, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is not just a birdwatching site, but a living, breathing example of how conservation, education, and science come together. It offers stunning natural beauty, deeply engaging programming, and an opportunity to witness one of nature’s most impressive spectacles-birds of prey soaring across the sky in great numbers.