More than Just Bird-watching at Hawk Mountain

When I reach North Lookout after hiking to the top of Hawk Mountain, the dizzying view overlooking Berks County's landscape always manages to take my breath away. For miles, I can see valleys sloping down between rows of mountains and an endless blue sky. Although I'm no expert on birds, I still appreciate watching hawks, vultures, and falcons soar into view from my perch on the mountain's edge. The non-profit bird sanctuary covers 2,600 acres of land in Kempton, which is an hour and forty minutes outside the city in northern Berks County. Hawk Mountain is ideal for bird-watching, but even if you can't tell a Peregrine Falcon from a Broad-winged Hawk, there are five trails on which to hike, all blazed in a different color so you don't get lost, including the Lookout Trail. This is my preferred destination on the mountain because it offers a moderate climb along a slightly rocky path and takes me past 9 other vantage points before ending at North Lookout. Here, at an elevation of 1,500 feet, you will find a 200-degree panoramic view of the Appalachian Mountains as well as the thick, green forests of the sanctuary.

Gazing out from the top of the mountain, you can also see the River of Rocks, a field of boulders carved out by glaciers during the ice age. If you'd rather get a close-up look at the River of Rocks, you can hike 700 feet down the mountain into the woods and follow the trail for 4 miles. I've attempted this hike twice now, following the red blazes through the woods until I've reached the first boulder field, but I've always turned back due to lack of time and snacks to make it through the 3-4 hour hike. While this is not an uphill trek, it is still quite challenging due to the rockiness of the trail. I'd recommend having your hands free for this one, and pack plenty of water and food if you intend to complete the entire River of Rocks loop.

The park, which is managed by the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association, is open from dawn till dusk and costs five dollars, except on weekends from September through November when the price is seven dollars.