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.

Blue Marsh Lake: Not Just a Day at the Beach

When I'm planning a day of sun, sand, and surf, I could make a trip to the Jersey shore. But, if I want to beat the traffic and summertime crowds of the beach, I head away from the coast towards Blue Marsh Lake, just outside of Reading, Pa. Awaiting my arrival, the 1,150-acre lake, a privately owned project managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of the Philadelphia District, boasts a sandy shoreline and sparkling blue waves.

Blue Marsh is only an hour and a half from Philly and offers more than just your average day at the beach. I often come prepared with hiking shoes and attire and walk along the 30-mile trail that runs through the woods and fields encircling Blue Marsh Lake. Visitors can also bring a boat or jet ski and have a blast soaring across the lake's rippling waters surrounded by lush forests and green mountains.

The lake is free, except for a three dollar fee for boats, and open to the public from dawn until dusk. On several occasions, I have stayed at Blue Marsh late into the evening just to catch a tranquil lakeside sunset from the water's edge.

Aimless Exploration at French Creek

Spanning across both Berks and Chester counties, French Creek State Park is just an hour away from Philadelphia in Elverson, Pa. Its 7,474 acres of protected land offers nine trails and several lakes that serve as ideal settings for hiking, fishing, and canoeing. On my first visit to French Creek, I found a large, free parking lot right alongside Hopewell Lake, providing easy access to both water activities and trails. I was pleased to find about 10 canoes lined up outside of a boathouse, presumably available for rent. Unfortunately, there were no park employees stationed here to which I could inquire about rentals, so I meandered around the lake on one of the trails instead.

Looking for a rigorous day of hiking? Well, many of French Creek’s wooded trails may be too tame and not provide the exercise expected since they consist of mainly flat, worn ground or minor inclines. If you’re the kind of person who arrives at a state park wearing flip flops, such as myself on this day, many of the trails, like those encircling the lakes, are perfect for a relaxing stroll in the woods. You can also play the ever-popular game of disc golf on these trails, and according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources site, several are specifically marked for biking. I should mention, however, that I returned to French Creek a second time to try out some of the biking trails, but even after an hour of driving through the park and picking up a park guide and map at the main office, which was closed even on this summer day, I could not find an entrance to a bike trail.

While French Creek State Park is clean and well-maintained, if I plan on visiting again, I will contact the office first (contact information is listed at the bottom of the DCNR page) to find information about canoe rentals and biking so I can take full advantage of the park’s offerings.