There are so many amazing hikes near Philadelphia, but the Hawk Mountain trails are some of the best. The rocky terrain and large boulders make the trails technical and fun to traverse. Plus, there are several ways to combine the trails at Hawk Mountain, allowing visitors to complete a short or longer hiker.
We’ve hiked Hawk Mountain in various seasons with different trail combinations. If this is your first time visiting Hawk Mountain and you want a moderate trail that isn’t too long, the Lookout Trail is the best option.
However, if you’re an experienced hiker who enjoys a challenge, one of our favorite combinations is the River of Rocks to the Golden Eagle (this section of the trail is steep) to the Skyline Trail (with a 30-foot vertical ascent to the summit), and taking the Lookout Trail back to the beginning.
If you can’t decide which trail to take, the guide below will provide you with everything you need to know. And really, you can’t go wrong with whichever you choose!
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Things to Know Before You Hike at Hawk Mountain
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is one of the best places to hike in Berks County, not far from Philadelphia and Allentown. With several trails at varying levels, everyone can enjoy some of the gorgeous views of the region.
Admission Fees to Hawk Mountain
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is the non-profit organization responsible for maintaining the trails at Hawk Mountain. The sanctuary charges a fee to access their trails to offset those costs. At the time of publication, prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, and children under five are FREE.
If you think you’ll visit the sanctuary a few times, you can purchase a membership for $50 ($60 for a family of four).
Parking
The Hawk Mountain Sanctuary has large parking lots with plenty of parking available. However, arrive early to avoid crowds. The lots can get filled very quickly during migration, which usually coincides with fall foliage.
Hours and Closures
The trails at Hawk Mountain are open almost every day, from 9 am until 5 pm.
Hawk Mountain is closed on specific days, like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, as well as on certain days in November and December for deer hunting. Visit their website for the most up-to-date information.
Hawk Mountain Trail Map
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary provides paper maps at the visitor center. However, if you prefer a digital copy, you can download the map to your phone ahead of time.
Cell Service
For the most part, we have had good cellular service along the trails at Hawk Mountain. My son has even been able to play Pokemon Go. However, there are spots with poor service, including the parking lot
No Pets
Dogs are not allowed at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. Exceptions are made for service animals.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Places like Hawk Mountain are popular with visitors, which can bring trash and other issues. We all need to do our part to keep our parks clean and enjoyable for all. Remember to pack out all trash (including those fruit peels) and leave behind what you found. Leave no trace so we all can enjoy these parks for years to come.
Amenities at Hawk Mountain
Restrooms
Bathrooms with vault toilets are available at the visitor center. Facilities are also located just below the South Lookout and near the North Lookout (take the escarpment trail a few hundred feet).
Gift Shop
At the visitor center, there is a small gift shop where you can purchase toys, books, clothing, and other goods. The proceeds from the sale help maintain the trails and the sanctuary.
Hawk Mountain Trails: The Lookout Trail
| Trail Location: | The Lookout Trail officially begins at the Visitor Center |
| Trail Length: | 1 mile to the North Lookout (2 miles out and back) |
| Trail Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Trail Type: | Out and back or Loop using the Escarpment Trail |
| Elevation Gain: | 200 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | No – Dogs are not allowed on the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Trails |
There are several trails at Hawk Mountain, but the most popular trail is the Lookout Trail, which leads to the North Lookout. The one-mile trail to the lookout includes several beautiful overlooks of the Blue Mountain Kittatinny Ridge and the surrounding valleys.
Good to Know: You need to start on the Lookout Trail to access the other Hawk Mountain trails.
First Half of the Hawk Mountain Lookout Trail
To get to the Lookout Trail, cross Hawk Mountain Road from the visitor center. There, you will show your pass.
After passing the booth, continue up the trail to the South Lookout. Here, you will find two areas that overlook the boulder fields and the valley. The upper lookout has been cleared of rocks and is part of the accessible Silhouette Trail (more info below).
Good to Know: One of the entrances to the River of Rocks Trail is next to the South Lookout overlook.
As you continue along the Lookout Trail, you’ll notice the first half of the trail is relatively flat and clear of rocks. Around here, hikers have access to the South Lookout, River of Rocks Overlook, the Ridge Overlook, and the Bald Lookout. There are also several small wooden benches along these sections of the trail.
Second Half of the Hawk Mountain Lookout Trail
After the Bald Lookout, the trail becomes much rockier. Hikers should watch their footing to navigate these “ankle breakers”. As you get closer to the North Lookout, there are several steep inclines along the trail. Some of the slopes have railings for added support.
Sunset Overlook and The Slide
Before you reach the North Lookout, the trail splits into three directions.
To your left is the Sunset Overlook, which offers western views. To get there, hikers must scramble up large boulders and navigate a rocky path. The Sunset Overlook area is small but shaded, making it a great place to rest during the summer months. This is a fun section, and if you enjoy climbing up rocks, you don’t want to miss it.
The Slide is between the Sunset Overlook and North Lookout. It doesn’t offer a great view, but it shares some of the interesting history of the area.
The North Lookout
The North Lookout is the reason most people hike Hawk Mountain.
With an elevation of 1521 feet, the 200° views are a welcome reward for completing the moderate-mile hike. To get these views, hikers will have to climb over large boulders.
Take the time to explore the entire lookout and take in all the views. And keep your eyes on the sky, as the North Lookout is the primary area for viewing the birds of prey the sanctuary is working to conserve. Bring your binoculars if you want a good view of them.
Shortest Way Back to the Visitor Center
Once you’ve reached the North Lookout, you have a few options. You can follow the Lookout Trail back down to the visitor center or take the Escarpment Trail to the beginning of the trail. Either option will keep your hike to about 2 miles total, which will be the shortest way back to the Visitor Center. For longer options, see below.
If you choose to go back to the Visitor Center via the Escarpment Trail, you’ll have access to a new overlook. The Escarpment Trail meets back up to the Lookout Trail near the Bald Lookout.
Good to Know: The bathrooms near the North Lookout are on the Escarpment Trail
Extending Your Hike From the North Lookout
If you’d like to extend your hike, you can scramble down the 30-foot vertical descent of the Skyline Trail from the North Lookout.
From the Skyline Trail, hikers can access the Golden Eagle Trail and even the Appalachian Trail. The Golden Eagle Trail connects to the River of Rocks Trail, giving hikers multiple route combinations. Hiking any of these loop trails will lengthen your hike to 3-5.5 miles, depending on which way you go. More information on those trails is below, and loop options are listed below that.
Other Hawk Mountain Trails
Silhouette Trail – Accessible
One of the best things about Hawk Mountain is its accessible trail. This 900-foot trail is paved with some small gravel and graded at no more than 8.3%, making the South Lookout available to almost everyone!
There are even several sturdy benches along the trail for those needing a rest break. The South Lookout is cleared of boulders and is made up of packed earth, giving visitors a beautiful view of the valley.
Skyline Trail
The Skyline Trail is at the top of Kittatinny Ridge and connects the Lookout Trail to the Golden Eagle and Appalachian Trails.
This trail is moderate-hard in difficulty, as there are several boulders that hikers will have to scramble up and over, including a 30-foot vertical ascent (or descent if you’re coming from the North Lookout). Only experienced hikers should attempt this trail. From the North Lookout to the Appalachian Trail, the Skyline is about 2.2 miles long.
Golden Eagle Trail
The Golden Eagle Trail is 2.1 miles long and connects the Skyline Trail to the River of Rocks Trail. However, a large portion of the route follows the Skyline Trail.
Like the other trails at Hawk Mountain, the Golden Eagle Trail is very rocky and steep in sections. The eastern portion (starting between the two boulder fields) gains 600 feet over 7/10 miles and grades up to 22%.
River of Rocks Trail
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary rates the River of Rocks Trail as difficult due to the many steep sections and the very rocky and rough terrain.
The entire River of Rocks loop is 4.5 miles long and will take hikers at least 3-4 hours to complete. The hike can be shortened to just over 3 miles by taking the Golden Eagle Trail between the two large boulder fields.
Optional Loop Trails at Hawk Mountain
As noted earlier, hikers can create loop trails by connecting two or more trails on Hawk Mountain.
Depending on our mood and time, we usually take the Inner Loop clockwise (hiking to the North Lookout first) or the River of Rocks Loop counter-clockwise (walking down to the boulder fields first). Both are technical, with many ankle breakers and rock scrambling.
Inner Loop
The “Inner Loop” connects the Lookout, Skyline, Golden Eagle, River of Rocks, and Escarpment trails.
The Inner Loop is about 3 miles long and challenging, as hikers must navigate the 30-foot vertical descent (or ascent, depending on your chosen direction) on the Skyline Trail. This loop will take you about 2-2.5 hours to complete (it usually takes us longer, as we like to eat lunch at the lookout).
Good to Know: Hawk Mountain Recommends going counter-clockwise on this loop.
River of Rocks Loop
The River of Rocks Loop connects the River of Rocks to Golden Eagle, Skyline (you will ascend the 30-foot vertical), and the Lookout Trail.
This trail is about 4.5 miles long and is rated difficult due to the rocky and rough terrain on the River of Rocks Trail and the steep grade (up to 22%!) on the Golden Eagle Trail. You’ll also have to navigate the 30-foot vertical ascent on the Skyline Trail. Allow at least 3-4 hours to complete this loop.
Bragging Time: We hiked this trail with my mother who was almost 76 years old at the time! Go, mom!
Outer Loop
The Outer Loop at Hawk Mountain is pretty much the River of Rocks Loop, except hikers will go around the second boulder field. This will add about one mile to the River of Rocks Loop, making the outer loop 5.5 miles.
Just like the River of Rocks Loop, the Outer Loop is challenging due to its steep grade and very rocky terrain. Give yourself plenty of daylight to complete this loop, as it will take about 4-5 hours.
Other Fun Hikes Near Hawk Mountain
There are some great hiking trails near Hawk Mountain, especially along the Appalachian Trail.
Not too far away, you’ll find the Pulpit Rock and Pinnacle Loop trail. We also enjoyed the Knife’s Edge/Bear Rocks, Bake Oven Knob, and Lehigh Gap East Loop sections of the AT.
