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 Reporter |
Summary: This hike is a favorite combination of a couple of the trails available at Hawk Mountain. Start at the entrance gate and go straight to the South Lookout. Turn left and, after passing some lookouts, the trail becomes very rocky. Take the "Express" trail to the North Lookout. From there, follow the blue blazes on the rocks to pick up the "Skyline" trail. It begins with a very steep drop (60 feet in a short distance). You'll reach an intersection with the "Golden Eagle" trail (yellow blazes). Turn right to follow it down the mountain until it meets the "River of Rocks" trail (red blazes). Continue straight on the "River of Rocks" trail rather than taking it to the left. Follow the red blazes up the mountain, crossing the "Escarpment" trail until you meet up with the "Scenic Lookout" trail. Turn left and follow it back the way you came. Trailhead: This hike is one of many within the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. Hawk Mountain is located north of Reading and it's easiest to get there by following their directions on their website: http://www.hawkmountain.org/visiting_us/map_and_directions.htm There is a fee to enter the hiking trails: $5 for adults & $3 for children 6-12 from December through August. In the fall, which is peak raptor migration time, the fee jumps to $7 for adults. Annual memberships are available if you live within an easy drive and might frequent the sanctuary You're likely to have the trails mostly to yourself anytime but during the fall migration. In October they see from 1,500 to 2,000 visitors each weekend day. The sanctuary is entirely non-smoking and dogs are not allowed. For an overview of all of the Hawk Mountain hikes, look at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/vrtour/hawkmtn_tour.html (Lat:40.635 Lon:-75.98728) Trail Guides for Hawk Mountain Short Hike: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association - (610) 756-6961 Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by wyle on 4/17/2005 The views are great and you'll likely meet a variety of hikers - toddlers, teens, rents and grams. The spring definitely does not bear the volume of birds that the fall is supposed to. The trails are very rocky so hiking boots are definitely recommended.
Reviewed by Jimmy on 12/4/2004 We didn't see any Red-tail hawks, but the whole family enjoyed the hike. With a little hand holding even my daughter, 4 years old, made it to the top. The visitor center was very nice (Books, hot cider, popcorn, live birds of prey). It was great exercise and the views were great! We finished the day off by going to Cabelas for Dinner. 
Reviewed by Viewer on 6/2/2004 8oytortrfthmuytrfyruygkuythryurbgbghdbbbrjkgbh Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Pennsylvania Hiking, Pennsylvania Trails, Pennsylvania Hikes, Berks County Hiking, Berks County Trails, Berks County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
