Now could be the prime time to visit National Geographic’s best outdoor adventure in PA
A roughly 2.5-hour drive can get you from State College to the best outdoor adventure in Pennsylvania, according to a recent National Geographic article.
The publication released the article “Here are the best ways to get outdoors in all 50 states” Oct. 4, listing its top adventure pick for every U.S. state. For Pennsylvania, National Geographic recommends a trip to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton to watch for migrating hawks.
“Each fall, some 18,000 raptors pass through Pennsylvania’s Hawk Mountain area on their way south,” the article reads. “At Hawk Mountain Sanctuary — the world’s first sanctuary for birds of prey — hiking trails connect 10 lookouts, where observer-interpreters help visitors identify different species.”
Here’s what to know about the sanctuary if you’d like to pay it a visit.
Planning your trip to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary was founded in 1934 and is the oldest and largest member-supported raptor conservation program in the nation.
“Here in Pennsylvania, the incredible views from Hawk Mountain you can enjoy them anytime of year, but especially in autumn to see the fall migration of up to 18 species of migratory raptors, including eagles and other hawks and falcons,” Mary Linkevich, Hawk Mountain’s director of development, told the Centre Daily Times.
The sanctuary’s official migration count runs from Aug. 15 to Dec. 15, so Linkevich said now is a great time of year to not only view the migration, but also the fall foliage.
In the migratory season, you can view eagles, hawks, falcons and ospreys. Ospreys are very large hawks that can be identified by their brown back and white underparts.
Linkevech said now is an especially great time to see two eagle species: the bald eagle and the golden eagle. Golden eagles are dark brown color with long wings, a golden nape and pale flight feathers. She also said it was a good time to see some rare northern migratory birds.
With up to 70,000 visitors per year, the nonprofit organization supports itself through things like memberships, admissions, gift store sales and more.
Admission can either be purchased online or at Hawk Mountain’s visitor center upon arrival. Trail admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for for children and free for those younger than 5. Hawk Mountain’s trails are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, but are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The trails also close at 1 p.m. the day before each of those holidays, according to the attraction’s website.
“For a visit to Hawk Mountain, there’s lots to do in the surrounding area and many people make a weekend .... but if you’re local, it’s a great day trip. There are lots of wineries and breweries and artist studios in the region,” Linkevich said.
For more information on the wildlife sanctuary and to purchase admission, visit the sanctuary’s website.
