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See Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
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The place
About Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary protects a major Appalachian raptor-migration corridor and combines conservation science with a public trail and education campus. The Visitor Center includes an interactive history display, the Wings of Wonder gallery, a bird-feeder watch station, and the Mountain Bookstore.
The signature experience is the climb to a lookout. The half-mile Silhouette Trail reaches South Lookout on an accessible route, while North Lookout and the longer loop trails require more time and increasingly rocky, steep terrain. The sanctuary asks visitors to remain on designated trails and carry out all trash.
Migration changes with the season and weather, so no particular species sighting is guaranteed. Even outside peak flights, the overlooks, forest, native-plant areas, and visitor interpretation make Hawk Mountain a substantial second anchor for a Kempton day rather than a quick roadside photo stop.
What stands out
A living migration corridor
The visit centers on raptor conservation and seasonal migration rather than a general scenic overlook.
A meaningful accessible option
The Silhouette Trail provides an accessible half-mile route to South Lookout from the visitor campus.
Choose the trail to match the day
Visitors can combine indoor interpretation with a short overlook walk or commit to longer, steeper loops.
Pair it with the train
Why it belongs in a Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad trip
Hawk Mountain’s Visitor Center is about 7 miles by straight-line distance from the WK&S station and requires a drive; the sanctuary says there is no public transportation. Pair a morning hike with an afternoon train only after checking both closing time and the railroad’s 15-minute arrival requirement.
Before you go
Plan your visit
- Current hoursThe Visitor Center and trails publish daily hours of 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with holiday closures, early closing on two holiday eves, and occasional hunting-related trail restrictions. Check the official page before traveling.
- Current trail feesThe official page lists $10 for adults, $7 for seniors 65+, $5 for children 6–12, and free entry for children 5 and under and members.
- Accessible routeThe accessible campus path connects parking, the Visitor Center, native habitat garden, amphitheater, and the half-mile Silhouette Trail to South Lookout.
- Other trail conditionsLonger trails include rocks, elevation, and steep grades. Winter trails are not maintained; the sanctuary recommends traction aids and careful self-assessment in snow or ice.
- What to bringCarry water, snacks, weather layers, sturdy footwear, and binoculars. Pack out trash and remain on marked trails.
- Transportation and petsThe sanctuary says it has no public transportation or nearby bus service. Pets are not allowed on the public trail system.
Useful answers
Frequently asked questions
Can I walk from the WK&S station?
No. Hawk Mountain is roughly 7 miles away by straight-line distance and requires a drive; the sanctuary says it does not offer public transportation.
Is there a wheelchair-accessible overlook?
Yes. The sanctuary describes the half-mile Silhouette Trail from the visitor campus to South Lookout as wheelchair accessible. Ask about current surface or weather conditions before relying on it.
Will I definitely see hawks?
No wildlife sighting is guaranteed. Raptor numbers and species vary with migration season, weather, time, and conditions.
Are dogs allowed?
No. The official admission guidance says pets are not allowed on the public trail system.
Can I fit Hawk Mountain and the train into one day?
Yes with planning. Choose a trail length that leaves driving time and protects the railroad’s requested 15-minute pre-departure arrival window.
Trust and accuracy
Sources
Source checked 2026-08-11. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.