Hawk Mountain Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kind of educational programs does Hawk Mountain Sanctuary offer?

Many educational programs are offered to the general public including both indoor and outdoor lectures and educational walks and talks. A complete program schedule for the remainder of the year can be found on the calendar of events page.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary provides "Raptor Challenge" for select school districts that meet certain eligibility criteria and are within the counties closest to Hawk Mountain. Raptor Challenge provides a much more hands-on approach, and enables Hawk Mountain to reach more students with several visits and to have a more long-lasting effect on learning. We have found that this type of program is much more effective and financially affordable than provided guided programs for small groups. For groups wishing to visit Hawk Mountain, group leaders should call in advance to qualify for a trail fee discount, and to schedule a possible introductory program led by staff member or volunteer.

College-level courses and conservation internships also are available. For more information visit the education section of our website.

2. Are there any guided hikes to participate in?
Visitors are encouraged to explore and discover Hawk Mountain trails on their own. For those who wish to have a guided program, take part in the "Interpretive Walk to North Lookout," which is offered weekends during spring and fall,

Other guided walks are only done as part of a special, sign-up program. More information about these hikes can be found on the calendar of events.

3. What is the campground and how can I use it?
Hawk Mountain's modest camping facilities are for basic, primitive tent camping and include a picnic table and fire ring at all sites with one pit toilet for general use. amping is a privilege reserved only for members of the "Kestrel Club" level ($75 or more per-year).

4. Is the hike to North Lookout difficult?
Hawk Mountain is a functioning part of the Appalachian ecosystem. Because of this, the trail to North Lookout has been left in its natural state, and as such is characterized by rocky and uneven terrain. There is a slight incline between the trail entrance and the North Lookout which can make the walk difficult for some visitors.

We encourage visitors to come prepared if they choose to venture to the North Lookout or enjoy any of the sanctuary's other scenic trails. Wear sturdy shoes and carry a daypack with provisions like food, water, and other essential items to keep your hands free. It is also a good idea to rest often along the trail if you are not used to walking.

For those who cannot make it to the North Lookout, the South Lookout is still accessible along a graded trail close to the Visitor Center and can be reached by motorized wheel-chairs or an all-terrain wheel-chair available at the Visitor Center. Several other overlooks perfect for viewing the scenic vistas or to watch migrating birds are a relative short walking distance and are along a smooth grade.

If you are new to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, please visit our "tips for your first visit" page to help prepare for your trip. If you are planning to explore the trails, be sure to review all trail information in advance of your visit.

5. Does Hawk Mountain Sanctuary membership have any reciprocal benefits with similar sites?
Not at this time. Hawk Mountain is investigating reciprocal agreements with similar conservation or wildlife sanctuary sites.

6. Are dogs permitted on the trails?
Dogs and all other types of pets are prohibited from the trails for safety reasons. Large dogs may frighten other guests while both large and small dogs can be scared by the new environment and run off or attempt to chase after wildlife.

Not allowing pets also takes away the risk of an animal biting another visitor due to stress caused by their new surroundings and a large number of strangers, removing a possible and unnecessary danger from the trail.

7. What kind of help is available for amateurs in identifying birds?
The best way for an amateur birder to learn more is to talk to other people on the mountain. There are plenty of professionals as well as long-time members and volunteers who are more than willing to share their knowledge and experience. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary programs, like "Birding With Binoculars" which takes place on weekends in the spring and autumn, are also great places to start learning.

For familiarizing yourself with birds there are several excellent field guides to choose from. We recommend Roger Tory Peterson's "A Field Guide to the Birds" (The version which covers the eastern United States). A leaflet is also available at our headquarters that will help viewers name any hawk, vulture, or eagle that you might see.

8. Can Hawk Mountain Sanctuary offer a members-only day to avoid crowds and school trips?
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary relies on its eco-tourism revenue-that is, its visitors and their trail admission. Plus, the more people who visit Hawk Mountain, the more people who are exposed to birds of prey and might become interested in our mission of conservation, and for that reason, we typically do not offer a members-only day.
There are a few ways to try and avoid crowds. If possible, plan your trip on a weekday when the sanctuary won't have as many visitors. School groups typically leave the sanctuary by early afternoon so if you want to avoid them we recommend traveling to the lookouts either earlier in the morning before the groups arrive, or in the afternoon once they have left.

9. Is there preferred parking for members?
No. Parking is only available on a "first come first serve" basis. On busy days during the migration season you should be prepared to park outside of the Sanctuary's parking lot.

10. Is there an e-mail listing for news and updates, especially during migration season?
Yes. Simply type your e-mail address into the "Hawk Mountain eUpdate" form on our homepage, www.hawkmountain.org, and click the submit button.

11. When is the best time to see raptors?

The types and numbers of raptors vary daily, depending on weather conditions and date.Migration begins in mid-August and last through mid-December.  Click here to learn more.

12. Where are the garbage cans?

There are no trash cans on the trails. Hawk Mountain maintains a 'pack in - pack out' policy.