Accessibility
Hawk Mountain strives to be an outdoor destination for all nature lovers, and over the last decade has made most aspects of the Sanctuary ADA accessible.
An award-winning accessible trail links visitors from the parking area to the new accessible Amphitheater, to the Visitor Center, through the Native Plant Garden, and on to the nationally award-winning accessible Silhouette Trail, ending at the South Lookout. Bench seating is provided along the way.
Braille guide books that review many of the features and plantings in our Native Plant Garden may be signed out at no cost at the Visitor Center.
Accessible van parking is located at our Amphitheater and accessible parking spaces are provided in all other parking lots. An all-terrain scooter may be signed out for use at no cost from the Visitor Center and a golf cart may be available upon advance request.
Silhouette Trail
The ADA accessible Silhouette Trail to South Lookout is 900 feet long with a grade of less than 8.3%, below the federal quideline for national parks. Bench seating with pull bars are located every 100 feet. This trail also features a life-size raptor silhouette gallery.
Learn more about this award-winning trailSouth Lookout & Laurelwood Niche
The Silhouette Trail connects to the Laurelwood Niche, a secluded area for education programs, and South Lookout. South Lookout includes a smooth, flat, and natural viewing area with one bench with pull bar. Trailside restrooms are located near the gate entrance and are ADA compliant.
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center main floor is accessible and restrooms feature an accessible stall. The Visitor Center main floor includes bird feeder viewing areas on both sides of the building. An accessible parking lot is provided with designated parking spaces.
NEW Outdoor Amphitheater
After years of careful planning, the fully updated, expanded, and ADA-accessible Outdoor Amphitheater has opened, offering an inspirational learning space in the natural setting of the Sanctuary.
Native Habitat Garden
The Native Habitat Garden features a brick walkway that is accessible by wheelchair. The pathway makes a short loop and includes a viewing deck over a small pond and a secluded bird blind. Gates are unlocked during the daytime hours.
Accessible Gravel Path
The newest addition to the Sanctuary grounds, this gravel pathway connects the main Visitor Center walkway back to the new Outdoor Amphitheater and flat outdoor event space.
Irma Broun-Kahn Education Building
The Irma Broun-Kahn Education Building was upgraded and expanded in 2013 and is now both fully-accessible and multi-functional. The building is used for education programs, meetings, or Hawk Mountain special events, by appointment only. Accessible parking is provided.
Acopian Center for Conservation Learning
Hawk Mountain's headquarters for conservation science, the Acopian Center is a private research facility and training site that is closed to the public except by appointment or invitation. The Research Center and both residence buildings are ADA compliant. Accessible parking is provided at all three buildings.