Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Kempton, PA
A ridge-top raptor sanctuary where trails lead over rocks to lookouts along the Appalachian ridgeline. Autumn brings the best hawk migration, so come on a clear day with a northwest wind and sturdy shoes.
Rosalie Edge founded Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in 1934 to protect birds of prey from being shot; it is regarded as the world's first refuge for birds of prey. On about 2,600 acres (roughly 1,050 ha) along Kittatinny Ridge, an average of about 20,000 raptors pass by from late August to early December. North Lookout sits at 1,521 feet (about 464 m) and offers a 200-degree panorama reaching up to 70 miles (110 km); South Lookout, at 1,300 feet (about 400 m), is the easiest to reach.
Nine trails totaling more than 8 miles (about 13 km) run through the grounds and connect with the Appalachian Trail. Allow three to four hours for your visit, more during the migration season. Fall is the best time; clear days with a northwest wind are especially good. Wear sturdy shoes.
- Nearest town
- Kempton, PA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 40.6376, -75.9887
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Blue Rocks Family CampgroundCampsite5 mi from Hawk Mountain SanctuaryTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Christmas Pines CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Hawk Mountain SanctuaryTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Rosemount Camping ResortCampsite7 mi from Hawk Mountain SanctuaryTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Robin Hill CampgroundCampsite8 mi from Hawk Mountain SanctuaryTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Mountain Springs Camping ResortCampsite10 mi from Hawk Mountain SanctuaryTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Appalachian CampgroundCampsite11 mi from Hawk Mountain SanctuaryTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Pennsylvania · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Hawk Mountain Sanctuary?
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is in Kempton, PA, at GPS 40.6376, -75.9887. It is about 21 mi from Jim Thorpe.
Can you camp near Hawk Mountain Sanctuary?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Blue Rocks Family Campground, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 37 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Hawk Mountain Sanctuary?
Places worth a stop nearby: Jim Thorpe (21 mi), Hickory Run Boulder Field (34 mi), Lititz (37 mi) and Valley Forge National Historical Park (48 mi).
When is the best time to visit Hawk Mountain Sanctuary?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)