Experiencing the beauty of the outdoors should be possible for everyone. Over the past decade, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary has made significant investments in accessibility, creating opportunities for visitors of all abilities to connect with nature, wildlife, and conservation.
Today, an award-winning accessible pathway links key destinations across Hawk Mountain’s campus, including the Native Habitat Garden, Outdoor Amphitheater, Visitor Center, and South Lookout. This helps ensure that more visitors can enjoy the Sanctuary.
The Silhouette Trail
At the heart of these efforts is the nationally recognized Silhouette Trail, an ADA-accessible route that provides access to South Lookout, Hawk Mountain’s closest scenic overlook. The 900-foot trail features a gentle grade, frequent benches for resting, and educational displays showcasing life-size silhouettes of vultures and condors from around the world. In 2017, the trail received the Trail Accessibility Award from American Trails for its innovative design and commitment to inclusion.
The Silhouette Trail leads directly to South Lookout, where visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the Kittatinny Ridge and watch migrating raptors during spring and fall migration seasons. During hawkwatch periods, Hawk Mountain’s science staff and Conservation Science Trainees are stationed at the lookout to count migrating birds, answer questions, and help visitors spot raptors and other wildlife.
Beyond the Trails
Accessibility extends beyond the trails. The Native Habitat Garden features a wheelchair-accessible brick pathway that loops through native plantings and includes a pond overlook and bird blind. Nearby, the Outdoor Amphitheater and adjacent event space provide accessible seating, parking, and pathways, allowing visitors to participate comfortably in educational programs, concerts, lectures, and special events. Many public programs are designated as accessible, such as accessible hawkwatches and other outings. Staff are happy to discuss individual needs and help visitors plan their experience in advance.
Hawk Mountain also offers a variety of resources designed to support visitors with different accessibility needs. Visitors with visual impairments can borrow braille guidebooks that interpret features of the Native Habitat Garden. Accessible parking is available throughout the Sanctuary, and an all-terrain mobility scooter may be borrowed free of charge from the Visitor Center. Accessible restrooms are located near and in the Visitor Center.
For visitors with autism or sensory sensitivities, Hawk Mountain has taken additional steps to create a more welcoming and predictable experience. Working with autism specialist Dr. Christopher Bloh of Kutztown University, the Sanctuary developed social stories for key visitor destinations. These visual guides use photographs and narratives to help visitors understand what to expect before arriving. The Sanctuary also offers sensory backpacks and provides access to quiet outdoor spaces where visitors can engage with nature at their own pace. Future additions to these resources will include companion videos available online.
Looking Ahead
Hawk Mountain’s accessibility efforts continue to grow under the leadership of Visitor Services Manager Mary-Therese Grob. Mary-Therese recently completed her certification as a Certified Access Birding Outing Leader through the Access Birding program and continues to work closely with accessibility experts to develop resources that make the Sanctuary more welcoming to all visitors.
Whether attending a program, watching migrating raptors, or simply enjoying a peaceful trip through the forest, Hawk Mountain continues to work toward its goal of making nature and conservation accessible to all. Click here to learn more about accessibility at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.