5 of the Best Hawk Mountain Trails to Explore on a Hike
A walk in the woods can rejuvenate the spirit and reconnect you with nature. During your stay at Sayre Mansion, venture out and explore all that nature has to offer. Hiking one of the Hawk Mountain trails for a day is a great option for nature lovers and avid hikers alike. Located about an hour from Bethlehem, the trails are enjoyable for either an easy-going hike or an intense climb. With several trails to choose from, you are sure to find one best suited for your level of experience. Here is our guide to the Hawk Mountain trails!
Find out more about great outdoor activities like exploring the Hawk Mountain Trails by requesting a copy of our FREE Vacation Guide to the Lehigh Valley! It’s filled with recommendations for things to do, plus dining, shopping, and more!
5 of the Best Hawk Mountain Trails to Explore on a Hike
1. Lookout Trail
All the Hawk Mountain trails connect together, making it easy for you to take a short stroll or climb to the top! Hikers start their journey at the Visitor Center on Hawk Mountain’s most popular path, Lookout Trail. It begins at the Visitor Center area and winds up to North Lookout. With four different paths, you can choose how far you would like to go!
The easiest destination on Lookout Trail is South Lookout. It is 200 yards in distance and is accessible to everyone. You can continue on after South Lookout on either the Express Trail or North Lookout Trail. The Express Trail is a shortcut to North Lookout, but it is steeper than the longer North Lookout Trail. If you wish to keep going after reaching North Lookout, the Escarpment Trail, which requires trekkers to be able to climb over giant boulders, is a beautiful path to continue on.
2. River of Rocks Trail
Beginning at South Lookout, the River of Rocks Trail is 4 miles long and is rocky throughout. Hike 1.2 miles of the trail in the fresh air to experience the boulder field. If you choose to hike the whole trail, give yourself at least 3-4 hours of daylight to complete the trail.
3. Golden Eagle Trail
When you climb this gorgeous trail you will go up from 720 feet to 1,373 feet. To start your hike on the Golden Eagle trail, start at South Lookout and climb the River Rocks trail. Then, you will merge right into the Golden Eagle Trail. This is a moderate level path and is steep and rugged in parts. The trail connects to the Rivers of Rock trail and the Skyline trail. Allow for 3-4 hours of daylight to complete.
4. Skyline Trail
One of the most difficult trails that Hawk Mountain has to offer, the Skyline Trail is worth the trek to the top. Once you’ve reached the peak, you will forget how far you hiked because the view is stunning. The trail is rocky and rugged throughout, making it a very difficult hike. It is 1.2 miles to East Rock and 2.5 miles to the Appalachian Trail.
5. Appalachian Trail
When you visit the Hawk Mountain trails, you can hike a piece of the Appalachian Trail, the East Coast’s most famous trail! The second most difficult trail on Hawk Mountain, the section of the Appalachian Trail in this area is 2.5 miles from the North Lookout and can be accessed from the Skyline trail.
Hike the Hawk Mountain Trails, Then Relax at The Sayre Mansion
After a fun but tiring day, there is no better place to stay than the Sayre Mansion. Our rooms and suites are the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy day taking in all of nature’s beauty. Every room has a unique charm that combines old world elegance with modern amenities, making your stay more comfortable. Your stay includes a tasty breakfast, so your days hiking the Hawk Mountain Trails will start off on a delicious note. Learn more about vacationing with us today. Then, book your next getaway with us!
Photo credit: Getty Images \ zrfphoto