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Fall Photo Guide

Hawk Mountain North Lookout

Kittatinny Ridge, Pennsylvania · 1,521 ft

Bare <20% Typical peak was 19 days ago

Typical peak

Oct 9 – Oct 17

moderate confidence in typical timing.

Best light

Works at both ends of the day

Classic view faces NNW (345°)

Boulder seating on the ridge crest with a 200-degree view north over the Kettle and the ridges beyond it. Migrating raptors cross at eye level through October, which is the reason to carry the long lens up.

Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .

Crowds

high

Busy through peak. Be parked before sunrise or expect to walk in.

Coordinates

40.6417, -75.9914

Open in Maps

Getting there

Park at the visitor center on Hawk Mountain Road off PA 895 and climb three quarters of a mile of rocky Lookout Trail; a trail fee applies.

What turns here

  • chestnut oak
  • red maple
  • black gum
  • sassafras

Color progression

Typical peak Oct 13

Typical color progression for Hawk Mountain North Lookout. No change from Sep 5 to Sep 22. First color from Sep 22 to Oct 1. Approaching peak from Oct 1 to Oct 9. Peak from Oct 9 to Oct 17. Past peak from Oct 17 to Oct 27. Bare from Oct 27 to Nov 10.

typical peak Nov 1, 2026

Hawk Mountain North Lookout is typically at bare on Nov 1, 2026.

This season so far

Reported peak

None yet

Seen peak color here? Add a report.

First frost

Oct 25

1 night at or below 32°F since Aug 1.

Last 14 days

61°F / 39°F

Average daily high and low.

Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.

Plan the light

Hawk Mountain North Lookout on October 13, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.

Solar event times for Hawk Mountain North Lookout on October 13, 2026
EventTime
First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon 6:45 AM
Sunrise Rises E · 99° 7:12 AM
Morning golden hour ends 37 min of low, warm light 7:49 AM
Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light 12:50 PM
Evening golden hour starts 37 min before sunset 5:50 PM
Sunset Sets W · 260° 6:27 PM
Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon 6:55 PM

Times in America/New York · day length 11h 15m · computed from NOAA solar equations.

Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.

Which way to point the camera

Both ends of the day: side-lit

Side light. Best for texture and depth across a ridge, and the safest bet for contrast.

Classic composition faces NNW (345°).

Shooting conditions

Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.

Loading conditions…

Recent reports

What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.

Nearby locations

Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.