Hawk Mountain North Lookout
Kittatinny Ridge, Pennsylvania · 1,521 ft
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 .
Typical peak
Oct 9 – Oct 17
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Works at both ends of the day
Classic view faces NNW (345°)
Crowds
high
Busy through peak. Be parked before sunrise or expect to walk in.
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 13Typical 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.
Hawk Mountain North Lookout is typically at no change on this date.
Light at peak
Hawk Mountain North Lookout on October 13, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| 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
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.
Based on the classic composition here facing NNW (345°).
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.