Fly Like a Hawk

Tucked away in a little town called Duncannon is the Hawk Rock Ridge and Trail. The starting point of the trail is marked very differently from where the GPS directs you to go, which led to some confusion the first time I was there. The trail, however, is massive and fortuitous, and boasts one of the best views of Duncannon and the surrounding area for several miles. The trails surrounding Hawk Rock are part of the Appalachian Trail, and extend at least 6 miles. Hawk Rock itself is about 1030 feet above sea level. The path that I have taken twice is only about a mile long though, and gains about 750 feet in elevation.

When you park at the water reservoir to begin your hike up the mountain side, there are a couple of signs four different paths to take. From here, the one pass right in front of you is the most direct. You'll climb for about a half-hour through nearly constant switchbacks, but you'll make it to the beautiful mountain face in no time. The first time I went, I went with two friends, and one had a gimpy leg at the time. The second time I went, I went with an Eagle Scout friend of mine who is also an avid hiker. As such, my first scale of the mountain took about two hours; this one only took about 30 minutes. It is a relaxing trail that can easily be done by any family at their own pace.

The view is immense.

The difficulty for this hike is about a two out of 10. It's not long; it's not terribly intense either. Walking at a comfortable pace, it's not hard to make it to the point of interest within an hour of walking. Scenery wise, although it isn’t the highest or the grandest, it is up there. You get such a breathtaking wide-angle glimpse of the entire surrounding area, and it is amazing. It is one of those mountains that will make you wish you could fly away like a little hawk, and it will leave you pondering just how small we all are.

Pretty much anybody can hike this mountain regardless of stamina or stature. And it is absolutely worth it, because at the end, the views that you will see are incredible. It is a gentle reminder of how inferior human beings are, and just how Grand everything else is. All they're not the best view I've ever seen hiking a mountain, it is well worth the experience once. You will see over all of Greater Duncannon. And, you'll wish that you as well could fly like a hawk.