Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Loop

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

A moderate loop with some pretty cool rocks with quartz stripes, nice views, unique terrain, and fun climbing.

Go right at the South Lookout to start this run. You'll start on the River of Rocks Trail. Once you get to Post #4 (not too far into the River of Rocks Trail), you'll turn left to follow the yellow blazes and start the Golden Eagle Connector Trail.

The Golden Eagle Connector Trail is a straight path up to the Skyline Trail. The Golden Eagle is fun as it is a steep climb and a great cardio workout. You'll see a lot of interesting rocks with quartz striping on your travels.

Once you reach the Skyline Trail at Post #2, you'll follow the blue and yellow blazes. You'll start the trail, and it will be easy going on flat land. The trail will begin to get difficult less than a quarter of a mile after starting the Skyline Trail. You'll have to navigate up large boulders. Be sure to have your hands free at all times. Also look out for snakes on the rocks who may be sunbathing. You'll hit East Rocks almost halfway through the trail which is a neat lookout point.

At Post #2, continue on the blue blazes and the Skyline Trail. The last 50 feet or so of the Skyline Trail up to the North Lookout is particularly fun to navigate. It's essentially the large boulders you've been encountering but vertical. You'll have to climb up these to reach the North Lookout. Enjoy the view! I love this trail because you do some work and are rewarded with a view (rather than just running up the easy Lookout Trail to see it).

From the North Lookout, you can follow posts to the Lookout Trail and follow it all the way down to where you started at South Lookout.

Hope you enjoyed!