NO TURNING BACK NOW!

13TH HIKE: HAWK MOUNTAIN 

Facts

Location: Kempton, PA

Park: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

Trail: Skyline (most difficult)

Elevation: 1,500+ ft

Date: 8/7/11

Adventure

New Socks!

Believe it or not I didn't pack a lunch. I anticipated hawk mountain being a short climb up, then down and back home to eat. Haha! This was one of the most amazing and exhilarating hikes of the summer! Henry and I took off for hawk mountain. I had my hiking shoes in the car and was convinced that I had wool socks in the box with them...wrong! I had to buy a pair of socks in the gift shop before hitting the trail. I asked for a map and what trail had the best views. I was told the Skyline, but that it was the most difficult trail in the park (did I hear you say difficult, just checking.) Naturally there became no other option for me. After walking arond the park with Henry checking out all the "clearview hawks" in the fog at different lookout points on the north trail, we met our match with the Skyline. There was literally no visible trail the blazes were on the rocks and we had no option, but to climb down, same idea as a cliff only not as drastic. Henry asked me one last time if I was sure that I wanted to do it, but I reckon the look in my eyes suggested there was no way I would miss out on this adventure!

Start of Skyline Trail

The climb was wild and non-stop. Once we got to a level spot on the skyline the terrain still consisted of climbing up and down rocks for almost a solid hour before reaching the connecting trails to bring us back to the visitor center. Henry and I exchanged stories about our travels, enjoyment of nature, and memories of college. We paused to indulge in some crackers and granola bars. I failed to mention that it had rained the day before and all the rocks were slippery. I totally fell several times, not cute, thank goodness for my "Katniss" like reflexes! We ended up at the river of rocks, which totally reminded me of ringing rocks, (this formation was most likely caused by an avalanche.) What was really cool about reaching the river of rocks was knowing how far away from the top we had travel, but also knowing the climb back up might be a little painful. However, no pain, no gain! We barreled our way to the top and felt quite victorious. We filled up our bottles with water by the visitors center and were on our way home, for an ice cold shower.

What should have been an two hour hike, turned into four. Still one of the better hikes I've been on this summer. I would love to go back and do it again! Also we saw walking stick bugs, and really cool shale.

Walking Sticks