October is a great time for a variety of raptors which use PA ridges as they migrate south. The hawk watch platform and vista is located along the Great Eastern Trail with views of both Stone & Big Valley. Pack a lunch, bring sun protection, and dress in layers as weather on the ridge is often colder and windier than in the valleys. Bring your camera and binoculars. Seating is limited on the platform, so packable chairs are recommended. RAIN DATE: October 21 (Sunday).
Contact: Susan Braun 814-574-0795 or [email protected] for information
Meet at the parking area on Allensville Road at 10am if you would like to walk in with a group or hike in on your own.
Directions from State College: Go south on Rt 26 to Pine Grove Mills. Turn left (up the mountain) at the only traffic light and cross over Tussey Mt. into Huntingdon Co. Continue south several miles to the first small town – McAlevy’s Fort. It is about 9.5 miles from Pine Grove Mills to McAlevy’s Fort. Just after the fire station and bridge at McAlevy’s Fort, at the STOP sign (first one after Pine Grove Mills) – turn left (carefully) onto Rt 305 (also called Greenwood road). Go 0.7 mile, past a large brick church on the left, and then immediately turn right onto Barr road. Continue on this winding road for 0.6 miles. Turn left onto Davis road and follow downhill for approx. 1.2 miles. Turn right onto East Branch Road and follow for 1.6 miles to left turn onto Allensville road (dirt – but drivable except during snow-/ice).
Follow Allensville road 3 miles to VERY TOP of mountain (on the way up, ignore a left and then two right turns). Park on the left near the Huntingdon/Mifflin county marker. Enter the woods on the trail on the Northeast side of the road (on your left as you reach the mountain top; on the Huntingdon county side of the marker). Walk 1/4 mile on the orange-blazed Standing Stone Trail along the ridge top.. You can’t miss the platform if you STAY ON THE TRAIL ON TOP OF THE RIDGE TOP.