Allegheny Front Hawk Watch

View on Google Maps.
This watch is owned and maintained by members of our neighboring chapter, Allegheny Plateau Audubon, and offers stunning views from the crest of the Allegheny Front even when the raptors aren’t moving. It’s located on the Somerset/Bedford County line four miles east of Central City — the western-most migration counting point in Pennsylvania. Visit the webpage for much more information, and for thorough directions. As they note:

The Allegheny Front Hawk Watch is known for the relatively large number of Golden Eagles counted during the Fall and Spring raptor migration. These eagles are just as beautiful and inspiring as their bald cousins and we have been blessed with some of the greatest looks at them at the hawk watch.

Directions from Altoona to the Hawk Watch, 283 Raptor Road, Schellsburg, Pa:

• Take I-99 South of Exit 3, then take a LEFT then a RIGHT to get on 56 East (Pensyl Hollow Road)
• Follow Pensyl Hollow Road to Rt. 30 and turn RIGHT to go west to Schellsburg, Pa
• At the traffic light in Schellsburg, turn RIGHT onto Route 96 NORTH        
• Travel 2.9 miles on 96 NORTH to Hoover Road
• Turn LEFT on to Hoover Road
• Travel a short distance and turn RIGHT on to Shaffer Mountain Road
• Follow Shaffer Mountain Road for 6.6 miles (Do NOT take Lambert Mtn. Road – it isn’t safe!)  Shaffer Mountain Road is very windy – go slow.
• At the “T”, turn LEFT on to Lambert Mountain Road (this part is safe)
• Travel 0.5 miles on this dirt road to the entrance of the Hawk Watch, on the RIGHT
• Turn RIGHT and pass through the BLUE GATE (if the gate is closed, then the Hawk Watch is closed)
• Continue driving down the narrow lane to the parking area – then a short walk to the viewing area