Veterans Appreciation Days
November 11, 2026 · Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, 1700 Hawk Mountain Rd, Kempton · Free trail admission for active service members and veterans, redeemed in the Visitor Center; ID appreciated.
About the event
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary marks Veterans Day by welcoming active service members and veterans to its ridgetop trails. The recognition is handled at the Visitor Center, where staff can also answer questions about current trail conditions and what birds are moving through. ID is appreciated.
The sanctuary sits along the Kittatinny Ridge outside Kempton and is known as the world's first refuge for birds of prey. Miles of ridge and valley trails connect scenic vistas, and the Visitor Center includes a bookstore and native plant garden. The closest overlook is about 100 yards from the parking area, while the final approach to the North Lookout turns rocky, with large boulders near the top, so sturdy footwear is a good idea.
Late autumn still brings raptors along the flyway, and the views over the Berks countryside are wide open once the leaves thin out. It makes for a quiet, open air way to spend part of the holiday, whether you come to hike the full climb or simply sit at a lookout for a while.
