Waggoner's Gap Hawkwatch
Waggoner’s Gap is small gap in the Kittatinny Ridge (also called Blue and North Mountain) where PA Route 74 crosses between Cumberland and Perry Counties. The main site sits on the spine of the mountain 75 yards east of the highway. This site is essentially a rock pile with steep descents on both sides. This enables watchers to see both sides of the ridge from one spot. This gives the advantage of being able to see off wind birds easily and increases the wind directions that are productive without requiring a physical move.
The official daily count at Waggoner’s Gap begins on 1 August and ends on 31 December. There is no set start or stop time each day, but in good weather, the gate is usually open from 9 to 5. This may vary especially during August and December. If the gate is locked you may park at the gate (don’t block it) and walk up the path. Fog often occurs in mornings during the fall. Since several of the counters can see the lookout from their homes, they may not unlock the gate until the fog lifts. The same applies for rain or snow. An early snowstorm can make the parking lot impassible for some time late in the season. Notes will be made on BirdHawk when this happens.
Waggoner's Gap Hawkwatch averages about 19,000 migrating raptors a year. The record number of hawks counted in any one season is 30,120 birds in 1987. The site is particularly favorable for finding golden eagles.
Directions
From the east: On I-81 S take the Middlesex exit (exit 52) and turn right on Rt. 11S toward Carlisle. Go through the truckstops to the Carlisle turnpike exchange where we pick up all Pa Turnpike travelers. Continue south on Rt. 11 for 1.5 miles to a traffic light at Wolf Bridge Rd. Turn right. Follow Wolf Bridge Rd 2.5 miles to a stop sign at PA Rt. 34. Turn right and go .4 miles to a left turn on PA Rt. 944 W. Go 5 miles to a stop sign at the intersection with Pa Rt. 74. Turn right and go 2 miles up the mountain, being careful on the 90 degree turns. The parking lot is 200 yards beyond the crest on the right.
From Baltimore: Travel north on I83. Either take the Pa Turnpike west from Exit 18 or turn off I-83 onto I 581 W to I 81 S a mile beyond the Turnpike. Then follow the above.
From D.C.: Take Rt. 15N past Gettysburg to Pa Rt. 74N at Dillsburg. Follow Rt. 74 N through Carlisle to the mountain.
From Winchester, VA: Take I 81N to exit 47A in Carlisle. Turn left on Pa Rt. 34N. Go to the square in Carlisle and turn left onto Pa Rt. 74 N. Follow 74 N to the parking lot (Be careful following signs, there are two turns that can be tricky)
The Waggoner’s Gap Hawk Watch can be reached by walking up a rock trail from the parking lot on the north side of the Kittatinny Ridge. The parking lot is off PA Route 74, about 6 miles NW of Carlisle, Pa.
Trail to the lookouts: The trail leaves the oval parking lot at the right hand (uphill) side. After approx. 100 yards it splits, but both forks lead to the lookout. The right hand trail is less steep but longer. The lookout is an angled rock pile. Bring a cushion to sit on and warmer clothing than you think you might need. There is very limited space for chairs of any sort and that space is claimed very early in the day. There is a porta-potti in the parking lot. The parking lot is gated and unlocked by the counter for the day. The gate will remain locked over night and during inclement weather when no watch is being conducted.
