Upstate New York is well known for its natural beauty, and if you are lucky enough to come to the Central Leatherstocking Region of NY you won’t be disappointed. One of my favorite hikes is the Franklin Mt. Hawkwatch, located in Oneonta, NY. Oneonta is located about in Central New York halfway between Albany and Binghamton. It is also 30 minutes South of Cooperstown, NY.
The Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch has a website with excellent directions coming from anywhere in New York. The Website can be found at www.doas.us. Make sure you are cautious driving up and down, there are some sharp turns. I would not suggest this drive if it is at all icy. As you come to the top of Grange Hall road, you will see a pullout spot on your left to park. From there you will see signs right next to the parking lot to take you to the trail.
My favorite time to go is in the fall when the northeast autumn colors are at their most intense. Incidentally this is also a great time to participate in some actual hawk watching. The hawk watch is so named because it is a major flight corridor for raptors. According to the website, the watch is particularly noted for flights of red-tailed hawks and golden eagles
When you enter the Hawk Watch grounds, you will see a large barn on your left. From there, go straight up to the top of the hill. It’s about a half mile to the top. Generally there is a mowed path to guide you to the top, but if you can’t see it, just go straight up. As you go up, you will see a shelter with some benches. I actually like to take a picnic lunch up there from time to time. From the top you overlook the city of Oneonta and the Susquehanna river valley. From the top of the hill, several other trails wind through meadows and forests. None of these are particularly long, making this a great place to go with young kids. In addition to the main trail, there is also a trail that winds along the side of a wetland sanctuary. This is a great place for a wooded walk with fabulous sightings of herons, geese, and other wetland birds.
The Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch is a rewarding hike for very little effort, and I hope you will take advantage of its beauty!