Hawk's Nest Overlook
Experience the thrill of a legendary winding road and breathtaking Delaware River vistas from Hawk's Nest Overlook.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light
Hawk's Nest Overlook
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the thrill of a legendary winding road and breathtaking Delaware River vistas from Hawk's Nest Overlook.
"The Hawk's Nest Lookout is New York is a must-visit if you love a scenic drive and beautiful views."
Drive Slow & Stay Alert
The road is winding and active. Enjoy the ride, but prioritize safety when driving and exploring. :oncoming_automobile:
Chase the Sunset
For the best lighting and photo opportunities, aim for a sunset visit. It's less crowded than you might think! :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Winding Road
Route 97
Experience the thrill of this famous scenic drive, known for its dramatic curves along the Delaware River.
Panoramic River Views
Hawk's Nest Lookout
Marvel at the breathtaking vistas of the Delaware River and the surrounding Appalachian landscape.
Hawk Watching
Above the Delaware River
Keep an eye out for majestic hawks soaring overhead, especially during certain times of the year.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Explore Multiple Viewpoints
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Drive Slow & Stay Alert
The road is winding and active. Enjoy the ride, but prioritize safety when driving and exploring. :oncoming_automobile:
Chase the Sunset
For the best lighting and photo opportunities, aim for a sunset visit. It's less crowded than you might think! :camerawithflash:
Explore Multiple Lookouts
There are several viewpoints; each offers a unique perspective. The furthest from the main road is often the best overall. :world_map:
Watch for Hawks
You might spot hawks soaring above the river. Bring binoculars if you're a bird enthusiast! :bird:
Tips
from all over the internet
Drive Slow & Stay Alert
The road is winding and active. Enjoy the ride, but prioritize safety when driving and exploring. :oncoming_automobile:
Chase the Sunset
For the best lighting and photo opportunities, aim for a sunset visit. It's less crowded than you might think! :camerawithflash:
Explore Multiple Lookouts
There are several viewpoints; each offers a unique perspective. The furthest from the main road is often the best overall. :world_map:
Watch for Hawks
You might spot hawks soaring above the river. Bring binoculars if you're a bird enthusiast! :bird:
Motorcycle Paradise
This road is a popular spot for motorcyclists. Expect to see many bikes enjoying the curves. :motorcycle:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hawk's Nest Overlook for its breathtaking natural beauty and the iconic scenic drive along Route 97. The panoramic views of the Delaware River are a major highlight, offering a sense of awe and tranquility. While some find the motorcycle traffic notable, most agree it's a worthwhile stop for its stunning vistas and photographic opportunities.
"Love this place! The view always delivers in any season. When you pull over and stand at the wall looking out, it is like you are staring and God’s canvas. God’s beauty is on full display at this lookout. Treat your self to a listen drive up Route 97 and be sure to stop here before exploring further north the majestic upper Delaware River. Great for fishing, water sports or just sitting on the shores enjoying lunch.
Just don’t lean too far over the drop is vertical and steep!"
Dale Nat
"Nice, fun ride (motorcycle) along the river. Several small pull off areas for overlooking the river, winding road and hills. I’ve seen a lot written about this being a famous road for motorcycles so we had to come to check it out. It was easy and fun but nothing spectacular like many other famous bike rides."
rich65k
"The Hawks Nest Lookout is New York is a must-visit if you love a scenic drive and beautiful views. The winding road runs along the cliffs, right above the Delaware River. There are a few lookout points that offer panoramic views.
Great for photo opts!
Tips for Visiting The Hawks Nest Lookout:
When to visit: You’re most likely to avoid the crowds on a weekday or at sunrise.
We visited during the week for sunset and it wasn’t crowded at all.
Photos: If you’re going to take photos, I’d suggest sunset for the best lighting!
Hawks: You might spot some hawks flying above the Delaware River.
Viewpoints: There are 4 different lookout points you can park at. Each with its own unique view.
🛑 We stopped at 3 to try and get the best viewpoint of the famous windy road.
✨ I think the lookout point furthest from the windy road is the best overall view of everything, especially the river.
Drive slow: The road is winding, so take it easy and enjoy the ride.
Be careful: It’s an active, curvy road, so stay alert when you’re out of your car.
@wanderlissa_"
Melissa Policaro
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hawk's Nest Overlook is located along Route 97 in Sparrow Bush, New York. It's a scenic drive, often recommended for its winding roads along the Delaware River. Many visitors access it as part of a road trip through the Hudson Valley or Catskills.
Yes, Hawk's Nest Overlook is approximately two hours away from New York City, making it a popular day trip or weekend getaway destination.
The drive along Route 97 is part of the experience. It's known for its curves and river views, making it ideal for a leisurely drive, especially for motorcyclists.
Absolutely! Route 97 itself is part of the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway. Nearby areas like the Catskills and Hudson Valley offer numerous other scenic driving routes.
There is a Hawk's Nest State Park and Overlook in West Virginia, known for its views of the New River. However, the famous winding road often referred to as 'Hawk's Nest' is in New York along Route 97.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Hawk's Nest Overlook is a public scenic viewpoint and does not require tickets for entry. You can stop and enjoy the views freely.
As an outdoor scenic overlook, Hawk's Nest is accessible at any time. However, for the best experience and safety, visiting during daylight hours is recommended.
There is no entrance fee to access Hawk's Nest Overlook. It's a roadside attraction that's free to visit.
While there are no specific entry restrictions, visitors are advised to drive slowly and be cautious as it's an active, curvy road. Be mindful of the steep drop-offs.
Yes, Hawk's Nest Overlook can be visited year-round. However, fall offers spectacular foliage, and winter conditions might affect road accessibility. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset is highly recommended for photography due to the beautiful lighting. Weekday mornings also offer good light with fewer people.
There are four lookout points. The one furthest from the main winding road is often considered the best for an overall view of the river and landscape.
You can capture panoramic views of the Delaware River, the winding Route 97, and the surrounding Appalachian mountains. It's also great for capturing wildlife like hawks.
While there aren't designated 'spots,' exploring the different pull-offs will reveal unique angles. The overlook furthest from the main road provides a comprehensive vista.
Drone regulations can vary by location and park. It's advisable to check with local authorities or park services regarding drone usage to ensure compliance.
🎫 🚗 Onsite Experience
The primary activity is enjoying the scenic views and taking photos. It's a perfect stop for a scenic drive, a brief walk, and appreciating nature.
A quick stop to admire the view might take 15-30 minutes. If you plan to take photos or enjoy a longer drive, allocate an hour or more.
Restroom facilities are not typically mentioned at the roadside overlooks. It's best to plan accordingly and use facilities in nearby towns before or after your visit.
The main overlook areas are generally paved and accessible. However, some paths might be uneven, so caution is advised.
While there are no designated picnic areas, you can enjoy a packed lunch at the overlook. Be sure to pack out all trash to keep the area clean.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it a stop on a longer journey through the scenic Delaware River region. The drive itself, with its curves, can be an adventure for kids, and the opportunity to spot hawks adds an element of wildlife discovery.
🏍️ Motorcycle Enthusiasts
Many riders consider this a must-ride destination. Plan your trip to include stops at the various overlooks to fully appreciate the landscape and the engineering of the road itself. Remember to ride safely and be aware of traffic.
📸 Photographers
Don't forget to look up; the chance to photograph hawks in flight adds a dynamic element to your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legendary Hawk's Nest Drive
This road is particularly popular with motorcyclists, who are drawn to its challenging yet rewarding layout.
Beyond the drive itself, the Hawk's Nest Overlook provides a perfect vantage point to appreciate the scale and beauty of this natural corridor. It's a place where you can pause, take in the grandeur, and truly understand why this stretch of road has earned its reputation.
Understanding the 'Hawk's Nest' Name
While the New York location is famous for its scenic drive, it's worth noting that there's also a Hawk's Nest State Park in West Virginia. This park features an overlook with views of the New River and the Hawk's Nest Dam, offering a different but equally impressive natural spectacle.
Both locations share a connection to dramatic natural landscapes and elevated viewpoints, making the name fitting for their awe-inspiring scenery. Whether you're drawn to the winding roads of New York or the rugged beauty of West Virginia, the 'Hawk's Nest' moniker consistently points to a place of elevated beauty and breathtaking vistas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit