Driving Tour 1: Wertzville Road (PA-944), Audubon Hawk Watch at Waggoner's Gap and Colonel Denning State Park. Download the Fall Foliage Roadtrip here.
The best time in Cumberland Valley for high color is mid-to late-October.
To the Audubon Hawk Watch at Waggoner's Gap via PA-944/Wertzville Rd
A. Wertzville Road (PA-944) follows the North Mountain almost the entire length of the county. This gently rolling road, with dramatic views of the North Mountain, passes stone farm houses and barns, runs through small villages and even past a farm where you'll see Highland cattle grazing.
- Starting from Interstate 81 S take exit 61 PA-944/Wertzville Rd - head west on PA-944 W/Wertzville Rd toward Ada Ave/Cloverfield Ln/Spring Hill Ln - Continue to follow PA-944 W - go 6.9 mi
- Turn left at PA-944 W/Wertzville Rd - go 3.2 mi
- Turn left at PA-34 S/PA-944 W/Spring Rd - go 0.3 mi
- Turn right at PA-944 W/Enola Rd - go 5.2 mi
- Turn right at PA-74 N/Waggoner's Gap Rd - go 2.3 mi
- Park on the right side 200 feet past the towers (marked by "Audubon HawkWatch" sign). Trailhead is near interpretative sign. Hike .18 mi to rock outcrop overlook.
Total: 18.0 mi - about 30 mins
B. Audubon Hawk Watch at Waggoner's Gap, situated on the Kittatinny Ridge, is a 20- acre hawk-watching site and one of the largest concentrations of raptors in the United States. It's the best place in the east to see golden eagles, and one of the best spots in Pennsylvania to watch the hawk migration in the fall. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the valley. Tip: If you're interested in doing some hawk watching, be sure to bring warm clothes, a cushion to sit on, and a pair of binoculars. There is a portable toilet at the parking area.
From Waggoner’s Gap to Colonel Denning State Park
1599 Doubling Gap Road, Newville, PA 17241-9756, (717) 776.5272
C. For the sightseer and nature photographer, Colonel Denning is a park of surprises, great beauty and charm. The 273-acre wooded park nestles at the side of a mountain, has a 3.5-acre scenic lake and excellent hiking trails. A strenuous hike on a 2.5-mile trail rises to Flat Rock for a beautiful vista of the Cumberland Valley.
- Starting from PA-74 N/Waggoner’s Gap Rd head northwest on PA-74 N/Waggoner’s Gap Rd toward Green Valley Rd - go 6.0 mi
- Turn left at PA-850 W - go 1.2 mi
- Continue onto PA-233 S/Doubling Gap Rd - go 7.7 mi - Arrive at Colonel Denning State Park
Total: 15.0 mi - about 23 mins
