Rocky Ridge County Park - York, PA
N 40° 00.773 W 076° 39.262
18T E 358806 N 4430497
Welcome to Rocky Ridge, home of hawks and breathtaking views. There are several places, out crops, observation platforms and other areas to bird watch. The best places are the two observation decks.
Waymark Code: WM99ZH
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 07/19/2010
Views: 5
The posted coordinates is for the southern look-out platform. Here you will find an interpretive on red-tailed hawks with an explanation on their migration habits, how they use currents. thermals and drafts to conserve energy and soar around and other important particulars. I have been here on many occasion and have seen the hawks up close and personal The view of the valley is amazing.
There are two observation decks located in the park. One deck is located on the north side of the park and offers a panoramic view of the Susquehanna Valley (ADA accessible). The other deck is located on the south side of the park and offers a view of the York Valley. A popular spring and fall event with both observation decks offering watchers a chance to view hawks, eagles and falcons along with other migratory birds as they head south in the winter and north in the spring.
Ninety percent of this 750 acre park is a mature oak forest. Rocky Ridge was acquired in 1968, making it the first county park. It is perched on a rock-strewn hilltop northwest of Hallam, one of the first places the county's original settlers, who crossed the Susquehanna River, established homes.
There is a parking lot available for this look-out point. Once you park, it is a short walk. It is very, very steep as this is a rocky and mountainous region. Be careful but bring a camera.
Enter the park here: N 40° 00.469 W 076° 39.937
Park you car here: N 40° 00.720 W 076° 39.207