PA Hiking/Biking Trails

Hiking the Hawk Rock – Eagles Edge Loop in Perry County

A collage of four images taken along the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, featuring hikers admiring the scenic views at Eagles Edge Vista, a hiker posing atop Hawk Rock overlook, a hiker ascending a rocky staircase portion of the trail, and a hiker standing beside the trailhead sign for the Duncannon Borough Watershed.

If you’re looking for information about hiking the Hawk Rock – Eagles Edge Loop in Perry County, you’re in the right place!

A hiker wearing an orange jacket stands at Eagles Edge Vista along the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, with a spectacular panoramic view of the Susquehanna River bending gracefully around a forested mountain below. The town of Duncannon, bridges, and roads line the riverbanks, while distant mountains form the horizon beneath clear skies. The foreground includes rocky terrain and leafless trees, emphasizing the dramatic elevation and natural beauty of this scenic Appalachian Trail overlook.

The Hawk Rock – Eagles Edge Loop near Duncannon is a scenic yet challenging 2-mile hike that rewards hikers with spectacular views from a pair of fabulous overlooks.

A scenic panoramic view from Hawk Rock along the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, capturing sweeping vistas of the Susquehanna River winding gently through wooded hillsides, with distant farmland and mountains beneath a bright blue sky. Evergreen branches and leafless trees frame the overlook, highlighting the picturesque landscape visible from this portion of the Appalachian Trail.

The trail, which involves nearly 750 feet of elevation change, includes portions of the famous Appalachian Trail, making it an exciting journey for hiking enthusiasts.

A scenic view from Eagles Edge Vista along the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, overlooking the town of Duncannon, Route 11, and the curving Susquehanna River. The landscape includes bridges, a passing train along riverside railroad tracks, rolling farmland, and distant wooded hills beneath clear blue skies, framed by leafless trees in the foreground.

Directions to the Trailhead

The trailhead parking for the Hawk Rock – Eagles Edge Loop is located at a dead end on Watershed Drive in Duncannon.

The parking lot is a large gravel space, with room for at least two dozen vehicles.

A view of the spacious gravel parking area at the trailhead for the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, showing several parked vehicles, surrounding trees, and mountains visible in the background beneath a clear sky. The trailhead serves as the starting point for hikers accessing scenic overlooks like Hawk Rock and Eagles Edge Vista along the Appalachian Trail.

The trailhead is located at the far end of the parking lot, with obvious signage marking the location.

A hiker stands at the trailhead for the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, next to an informational kiosk and a wooden sign marking the entrance to the Hawk Rock Overlook trail. The trailhead area features wooded surroundings, clear signage, and a wide, well-defined path leading into the forest along portions of the Appalachian Trail toward scenic overlooks at Hawk Rock and Eagles Edge Vista.

Hawk Rock – Eagles Edge Loop Trail Maps

You can reach Hawk Rock and Eagles Edge via a loop hike or as an out-and-back hike.

A detailed trail map showing the 2-mile loop hike to Hawk Rock and Eagles Edge Vista. The route highlights portions of the Hawk Rock Trail and the Appalachian Trail, indicating parking at the trailhead, a scenic stop at Eagles Edge Vista, and the final overlook at Hawk Rock. The terrain includes elevation contours demonstrating a steep climb, particularly near Eagles Edge Vista, set within the surrounding wooded landscape and State Game Lands.

The loop hike (map above) covers roughly 2 miles, but does involve a steep, narrow section between Eagles Edge Vista and the trailhead, where the elevation change is roughly 600 feet over the span of just 500 yards.

A narrow, rocky trail descending from Eagles Edge Vista along the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, showcasing rugged terrain, loose stones, lush green ferns, and leafless trees on the steep hillside. The scene highlights the challenging yet beautiful nature of this Appalachian Trail section.

The out-and-back hike (map below) covers roughly 3 miles, but the additional mile is over either flat or more gradual terrain as you retrace your steps to the trailhead.

A detailed map illustrating the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, showing the clearly marked trail route beginning at the parking area, passing Eagles Edge Vista and Hawk Rock overlooks, with contour lines indicating elevation changes and surrounding natural features like Shermans Creek and wooded terrain.

If you’re an avid and experienced hiker, you’ll likely be able to do the loop hike without any issues (I’d recommend hiking the loop clockwise, visiting Eagles Edge Vista first).

A panoramic scene from Eagles Edge Vista along the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, providing a sweeping view of the Susquehanna River winding dramatically around a forest-covered mountain. Below, the town of Duncannon, bridges, roads, and railroad tracks are visible along the riverbanks, with distant mountains, including Peters Mountain, forming a beautiful horizon beneath a clear, sunny sky. The overlook's rocky edge and surrounding bare trees frame the impressive landscape.

If you’re a casual day hiker, or hiking with kids or dogs (or both), I’d highly recommend the out-and-back hike as the safer, more pleasurable route, passing Hawk Rock first.

A scenic view looking west from Hawk Rock along the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, highlighting expansive farmland, rolling hills, and forest-covered terrain stretching far into the horizon. The overlook features prominent rocky outcroppings in the foreground with shadows of nearby trees cast upon them, and distant mountains visible beneath a clear blue sky.

I visited the overlooks recently via an out-and-back hike with my daughter, so I’ll describe that journey and the landmarks encountered below.

A hiker standing at Hawk Rock along the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, smiling and holding hiking poles, with expansive views of farmland, forests, and the winding Susquehanna River visible in the background. Rocky formations and tall evergreen trees frame the overlook, highlighting the scenic landscape and rugged terrain of this popular viewpoint along the Appalachian Trail.

Hiking to Hawk Rock and Eagles Edge Vista

From the parking area/trailhead, the first 200 yards of the hike follows the obvious Hawk Rock Trail uphill.

A hiker ascends a steep, rocky section of the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, surrounded by tall, leafless trees and rocky terrain along the Appalachian Trail. The trail features stone steps and uneven footing covered in fallen leaves, emphasizing the rugged and naturally challenging conditions of this woodland hike.

At that 200 yard point, the trail merges with the white-blazed Appalachian Trail, and you’ll continue to your right/south, following the Appalachian Trail uphill for roughly 0.7 miles to Hawk Rock.

A hiker climbing a steep, rocky section of the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, along a staircase of natural stone steps. The trail, which is part of the Appalachian Trail, winds through rugged terrain covered with fallen leaves, scattered rocks, and bare trees, illustrating the challenging yet scenic nature of this hiking route.

Along the way you’ll pass a few clearings where you have views to the northwest.

A scenic vista from the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, showcasing expansive views of rolling farmland, forest-covered hillsides, and distant mountains stretching to the horizon. The viewpoint, located along a wooded section of the Appalachian Trail, offers glimpses of rocky terrain and bare trees in the foreground, creating a tranquil, natural atmosphere.

While there isn’t anything overly technical about the ascent, it is rocky and does cover roughly 750 feet of elevation gain.

A hiker ascends a rocky and challenging section of the trail on the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA. The steep incline is characterized by rugged, stone-covered terrain and bordered by tall trees, some evergreen, creating a scenic but demanding path toward Hawk Rock along the Appalachian Trail.

Once you reach Hawk Rock on the ridgetop, the rest of the hike is relatively smooth sailing.

A captivating view from Hawk Rock along the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, showcasing a dramatic overlook of the Susquehanna River valley, surrounding forested hillsides, and farmland stretching into the distance. The river bends gently below, bordered by wooded hills and the outskirts of Duncannon, all framed by rocky terrain and evergreen trees in the foreground beneath a vibrant blue sky.

Immediately below Hawk Rock you’ll see Sherman’s Creek, a tributary of the Susquehanna River.

A beautiful view from Hawk Rock along the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, featuring an expansive landscape of farmland, wooded hillsides, and distant mountains. The town of Duncannon and the winding Susquehanna River are visible, framed by evergreen branches and leafless trees in the foreground, capturing the scenic charm of this Appalachian Trail overlook.

From Hawk Rock, the Appalachian Trail continues uphill for roughly 60 yards to a large campsite/fire ring.

A hiker resting at a campsite area along the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, situated in a wooded setting with bare trees, a stone fire ring, log seating, and natural terrain. The campsite is part of the Appalachian Trail section of this loop hike, offering hikers a peaceful spot to pause and enjoy the surrounding forest.

While the Appalachian Trail then continues right/south at the campsite, you’ll want to follow the obvious-but-unblazed trail to the left/north to Eagles Edge Vista.

A hiker walks along a wooded section of the trail between Hawk Rock and Eagles Edge Vista on the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA. The path winds through a natural forest environment with leaf-covered ground, patches of sunlight filtering through evergreen and leafless trees, and fallen logs scattered along the trail, capturing the peaceful atmosphere of this portion of the Appalachian Trail.

This is the easiest part of the hike, as you’re following an essentially flat trail through open woods along the ridgetop for 0.6 miles, to a spot just above Eagles Edge Vista.

A scenic view through leafless trees and rocky terrain along the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, capturing the picturesque Susquehanna River curving gracefully around a forest-covered mountain. Below, roads and railroad tracks trace the riverbank, with distant mountains visible beneath a clear blue sky, highlighting the natural beauty and elevation of this overlook above Eagles Edge Vista.

From the partially-obstructed view pictured above (even more obstructed when the leaves are out), you’ll follow the trail downhill roughly 50 yards to Eagles Edge Vista.

A breathtaking view from Eagles Edge Vista on the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, highlighting the wide curve of the Susquehanna River as it flows past the town of Duncannon. Bridges, roads, and railroad tracks run alongside the river below, while mountains and rolling hills extend into the distant horizon under a bright, clear sky. Rocky terrain and bare trees in the foreground frame this scenic overlook, emphasizing its natural beauty.

From Eagles Edge, you have a great view of the Susquehanna River as it bends around Peters Mountain.

A stunning view from Eagles Edge Vista on the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, looking down upon the Susquehanna River as it curves gracefully around a prominent, forest-covered mountain. Bridges cross the river below, with wooded hills and distant mountains forming a picturesque backdrop under a clear blue sky. The overlook is framed by branches of leafless trees, enhancing the expansive vista.

And as the name implies, there’s a good chance you’ll see bald eagles from here; a family of hikers I encountered on this trip shared their binoculars with me as we watched a pair of mature bald eagles soaring closeby.

Two hikers pause at Eagles Edge Vista along the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, admiring a spectacular view of the Susquehanna River as it gracefully curves around a prominent mountain. The vista showcases the town of Duncannon, distant rolling hills, bridges spanning the river, and railroad tracks below, all framed by leafless trees and rocky terrain under a clear blue sky.

If you’re a railfan, this is also a neat spot to watch trains cross the bridge over Sherman’s Creek below.

A scenic view from Eagles Edge Vista along the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, capturing a train crossing a bridge over Shermans Creek near its confluence with the Susquehanna River. The vista overlooks the broad river, surrounding wooded hills, distant mountains, and portions of the town of Duncannon, all under clear skies, highlighting the area's natural beauty and unique vantage point.

When you’ve finished enjoying Eagles Edge Vista, retrace your steps past Hawk Rock and down the Appalachian Trail to the parking lot, completing this three-mile hike.

A hiker pauses while descending a steep, rocky portion of the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, on a trail surrounded by tall, leafless trees and scattered stones. The Appalachian Trail section here descends sharply, offering glimpses of the valley and distant mountain views through the bare branches. The terrain is rugged and natural, covered with fallen leaves, emphasizing the trail's challenging beauty.

Final Thoughts

Hiking the Hawk Rock – Eagles Edge Loop near Duncannon, PA, is a challenging yet rewarding experience, featuring steep ascents along sections of the Appalachian Trail.

A scenic view from one of the overlooks along the Hawk Rock and Eagles Edge Vista hiking loop, showcasing a wide vista of the Susquehanna River and surrounding wooded hills. Below, bridges span the river, and the town of Duncannon can be partially glimpsed through the trees. The overlook provides an elevated perspective, framed by leafless trees and rocky terrain in the foreground, illustrating the hike's rugged natural beauty and panoramic views.

The trail offers spectacular views of the Susquehanna River, the town of Duncannon, and unique opportunities to watch trains cross Sherman’s Creek from high above.

Two hikers standing at Eagles Edge Vista along the Hawk Rock - Eagles Edge Loop hike in Perry County, PA, enjoying a stunning view overlooking the wide Susquehanna River. The scene includes bridges crossing the river, the town of Duncannon along the shore, and a mountainous, wooded backdrop under a clear blue sky. Rocky terrain and leafless trees surround the hikers, highlighting the beauty and elevation of this scenic overlook along the Appalachian Trail.

If scenic overlooks are your thing, check out this interactive map I’ve created, which provides you with accurate directions to over 160 of Pennsylvania’s finest scenic overlooks that I have personally visited and photographed.

Find even more great spots to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

Did you enjoy this article?

If so, be sure to like and follow PA Bucket List on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Pinterest to learn more about the best things to see and do in Pennsylvania!

Click on any of the icons below to get connected to PA Bucket List on social media.