Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch
at Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society Sanctuary
Quick Bits
Main Activities - Hike, Birding
Distance - 1.6 miles of trails
Quiet - overall very quiet, though some sounds travel when up high.
Surface - mostly mowed trails, with a few exceptions with roots and dirt.
Elevation - moderately steep in areas
Pets - dogs permitted, though must be leahed in the hawk watch area.
Address - 52 Grange Hall Road Spur, Oneonta, NY
Facilities - Handicap accessible port-a-john.
Click for the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society Sanctuary Official Map
In a Nutshell
A great destination to see migrating hawks and eagles but also a fun place to explore with its variety of habitats spanning a hundred acres on well-marked trails.
Location and Parking
The Hawkwatch is part of the DOAS Sanctuary. Please check their website for more information on directions. There is a small parking area on Grange Hall Road just past the sharp left to the Spur driveway. Most people park on the Spur on the leftside (left as you face up hill). There is no overnight parking or camping.
The drive up to Franklin Mountain is special in itself, as you twist back and forth up the steep narrow road. Just take your time and don't gawk and you'll be fine.
More details
Best known for the migrating hawks, the Hawkwatch is part of the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS). [For non-locals this refers to the counties of Delaware and Otsego.] The view from the watch of Oneonta and surrounding areas is pretty all on its own. Add that its on a major migration path and it's truly special. For bird enthusiasts it is a great destination and is known for the number of Golden Eagles that can be seen late in the season. For more information on the hawk migration, I'd recommend signing up for the Hawkcast email list, see "GET ALERTS BY EMAIL" section.
The DOAS Sanctuary is 100 acres and is some of the best marked trails that I've seen. While sections are steep, as you have to get up to the watch area, you can take the long way around by going counter-clockwise on the Red Trail. This also takes you by an interesting Marsh. In fall of 2024, an area was being cleared to create an accessible platform for viewing the marsh. This section of the trail does have some roots and sections of boardwalk to navigate, but nothing challenging. The rest of the trails are mostly mowed sections.
I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of habitats on the property. Along with the marsh area and the mowed fields, you'll see both hardwoods and conifers. As this land was once farm and pastures, this is mostly second growth forest. The different habitats and the edge areas provide for a variety of birds and animals, and your opportunity to see them.