Hawks Take Flight

Hawks Take Flight

By: Haley M. Smith

Throughout the Blue Ridge Parkway, there are unique features

that make some overlooks exceptionally popular. Mahogany Rock

Overlook is definitely one of them. From late August to mid-

September numerous bird enthusiasts flock to the Mahogany Rock

Overlook to catch a gleam of a major hawk migration. Mahogany

Rock Overlook is located at Milepost 235 just east of Sparta, NC.

Mahogany Rock Overlook is one of North Carolina’s premier places

for viewing migrating hawks, such as Broad-winged hawks, Red-

tailed Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks, and numerous other raptors

species. The Mahogany Rock area is a great location for bird

watching because if it’s long-range views, ample amount of grassy

space to enjoy, and also because that area is protected and managed

by the National Park Services. The peak of the hawk migration

is mid to late September. Jim Keighton is a member of the Blue

Ridge Birders and has been compiling hawk sighting from Mahogany

Rock for several years. Between the years of 1991-2001 there has

been a sighting of nearly 18,000 migrating hawks. The Blue Ridge

Birders coordinate a Mahogany Rock Hawk Watch each and ever

year. So whether you’re a bird enthusiast or just visiting the area,

Mahogany Rock Overlook is definitely a point of interest and a place

worth the stop! It’s a chance to make your fall vacation truly unique!

For more information about the Mahogany Rock Hawk Watch

please email Jim Keighton at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact

the High Country Host/Visitor Center at (800) 438-7500 for more

information about the area.

By: Haley M. Smith

Due to Parkway Closure (MP 217-MP 244) this area is not accessible!

Throughout the Blue Ridge Parkway, there are unique features that make some overlooks exceptionally popular. Mahogany Rock Overlook is definitely one of them. From late August to mid-September numerous bird enthusiasts flock to the Mahogany Rock Overlook to catch a glimpse of a major hawk migration. Mahogany Rock Overlook is located at Milepost 235 just east of Sparta, NC. Mahogany Rock Overlook is one of North Carolina’s premier places for viewing migrating hawks, such as Broad-winged hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks, and numerous other raptor species.

The Mahogany Rock area is a great location for birdwatching because if its long-range views, ample amount of grassyspace to enjoy, and also because that area is protected and managed by the National Park Services. The peak of the hawk migrationis mid to late September. Jim Keighton is a member of the Blue Ridge Birders and has been compiling hawk sighting from Mahogany Rock for several years. Between the years of 1991-2001 there has been a sighting of nearly 18,000 migrating hawks. The Blue Ridge Birders coordinate a Mahogany Rock Hawk Watch each and ever year.

So whether you’re a bird enthusiast or just visiting the area,Mahogany Rock Overlook is definitely a point of interest and a placeworth the stop! It’s a chance to make your fall vacation truly unique! For more information about the Mahogany Rock Hawk Watch please email Jim Keighton at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact the High Country Host/Visitor Center at (800) 438-7500 for more information about the area.