Hawn’s Overlook — Attraction in Juniata Township

I had some time to kill before driving back to Pittsburgh to fly home so I went hunting for scenic views. Backroads through the hills and I stopped for gas outside of Altoona. A local lady mentioned that Raystown Lake was her favorite weekend spot and that I needed to see the Overlook. I through it into the GPS and chose not to look at pictures, let nature surprise me. The drive up to the overlook was windy and beautiful. Once in the park, there was plenty of parking. There was one couple there when I arrived but after they left I had the area to myself. There was a well maintained trail leading through the woods, 300 yards to the outlook. I spent 40 minutes admiring the view. Well worth the drive! I was there around noon, I can only imagine how pretty it would...

This hidden gem offers a stunning panorama of Raystown Lake. The overlook’s design perfectly frames the lake's natural curves, and the surrounding hills add a dramatic backdrop to every snapshot.

The short, well-maintained trail means you won’t have to trek too far to reach a place where time seems to slow down. Whether you’re there for an energetic sunrise, a reflective afternoon, or a breathtaking sunset that lights up the sky in warm, unforgettable hues, Hawn’s Overlook delivers it all. It’s the ideal spot for a quiet escape, a family outing, or a creative photo session.

If you’re exploring the area, don’t miss stopping by this scenic vista—a sublime reminder of nature’s splendor in our backyard....

This was a beautiful spot during our trip. It is a popular public spot so bet you won’t be entirely alone, but it wasn’t over crowded when we went. Capturing the sunset would be fantastic here, or a picnic would be perfect as well. It would make a beautiful spot to propose if you lived in the area. The area of the overlook isn’t overly large so crowds would not be appropriate. The parking area has another view point overlooking a modern dam. We did not see any bald eagles or their nests like I had hoped we might. But there were plenty of stink bugs.. If you don’t like bugs flying at you,...