The Hawks Nest Lookout — Attraction in Town of Deerpark

About four miles from Port Jervis, the Hawk's Nest section of New York State Route 97, which is part of the Scenic Upper Delaware Byway, has been frequently used in advertisements and commercials like this one for Porsche. In 2016 the Hawk's Nest had a brief but important role in the hit 3D movie, Dr. Strange, and it was also featured in the film, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This 2018 article calls Route 97 "New York’s Windiest Road."

At the foot of the Hawk's Nest stand sturdy, hand laid stonework walls that serve as reminders of the Delaware and Hudson Canal (c.1828-1899) which ran parallel to the river here. Opposite the Delaware River from the Hawk's Nest are Pike County, Pennsylvania and railroad track line still used today that the famed Erie Railroad first laid in the late 1840s.

It has been said by some that the Lenape (Delaware Indian) people who once lived here for thousands of years used the top of the Hawk's Nest as a light beacon for signaling to a chain of such points in the region's river valleys far beyond.

This ancient corridor is also part of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River National Park whose rare "wild and scenic" designation is given to less than one-percent of all our rivers because of their outstanding natural, recreational, and...

The Hawks Nest Lookout is New York is a must-visit if you love a scenic drive and beautiful views. The winding road runs along the cliffs, right above the Delaware River. There are a few lookout points that offer panoramic views.

Great for photo opts!

Tips for Visiting The Hawks Nest Lookout:

When to visit: You’re most likely to avoid the crowds on a weekday or at sunrise. We visited during the week for sunset and it wasn’t crowded at all.

Photos: If you’re going to take photos, I’d suggest sunset for the best lighting!

Hawks: You might spot some hawks flying above the Delaware River.

Viewpoints: There are 4 different lookout points you can park at. Each with its own unique view. 🛑 We stopped at 3 to try and get the best viewpoint of the famous windy road. ✨ I think the lookout point furthest from the windy road is the best overall view of everything, especially the river.

Drive slow: The road is winding, so take it easy and enjoy the ride.

Be careful: It’s an active, curvy road, so stay alert when you’re out of your...

Breathtaking views and outstanding road experience for car and especially motorcycle enthusiasts. You have to ride through the Hawks nest at least once in your life! It's been on many car commercials for its sporty curves hugging a stone cliff face but nothing beats the actual experience of carving through those curves on a motorcycle. Stop at the numerous scenic overlook rest areas and take in the great view. Above is the sunset near the summer solstice. You can look down several hundred feet on the beautiful upper Delaware River and it's unspoiled natural beauty. You can see American bald eagles flying below your vantage point along with numerous other aquatic animals in their natural habitat. You can canoe raft or go tubing down this river as well. The river beneath the Hawks nest is slow and deep but class one rapids dot the course throughout the upper Delaware adding a splash of fun and adventure....