#18 Highpoint Scenic Vista & Recreation Area
Property Manager: York County Parks (717) 840-7440
GPS address: 1199 Hilt Road, Wrightsville, PA, 17368
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Parking: There is one small parking area on Hilts Road.
Restrooms: There is a portable toilet at the parking area.
Safety Reminders: Please stay on the designated trails.
Best Birding: All seasons, dawn until dusk.
Site Description: At Highpoint the Heritage Trail is an ADA accessible climb to the top of the large hill that the park is named for. This trail is great for birding the open areas of the park. The vista sits 772’ above sea level and gives visitors a view of the Susquehanna River. Highpoint lies further back from the river than Wrightsville and Apollo County Park which are both within binocular reach of the river. At Highpoint birders can look for river bound flyovers, but the appeal for birders is the 79 acres of meadowlands.
The meadow has a draw during each season. Spring and early summer is the time when Horned Larks, Grasshopper Sparrows, and Savannah Sparrows can be heard singing alongside the path. Fall winds and rains switch to opportunities for swallows and American Pipit, and on sunny days migrating raptors like Northern Harrier and American Kestrel.
Winter time sets up well for larger numbers of Horned Larks. In past years, a gravel and grit path would attract larks and this gave chances for their flock mates (buntings, pipits, and longspurs) when snow was melting off it. The surface of the path has changed, but the birds may still be viewed taking grit from Knights View Road.
Early spring Late February through Mid-March, there is a chance to see the American Woodcock’s winnow display just before dusk. Don’t hike in too far just enough to reach the Mason-Dixon trail as it crosses the ADA loop. Here set up and look along the edge of the woods. Then look up and listen for the displaying birds. Be sure to leave the park before it is dark (park rules). You will only be able to see the display if there is enough light. Later in spring there are chances along the edges for Blue Grosbeak. The bird is typically viewed there in early May. The lower meadow loop (grass trail) is best to get to the areas along the woods edge that appeal to the Grosbeak. Around this time Grasshopper Sparrows are also returning. There are always birds at highpoint. The property is deceptively large. Birds often flush away from observers here, so just like at any other location patience pays off!
Property Manager: York County Parks (717) 840-7440
GPS address: 1199 Hilt Road, Wrightsville, PA, 17368
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Parking: There is one small parking area on Hilts Road.
Restrooms: There is a portable toilet at the parking area.
Safety Reminders: Please stay on the designated trails.
Best Birding: All seasons, dawn until dusk.
Site Description: At Highpoint the Heritage Trail is an ADA accessible climb to the top of the large hill that the park is named for. This trail is great for birding the open areas of the park. The vista sits 772’ above sea level and gives visitors a view of the Susquehanna River. Highpoint lies further back from the river than Wrightsville and Apollo County Park which are both within binocular reach of the river. At Highpoint birders can look for river bound flyovers, but the appeal for birders is the 79 acres of meadowlands.
The meadow has a draw during each season. Spring and early summer is the time when Horned Larks, Grasshopper Sparrows, and Savannah Sparrows can be heard singing alongside the path. Fall winds and rains switch to opportunities for swallows and American Pipit, and on sunny days migrating raptors like Northern Harrier and American Kestrel.
Winter time sets up well for larger numbers of Horned Larks. In past years, a gravel and grit path would attract larks and this gave chances for their flock mates (buntings, pipits, and longspurs) when snow was melting off it. The surface of the path has changed, but the birds may still be viewed taking grit from Knights View Road.
Early spring Late February through Mid-March, there is a chance to see the American Woodcock’s winnow display just before dusk. Don’t hike in too far just enough to reach the Mason-Dixon trail as it crosses the ADA loop. Here set up and look along the edge of the woods. Then look up and listen for the displaying birds. Be sure to leave the park before it is dark (park rules). You will only be able to see the display if there is enough light. Later in spring there are chances along the edges for Blue Grosbeak. The bird is typically viewed there in early May. The lower meadow loop (grass trail) is best to get to the areas along the woods edge that appeal to the Grosbeak. Around this time Grasshopper Sparrows are also returning. There are always birds at highpoint. The property is deceptively large. Birds often flush away from observers here, so just like at any other location patience pays off!