The hawkwatch is staffed with Division volunteers who perform the hawk counts from August 15 to November 15, and again in the spring from February 15 to May 15. Unfortunately, a viewing platform on the ridgetop was destroyed by vandals and funding has yet to be secured for its replacement.

The breathtaking view of the Highlands is well worth the walk to the lookout even when the hawks are not moving. The hawkwatch provides a spectacular vista of the forest and valleys of the Highlands. On a clear day the New York City skyline is visible from this overlook high on the edge of the ridge. The view provides an otherwise hard to obtain understanding of the vastness of the Highlands forest resource and its value to hundreds of species including humans, in northern New Jersey.

No other area in north Jersey has the large unfragmented forests needed to preserve populations of endangered hawks, owls, and increasingly rare songbirds. These forests are even more important to the millions of humans living in the urban centers whose drinking water comes from the lakes and streams of the Highlands purified by its forests and open space.

A kiosk with information about the extensive trail network developed within the WMA, which includes a segment of the Highlands Trail, is located in the parking lot. A composting toilet is also available near the parking area.