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Jack’s Mountain is a scenic hang gliding site in Pennsylvania that offers stunning views of the Juniata River and the surrounding countryside. The site has a launch area at the top of a mountain ridge, suitable for intermediate to advanced pilots. The site is managed by the Hyner Hang Gliding Club, which requires a membership fee and a USHPA rating of at least H3 or P3 to fly there. The club also organizes events and competitions throughout the year.

Location and Directions

The site is located near the town of Mill Creek, about 40 miles south of State College. To get to Jack’s Mountain, take US-22 east from State College and exit at Mill Creek. Turn right onto PA-655 and follow it for about 4 miles. Turn left onto Jacks Mountain Road and drive for another 4 miles until you reach the parking lot on the left side of the road. The launch area is about a mile further up the road. The GPS coordinates of the launch are 40.4439° N, 77.8967° W.

Flying Conditions and Restrictions

The launch is challenging to take off and land in strong or cross winds, so pilots need to be careful and experienced. The launch faces northwest and works best with winds from SW to NW at less than 10 mph. The landing zone is a large field near the parking lot, but it can be turbulent and obstructed by trees and power lines. Pilots need to have a radio and a helmet, and follow the club rules and regulations.

Best Times to Fly and Visit

The site is open year-round, but the best flying conditions are in spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the thermals are strong. The site can also be flown in winter, but the road may be closed due to snow or ice. The site is popular among local and visiting pilots, so it can get crowded on weekends and holidays.

More Information

For more information about Jack’s Mountain, you can visit the Hyner Hang Gliding Club website at http://hynerclub.com/ or contact them at (570) 386-5104. You can also check out the reviews and photos of other pilots who have flown there on https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g53190-d4170165-Reviews-Jacks_Mountain-Mill_Creek_Pennsylvania.html.