Directions to New Wilmington Area, Lawrence and Mercer Counties
submitted by Richard Nugent

The New Wilmington Area is a rural area centered on the intersection of Routes 208 and 18 just west of New Wilmington Pa. Most attention is given to the southwest part, which is known for Horned Lark, Snow Bunting, Lapland Longspur, American Kestrel, Northern Harrier and Rough-legged Hawk in the Winter. This is an agricultural area with many Amish/ Mennonite farms. They frequently spread fresh manure on their fields and the manure attracts many of the birds. Birding can be especially productive several days after a snowfall, when the fresh manure is easy to see on top of the snow. In the Southwest quadrant Heather Heights Road, Cotton Road, Poverty Point Road and Yoder Road are popular with birders. The Northeast quadrant can also be good. The roads are Angel Road, Cowden Road and Bethel Wilmington Road.

This is an Amish/ Mennonite area and you may encounter horses and buggies on the roads. Drive with extreme caution and be respectful of the local people. This is their home and we are the visitors. Driving very slowly behind a buggy is a good opportunity to see more birds.

Directions: From Pittsburgh drive north on I-79 to the exit for Route 208 (this is also the exit for the Outlet Shops). Drive west on Route 208 to New Wilmington Pa. A couple miles west of New Wilmington is the intersection of Route 208 and Route 18. Turn left onto Route 18 and drive south a short distance to Heather Heights Road on the right. Turn right onto Heather Heights Road and start exploring.