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Pulpit Rock and The Pinnacle Loop Trail

based on 112 tracks & routes
8.4 mi
Distance
4 hrs 53 min
Time
terrain
886 ft
Elev Gain

Overview

This is a moderate loop hike along a popular section of the Appalachian Trail featuring two overlooks: Pulpit Rock and The Pinnacle.

Most of this hike follows the Appalachian Trail, which is well marked and maintained. You can use either The Furnace Creek Trail or The Blue Trail to complete the loop. The trail has moderate elevation gain for the region and is a bit rocky at places.

There is a small tectonic cave near The Pinnacle.

This trail features overlooks, rock formations, a small cave, a creek, and the Lehigh Observatory.

Getting Started

Parking:
Parking is at the Hamburg Reservoir.
Address: 400 Reservoir Rd, Hamburg, PA 19526
GPS: 40.583162, -75.942015

When to Go:
The trail is open year round, though can be more challenging in the winter months due to ice. Sunrise views can be very nice from either overlook. In the fall, this is a nice hike to see the fall colors.

Restrictions:
Overnight parking is not allowed.

Caution:
Watch out for snakes during the summer. They frequently sun themselves on the rocks and can hide in the crevasses. Rattle snakes, copper heads, and black snakes are frequently found in the area.

Taking Children

The elevation gain, distance, and rough terrain, make this a difficult hike for children 8 and under.


    Rate this Hike

    user_profile
    2 years, 1 month ago
    I’ve been rucking and decided to up my game a bit and what a Great Hike! I’ve been doing local loops with 70 lbs 6-8 miles and I felt like this was a quantum leap. If it wasn’t for the hour long drive I’d do this every weekend. Fantastic views and a wide variety of terrain. I would not recommend children hike here as it takes 4 hours and let’s just say no TP!
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    2 years, 9 months ago
    This was a great day. Cold. Windy. No people. Muddy at the end on the way down. Some downed branches between Pulpit and Pinnacle. Not to hard to get around.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    4 years, 2 months ago
    This is my favorite loop/hiking trail Took 3 1\2 hours. We were no no rush and had a picnic in the helicopter landing field.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile stars
    4 years, 6 months ago
    This is a nice hike and one of my favorites in the area. I generally do the loop clockwise in an attempt to make it to The Pinnacle for sunrise. If I get a latter start, I go counter clockwise so that I am heading down on the shaded Furnace Creek Trail.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    9 months, 1 week ago
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