Pinnacle & Pulpit Rock Backpacking

Pinnacle scenic vista

Only an hour NW of Philadelphia, backpack with me as I guide you through what’s considered to be the best loop hiking trails in all of Pennsylvania and one of the best in the United States.  This trail will give you an excellent workout and you’ll be well rewarded when you get to the top by the breathtaking views offered at both the Pinnacle and Pulpit Rock overlook vistas.  We also have the opportunity to travel on the part of the Appalachian trail (A.T.) which is always exciting.

Location: North of Hamburg, PA
Season (video): Summer
Weather Conditions (video): Sunny
Trail (video): Pinnacle & Pulpit Rock loop
GPS Trail Head Coordinates: 40º 34.990’N, 75º 56.51’W
Distance: 9.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Views: Pinnacle & Pulpit Rock Overlooking farming valley with forests & farms
Access: From Hamburg take Old Rt 22 to Reservor Road (intersection near church/graveyard) and park at the Reservoir gate.
Recommended Supplies: 5 x 750ml (20 OZ) bottles of water (or sports drink), a small snack, map, compass & first aid kit.
Recommended Gear: Hiking Boots, Small Backpack
Other: Day Hike, Backpacking, Bird Watching
Common Wildlife Encounted: Birds, Copperhead Snakes (every now & then, can often be seen on rocks at reservoir early in the morning as they are sunning).
Safety Direction (if lost): South take you towards Interstate 78.

 

 

  8 comments for “Pinnacle & Pulpit Rock Backpacking”

  1. James
    February 12, 2011 at 9:49 am

    Awesome overlooks, I definitely want to do this hike. To bad you ended up on the gravel road. I read going the alternate way is really cool with the rock steps. Guess I’ll just have to see for myself. Very cool that you can camp around the pinnacle vista, thanks for showing that.

    Reply
  2. admin
    March 19, 2011 at 2:54 pm

    Hey, It was an excellent hike, I highly recommend you try it if you can. Probably my favorite thus far. The views for pinnacle outlook & pulpit rock were nothing short of extraordinary.

    Reply
  3. Mark
    June 7, 2012 at 5:56 pm

    Great job! Hiking the train tommorrow 6/8/12

    Reply
  4. Tammy
    August 25, 2012 at 9:59 am

    I have been there a few times & always see people
    camping with their tents. I would love to do that with my children do you need to obtain a permit?

    Reply
    • admin
      August 25, 2012 at 5:58 pm

      Hello Tammy. As I recall camping is not permitted although actual enforcement of that seems like it may be relaxed. Best to check with park services for up to date information and advice.

      Reply
  5. Bryan
    December 25, 2014 at 8:47 pm

    I caught your video on YouTube and as I have done this hike a few times I watched to see how you enjoyed it .im sorry to see you got alittle turned around at the shelter area and had to take the gravel road up to the pulpit . The locals here call it cardiac hill for its intense steepness. Haha taking the AT trail would have been easier for you but still an enjoyable hike

    Reply
    • admin
      January 28, 2015 at 5:35 pm

      Yes hopefully I’ll make it back someday soon and see the AT trail. That was a great hike!

      Reply
  6. Ankit
    March 28, 2016 at 11:43 am

    Hi. This video is really helpful. Can you help me with Camping information of The Pinnacle.

    Reply

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