The hike to Bear Rocks and Knife’s Edge is fun and moderate, and most people can enjoy it. Although the scramble up to Bear Rocks and around Knife’s Edge might be hard for some, even young children and occasional hikers should be able to complete this 4.6-mile, out-and-back trail.
We enjoyed a beautiful fall day at Knife’s Edge and Bear Rocks and were treated to gorgeous views of the Lehigh Valley and the surrounding region. However, this would be a lovely hike year-round (though I’d avoid it after a snowfall unless you have proper equipment).
If you’re thinking about hiking to Bear Rocks and Knife’s Edge, the guide below shares everything you need to know about the trail, as well as an alternative option to reach the overlooks. So, let’s dive in!
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Preparing For the Bear Rocks and Knife’s Edge Hike in Pennsylvania
Parking for Bear Rocks and Knife’s Edge
The parking lot for the Bear Rocks and Knife’s Edge trail is on Bake Oven Road in Germansville, PA. There are two large lots on either side of the road. For the easiest access to the trailhead, you’ll want to park in the western lot. However, the lot eastern lot is larger, so if you can’t find a spot, try that one.
Good to know: Bake Oven Road is a winding, dirt road that is not maintainted during the winter. Heavy snowfall may cause road closures.
Amenities at Bear Rocks/Knife’s Edge Trailhead
There are no toilets at the parking lot.
Take Precautions
The trail to Bear Rocks and Knife’s Edge goes through State Game Lands #217, where deer hunting occurs. It’s best practice to wear bright orange (like this hat) when hiking through state game lands during hunting season.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember, as you visit this trail, to respect nature. Stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.
The more popular these destinations become, the more we need to be diligent about keeping our parks and lands clean and safe for all. You can learn more here.
Hike to Bear Rocks and Knife’s Edge
| Trail Location: | The Trailhead for Bear Rocks is off the western parking area on Bake Oven Rd (40.74529898815804, -75.73810590552718) |
| Trail Length: | 1.4 miles to Bear Rocks or 2.3 miles to Knife’s Edge. (4.6 out and back) |
| Trail Difficulty: | Moderate for Bear Rocks Knife’s Edge requires rock scrambling and may be hard for some |
| Trail Type: | Out and back |
| Elevation Gain: | 100 feet (does not include the scramble to the top of Bear Rocks, which will add 50 feet) |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes (smaller dogs may have difficulty navigating the rocks at Bear Rocks) |
Trailhead
The trailhead for Bear Rocks and Knife’s Edge is on the southwestern corner of the parking area.
What To Expect on the Trail
The first half-mile on the trail to Bear Rocks is relatively uneventful. The trail is flat and, considering we’re on the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania, not very rocky. It’s similar to the trail to Wolf Rocks near East Stroudsburg. Be mindful, as there is a point where the trail turns left, but a second trail continues forward. Look for the white blazes and you’ll be fine.
After that half-mile, the trail starts to get rocky and you’ll start to notice elevation. At the 1.4-mile mark, you’ll reach the base of Bear Rocks. You can choose to scramble up for the views, or continue along the trail to Knife’s Edge.
Bear Rocks
If you’re hiking to Bear Rocks, you might as well scramble to the top! Follow the blue blazes along the rocks until you reach the overlook.
It’s so gorgeous up there, giving you beautiful views towards the northwest. We enjoyed lunch, did some bird watching, and played around on the rocks.
To get back to the Appalachian Trail, we backtracked down the way we came up, making sure to follow the blue blazes. However, we noticed other people went down the western side of the rocks and ended up on the trail, so there might be a way to reconnect on the Appalachian Trail without having to backtrack. (It’s not a big deal and will probably take about the same amount of time).
P’s Peak Vista
Along the way to Knife’s Edge is a small overlook called P’s Peak Vista. We didn’t stop here too long as there were other hikers enjoying the view. But it’s still fun to check out!
You’ll know you’re almost as P’s Peak when you pass the county line marker, the small stone pillar that you can find along the Appalachian Trail. There is also one on the trail to Bake Oven Knob.
Knife’s Edge
You’ll know when you’ve reached Knife’s Edge by the way the rocks jut out of the earth. They come up at an angle, and are piled in a manner that it looks like the edge of a knife, hence the name!
This overlook is worth visiting after Bear Rocks because you are looking southeast, versus northwest. Here, you have a great view of the Lehigh Valley.
Alternate Route to Knife’s Edge and Bear Rocks
You can also hike to Knife’s Edge and Bear Rocks leaving from the parking area on PA-309 in Andreas. From there, the trail to Knife’s Edge is 2.8 miles, with an elevation gain of about 150 feet. After Knife’s Edge, you can continue north on the Appalachian Trail for about .9 miles to Bear Rocks.
Other Hikes Near Knife’s Edge and Bear Rocks
There are so many great places to hike along the Appalachian Trail. You can easily add on the hike to Bake Oven Knob with the hike since it’s only a .4 mile to the overlook from the parking lot.
Another popular overlook on the Appalachian Trail is Pulpit Rock and the Pinnacle, which can both be done in one hike. And if you enjoy a good rock scramble, you’ll want to check out the Lehigh Gap East Loop in Walnutport.
We also love all of the trails at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. If you like scrambling over the rocks at Knife’s Edge, you’ll love Hawk Mountain’s Skyline Trail.
Wrapping Up the Hike to Bear Rocks and Knife’s Edge
If you’re looking for a shorter hike with some fun elements, this is a great trail! We loved climbing up and on the boulders at Bear Rocks. And Knife’s Edge provided a different view. Although the trail starts out easy and a bit boring, it was so nice to end with the flatter and easier section, before we reached the parking area.
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