The Pulpit Rock and Pinnacle Loop along the Appalachian Trail is one of the most popular hikes in eastern Pennsylvania.
This 9-mile loop hike is challenging but fun for everyone, including younger children. I remember hiking this trail with my mom when I was seven or eight years old (and then subsequent visits!). But it is steep in sections and VERY rocky (giving every visitor an understanding of the moniker “Rocksylvania” for the state).
Because there are two overlooks, you can hike to one or both and still have gorgeous views of the region. Most hikers like to make the additional trek to the Pinnacle since it’s the highest point on the Blue Mountain ridge along the Appalachian Trail.
If you are considering hiking this popular section of the Appalachian Trail, the guide below will give you everything you need to know, including an alternate starting point to shorten the hike (but not the fun)!
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Things to Know Before You Hike to the Pinnacle and Pulpit Rock on the Appalachian Trail
Parking for the Pulpit and Pinnacle Loop Trail
The parking area for the Pinnacle and Pulpit loop is on Reservoir Road in Windsor Township, in northern Berks County. Once parked, it’s about a half-mile walk up the road to the trailhead.
Dangerous Cliffs
The overlooks at Pulpit Rock and Pinnacle have steep drop-offs. Keep children and pets close to you.
Wildlife
Rattlesnakes and copperhead snakes are common to see along the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania. Keep an eye out for them, especially on the rocks, and maintain a safe distance.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember, as you hike 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.
Amenities at the Pulpit and Pinnacle Trailhead
Main Trailhead
There are no bathrooms at the parking area or near the trailhead on Reservoir Road.
Pulpit Rock
We noticed a pit toilet right off the trail the last time we hiked to Pulpit Rock. I’m not sure if it’s still available to use, but it could be a good option in an emergency.
Hike To Pulpit Rock and the Pinnacle in PA
| Trail Location: | The trail’s parking lot is about .5 miles north on Reservoir Road off of Mountain Road in Hamburg, PA. The trailhead is another .5 mile up Reservoir Road on your right-hand side. |
| Trail Length: | The full loop is 9 miles, but you can shorten the hike by hiking to the Pulpit and back (3.8 miles). |
| Trail Difficulty: | Moderate-Hard. The trail’s steep grades and rocks keep this hike fun and interesting. |
| Trail Type: | Loop or Out-and-Back |
| Elevation Gain: | 1250 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
Trailhead
The trailhead to the Pulpit Rock and Pinnacle loop is on Reservoir Road, about a 1/2-mile from the parking area. Follow the road until you reach the Appalachian Trail on your right.
What To Expect on the Trail
This is a very rocky trail! And very steep in sections. A majority of the elevation gain occurs within the first 2.5 miles.
Once you get to Pulpit Rock, it’s relatively “flat” to the Pinnacle (but still VERY rocky). It is very important to wear proper footwear on this trail. We saw someone hiking in flimsy flip-flops (think the ones Old Navy used to sell for a dollar), and she was slipping and sliding all over the place.
Pulpit Rock
If you want to shorten this hike to less than 4 miles, Pulpit Rock is a perfect place to rest before you turn around. With gorgeous views of the valley and the boulder field at Blue Rocks, you won’t feel like you missed out!
There is also a pit toilet just off the trail at Pulpit Rock, along with some large telescopes. Pulpit Rock also offers an “escape route” if the trail feels too tough. You can always walk down Reservoir Road to the parking area instead of following the trail.
Pinnacle Overlook
If you’re not too tired and feel up to it, you won’t want to skip hiking to the Pinnacle Overlook! It’s another two miles, but it’s not steep (less than 100-foot elevation gain from Pulpit Rock to Pinnacle Overlook), so it’s worth the trek.
Before you reach the Pinnacle, you’ll see a sign and a large cairn (made up of a ton of rocks – it’s big!). Turn right there and follow the blazes to the overlook.
This is a large rock outcropping with several crevasses and fun places to explore. As a child, I used to climb down the rocks facing east, enter a “cave,” and climb back up. My oldest attempted to do the same thing on our last visit, but the rocks were too wet and slippery for his liking.
Good to Know: There are numerous rattlesnakes and copperheads who love to sun bathe on these rocks. Keep an eye out and keep your distance from them!
Getting Back to the Parking Lot
Many hikers treat this trail as a loop. After leaving the Pinnacle, head right onto the Appalachian Trail and follow that for about 2.5 miles until you reach the Watershed (Blue) Trail. Make a left onto the trail and follow that another 1.5 miles to Reservoir Road. This portion is also pretty steep, and you’ll experience a change in elevation of about 600 feet.
Other options include backtracking the full way (which is about the same length) or backtracking to Pulpit Rock and then taking Reservoir Road to the parking area. It’s nice to have a choice!
Alternate Option: Blue Rocks Campground to Pulpit Rock
| Trail Location: | After parking at the main entrance to Blue Rocks Campground, walk up Blue Rocks Drive towards the bathroom. The Blue Trail entrance will be to the right of the bathroom. |
| Trail Length: | From Blue Rocks Campground, the loop is about 6.5 miles. |
| Trail Difficulty: | Moderate-Hard. Some steep grades and rocks on the trail keep this hike fun and interesting. |
| Trail Type: | Semi-Loop |
| Elevation Gain: | 1000 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
Another way to hike the Pulpit Rock and Pinnacle trail is to start at the Blue Rocks Campground.
They charge a day-use fee, but there are running water bathrooms near the trailhead, which is a bonus compared to the main trailhead and parking area. After you check in and pay, they’ll provide you with a trail map.
Amenities at Blue Rocks Campground
As mentioned above, if you park at the Blue Rocks Campground, there are running water bathrooms next to the Blue Trail entrance. Take the Blue Trail to reach Pulpit Rock first and make a nice loop.
Trailhead
The best way to do the Pulpit Rock and Pinnacle Loop from Blue Rocks Campground is to start on the Blue Trail. It’s at the end of Blue Rocks Drive and right next to the boulder field. The field is also a fun place to climb around, but we recommend saving your energy for the hike!
The Blue Trail
The Blue Trail to the Appalachian Trail is about a mile long. It’s also quite steep in sections, with an elevation gain of about 500 feet during that one-mile section. Once you reach the Appalachian Trail, it’s about another half-mile and almost 400 feet in elevation gain to Pulpit Rock.
Trail to Pulpit Rock and Pinnacle
After checking out Pulpit Rock, follow the Appalachian Trail to Pinnacle Overlook as described above. On your way to the Pinnacle, you’ll see the Yellow Trail about 1.5 miles from Pulpit Rock. Take note because that is the trail you’ll take back to Blue Rocks Campground.
Returning Via the Yellow Trail
After you visit the Pinnacle, make a left onto the Appalachian Trail. From there, you’ll hike about a half-mile to the Yellow Trail. Make a left on the Yellow Trail and follow that for about 1.3 miles until you reach the campground road.
The Yellow is also VERY steep in sections, with a small portion having a grade of about 50%! Hiking poles would be a good choice here.
After you reach Blue Rocks Drive, make a right and follow the road past the boulder field and down to the main entrance.
Other Hikes Near the Pinnacle and Pulpit
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Hawk Mountain is one of our favorite places to hike near the Pulpit and Pinnacle. It offers several trail options and combinations that are similar in difficulty. It even has a boulder field like Blue Rocks Campground.
Appalachian Trail Sections
Some of the other sections of the Appalachian Trail that we love nearby are Bake Oven Knob, Knife’s Edge and Bear Rocks in Germansville, as well as the Lehigh Gap East Loop in Walnutport.
Monocacy Hill Recreation Area
Not super close to the Pulpit/Pinnacle, but still in Berks County, the Monocacy Hill Recreation Area has some fun trails that are easy to moderate. They are great for young kids or beginner hikers who might be intimidated by more challenging trails.
Common Questions About the Pinnacle and Pulpit Loop
How long does it take to hike Pinnacle PA?
The trail to the Pinnacle is about 4.5 miles from the parking area. It’ll take you anywhere from 2 to 2.5 hours to reach the top (including a stop at the Pulpit for a snack and a view).
Where is Pulpit Rock Pennsylvania?
Pulpit Rock in Pennsylvania is on the Appalachian Trail, about a half-hour from Allentown, an hour from Harrisburg, and 1.5 hours from Philadelphia.
How high is the Pinnacle in Hamburg, PA?
The Pinnacle is the highest point on the Blue Mountain Ridge of the Appalachian Trail. Its elevation is 1634 feet.
Other Things to Do Near the Pinnacle and Pulpit Rock Loop
If you have some time in your day, one of the most popular attractions near the Pinnacle and Pulpit is Crystal Cave. You can also enjoy a post-hike snack in Hamburg and check out the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum.
Wrapping the Pinnacle and Pulpit Loop in Pennsylvania
Of all of the great trails in southeastern Pennsylvania, the Pulpit and Pinnacle Loop is one of the most popular, for good reason! This 9-mile loop is tough but fun, with beautiful views at two overlooks. You’ll also enjoy some rock scrambling at the Pinnacle Overlook. Add this trail to your “must-do” list if you haven’t already!
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