Hike the Appalachian Trail

Penn Wood Family Hike

 Sunday, November 4, 2007  

Join members of the Penn Wood Community for an exciting day hiking the most famous hiking trail in North America!  We will be coordinating a family day hike for Penn Wood families on Sunday, November 4th to Pulpit Rock and the Pinnacle, located on the Appalachian Trail near Hamburg, PA. 

 We want to encourage family involvement in the outdoors and want to provide a unique opportunity to sample a section of the famous Appalachian Trail which runs over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine. This is not a school trip but rather a family trip with staff members hiking and sharing this experience with your family.  Starting at the Hamburg Reservoir, the hike ascends, via the Appalachian Trail, to Pulpit Rock.  Breathtaking views of the valley below make this a great spot to eat and rest. The hard work is now done as you reach this ridge line.  Some families might consider Pulpit Rock a good stopping point and return via the Appalachian Trail to the parking area.  Those with stamina and more time would find the hike from Pulpit Rock to the Pinnacle and back down to the parking area to be one of the most scenic in Pennsylvania!

 The hike will share a range of learning experiences. Birds of prey use these ridges for their spring migration.  Hikers gain a sense for the impressive geology and wonders of the woods.  The view from the Pinnacle is amazing!  The return trail descends into a beautiful forest of hemlock, mountain laurel, and rhododendron with a tiny stream which contains small trout. This section is beautiful and well worth the effort.

This hike can be broken down into two options:

1.   Hike north on Appalachian Trail to Pulpit Rock and return via the Appalachian Trail: Allow 1 hour 15 minutes up to Pulpit Rock and the same time to return. Total time: 3 hours and 4 miles.

2. Hike on the Appalachian Trail to Pulpit Rock and then follow the trail to the Pinnacle. There is very little elevation gain from Pulpit Rock to the Pinnacle as you are hiking along the crest of the ridge.  Return from the Pinnacle on the Appalachian Trail going north, taking a side trail, descending into the watershed to the parking area. Total time: 5 hours and 8.7 miles.  Staff members will be hiking this section of the trail and will enjoy hiking with you.

This is a rewarding hike which requires reasonable fitness.  A suggested equipment list is on the back. This hike is not recommended for small children. Students who like a physical challenge may enjoy this adventure. There is no technical climbing and the trail is easy to follow. Please feel free to contact  Sandy Maxwell at Penn Wood Elementary to discuss any details of the trip.

 Drive time from West Chester to the Hamburg Reservoir is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.  Staff members will be at the parking area at 10:30 a.m. to help get your family started with the hike.

Directions to the Parking Area at Hamburg Reservoir. Please consult a map to see that Hamburg is located just off Route 61 N.

(Just south of Cabela’s large hunting/fishing/outdoor gear store)

                      Directions............

      1.   Merge onto Us-202 North

2.   Merge onto PA-100 North toward Exton 7.5 miles

3.   Take PA Turnpike West toward Harrisburg for 14 miles

4. Get off at Morgantown Exit 298 and take I-176 North toward

    Reading for 11.8 miles

5. At Exit 11 take  the Left ramp and go North- West on Route 422

    for 4.8 miles which turns into Route 222.  Do not turn off for any

   Business Route 422/ 222

6. Go North on Route 222 for 6.2 miles

7. Take ramp and go Northwest on 61 North, Pottsville Pike (not 61 South)  for 10 miles

8. Take the exit for Hamburg, turning slightly right onto S. Fourth St.  for 1 mile

9. Turn right onto State Street. ( Will be named "Old Route 22" as you exit town)

10.  Go about 2 miles on State Street/Old Route 22 to Reservoir Road and turn left. ( Church on right ) The turn is small, easy to miss, passing under an interstate highway.

11. Follow the road straight, past stop sign, until it dead ends into parking area. 

 Equipment Suggestions

        Limit the weight children are carrying         

Adult Day pack should include:

1. Water bottles for each member

2. Warm, layered clothing. Starting the hike with an outer layer that can be removed as the hiker warms up. Maintaining a dry, warm layer is very important.  

3. An extra shirt/top for each member

4. Trail snacks/lunch to eat along the way

5. Flashlight and cell phone

6. small first aid kit

7. family medications

8. hat, gloves

9. Shoes/sneakers should be broken in and already used by hiker

10. Rain gear for each member if a possibility

11. Map provided at check in at the start of the hike

 It is important to arrive at the Hamburg parking area as close to 10:30 a.m. as possible.  This will allow us to assist you in getting started on the hike.  Please keep your children with you as you hike and stay on the trails.

 In the event your family chooses to start at a later time, a map of the hike can be viewed in an outdoor case located in the parking area. Our staff will be up on the mountain after the initial check in period at 10:30 a.m.

We are strong advocates for environmental awareness and wellness.  These seasonal hikes will be coordinated to help your family to enjoy and experience the many benefits of the outdoors.  The important environmental decisions of the future will be made by our students of today. Helping them to gain first hand experience is essential and fundamental to building a deeper understanding.  We look forward to a great day of wellness, discovery, and friendship.  Please contact  Sandy Maxwell, at Penn Wood Elementary for more information.

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