Appalachian Trail Hike

April 14, 2007

Penn Wood Elementary School hikers rest at Pulpit Rock on the Appalachian Trail.

Hikers pause at the bridge over Furnace Creek, the small jewel of a stream that forms in the mountains.

  Crisp mountain air greeted our small but adventurous hiking group on Saturday, April 14,2007.  We had a fabulous day together, enjoying the powerful benefits that hiking in a natural setting can provide. Our group met at the Hamburg Reservoir parking area and made the accent to Pulpit Rock. There is an observatory at this elevation that offers great opportunities to study the night sky.  Our group moved north on the Appalachian Trail to the Pinnacle, an outcropping of rocks which provide one of the most majestic views in Pennsylvania.  Black Vultures, a short compact bird with white tips on the underneath forward edges of its wings, soared close to us as we took in the view and friendly company. This view must be earned and the students did an amazing job of hiking.

    We finally pushed north on the Appalachian Trail and down a side trail into the beautiful watershed framed with native rhododendron and Mountain Laurel. The crystal clear mountain stream reveals small waterfalls  as it winds its way to the reservoir.

    We look forward to our next Penn Wood hike and hope that time and commitments will allow your family to joins us!

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