Mount Pisgah Trail and Overlook
Conquer a steep, rocky trail for breathtaking panoramic views from the spectacular Mount Pisgah overlook.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best visibility for views
Mount Pisgah Trail and Overlook
Best Time
Best visibility for views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Conquer a steep, rocky trail for breathtaking panoramic views from the spectacular Mount Pisgah overlook.
"The lookout is SPECTACULAR!!!! WORTH THE ROCKS."
🎯 Ask a Local for Trailhead
Trailhead can be hard to find. Locals are happy to point you in the right direction! :earth_americas:
⚠️ Watch for Wildlife
Copperheads spotted at the summit. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings. :snake:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mount Pisgah Overlook
Summit of Mount Pisgah
Spectacular, breathtaking views from the summit. Worth the rocky climb!
Upper Switchback Trail
Summit Hill to Jim Thorpe
A challenging but rewarding trail with varied terrain, leading to the stunning Pisgah overlook.
Wagon Road Downhill
Descent from Mount Pisgah
An extremely rocky downhill section, best for experienced hikers or bikers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trailhead Navigation
Summit Views & Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Jim Thorpe to dos?
🎯 Ask a Local for Trailhead
Trailhead can be hard to find. Locals are happy to point you in the right direction! :earth_americas:
⚠️ Watch for Wildlife
Copperheads spotted at the summit. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings. :snake:
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The trail is steep and rocky, especially near the summit. Good hiking boots are essential. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Summit Views are Worth It
The overlook is spectacular! The rocky climb is challenging but the panoramic views are unforgettable. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ask a Local for Trailhead
Trailhead can be hard to find. Locals are happy to point you in the right direction! :earth_americas:
⚠️ Watch for Wildlife
Copperheads spotted at the summit. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings. :snake:
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The trail is steep and rocky, especially near the summit. Good hiking boots are essential. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Summit Views are Worth It
The overlook is spectacular! The rocky climb is challenging but the panoramic views are unforgettable. :camerawithflash:
🚴♀️ Bikers Beware Rocks
The Wagon Road downhill is extremely rocky. Experienced bikers only, or be prepared to hike your bike. :mountain_bicyclist:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the spectacular, breathtaking views from Mount Pisgah's summit, calling it the highlight of the hike and well worth the challenging, steep, and rocky ascent. Some caution is advised regarding potential wildlife, particularly copperheads at the summit, and the trail's difficulty is noted as not being for beginners.
"Rode the upper Switchback trail from Summit Hill to Jim Thorpe.
The upper trail includes the lookout on Mt. Pisgah.
Most of the trail is a double track, fire road like, hard pack with some loose stuff.
As you get closer to the summit it becomes single track and rocky.
There is also a spot you can walk you bike across a rock wall ledge. The summit area is very rocky. Some bike and hike.
The lookout is SPECTACULAR!!!! WORTH THE ROCKS.
The downhill on the Wagon Road is Extremely Rocky!! more bike and hike.
The ride is approximately
8 miles.
I rode the Switchback to the D&L trail south to Weissport
Great ride. Appx 12.5 miles
I did see 3 Deer and 1 small black bear on the trail.
Fantastic Day on the trails in Jim Thorpe Pa."
Scott (SS105)
"Trail head was tricky to find. We asked a local who helped us find it. Not a hike for beginners, it’s steep. Beautiful view from the summit. Watch out for the copperheads at the summit - we spotted 4."
Steve Bertram
"What a quick but grueling hike this way. Straight up and down but that view is amazing. Worth the trip and the burn on the legs and calf’s."
Jmihanzom
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead can be tricky to locate. Many visitors recommend asking a local for directions, as it's not always clearly marked. Some suggest it's accessible from the Upper Switchback Trail starting near Summit Hill.
Yes, the Upper Switchback Trail connects Summit Hill to Jim Thorpe and includes the Mount Pisgah overlook. The entire ride is approximately 8 miles, with options to connect to the D&L trail.
For hikers, the most direct route is often via the steep trail from the base. For a longer adventure, consider biking the Upper Switchback Trail from Summit Hill.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no specific entrance fee mentioned for Mount Pisgah Trail and Overlook. It's generally considered a public trail accessible for hiking and biking.
As a natural trail, Mount Pisgah does not have set operating hours. It is accessible during daylight hours, but visitors should be mindful of safety after dark.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is described as steep and grueling, particularly the direct ascent. It's not recommended for beginners due to its challenging nature.
The overlook offers a spectacular and breathtaking panoramic view. It's consistently praised as the highlight and worth the challenging climb.
Visitors have reported spotting copperheads at the summit, so caution is advised. Be aware of your surroundings and watch where you step.
Yes, the Upper Switchback Trail is popular for biking. However, the downhill section on the Wagon Road is extremely rocky and may require hiking your bike.
Sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended due to the steep and rocky terrain. Comfortable athletic wear is also advisable. :athletic_shoe:
📸 📸 Photography
Clear mornings often provide the best visibility for stunning panoramic shots. Afternoons can also be good as the sun illuminates the landscape. :camerawithflash:
Expect to capture sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape. The rocky summit itself also offers unique photographic opportunities. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the hike is demanding, the incredible summit view can be a great motivator for kids. Be extra vigilant about wildlife, particularly copperheads at the summit, and keep a close eye on children. Consider the direct hike only if your family is experienced and prepared for a strenuous climb.
🚴♀️ Mountain Bikers
Be aware that the downhill section on the Wagon Road is notoriously rocky and may require advanced biking skills or the decision to hike your bike. Experienced riders will find the varied terrain challenging and rewarding, with the summit view serving as a fantastic turnaround point or rest stop.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails
Be prepared for a rocky terrain, especially on the descent via the Wagon Road. This section is noted as being extremely rocky, potentially requiring hikers and bikers to dismount and walk their bikes. The summit area itself is also very rocky, adding to the adventurous feel of the hike.
Wildlife sightings are possible; deer and even a small black bear have been reported on the trails. However, a significant safety note from visitors is the presence of copperheads at the summit, so vigilance is advised.
The Spectacular Summit View
While the views are a major highlight, they can be weather-dependent. On snowy or cloudy days, the views may be obscured. However, even in less-than-ideal conditions, the short, steep hike itself is often enjoyed. For the best photographic opportunities and clearest vistas, visiting during clear mornings is recommended.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit