At 1635-feet, The Pinnacle is the highest point in Berks County. A 3.0-mile strenuous hike on the Appalachian Trail leads to the summit with views reaching out to the surrounding valleys. This unique overlook has a wide expanse of rock outcropping, and provides one of the most spectacular vistas from the A.T. in Pennsylvania. Due to the drastic fold in the Kittatinny Ridge at this point, you can look northeast and get a spectacular view of the Ridge on a clear day.

Wind Factor:
Hawk viewing is excellent with winds out of the south or east.

Directions:
From I-78, take exit 35/Lenhartsville. Follow Route 143 north 4 miles to the gas station on the right. Turn left onto Hawk Mountain Road. Proceed 5 miles and turn left onto the second road marked Pine Swamp Road. Drive 0.6 miles and turn right onto a dirt road leading to a game lands parking lot. Park and follow signs for the white-blazed Appalachian Trail south. The Pinnacle is a 3.0-mile strenuous hike (6.0 miles round-trip) -- wear proper footwear and bring water.

Alternate Route:
From I-78, take exit 30/Hamburg. Turn left onto Fourth Street. Drive 0.5 miles and turn left onto State Street. State Street becomes Old Route 22. After 1.5 miles on State Street, turn left (north) onto Reservoir Road. Continue and park at the gate to Hamburg Reservoir. Walk the gated road a short distance to the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) and follow the A.T. northeast. It is about a 2-mile hike to the first vista known as Pulpit Rock (hawk viewing with winds from the south). Hike 2 miles beyond Pulpit Rock along the A.T. to The Pinnacle.

Caution: Hunting is not permitted along the Appalachian Trail. However, this site borders Pennsylvania State Game Lands 217 and is used by hunters in the fall and spring. (Peak hunting seasons are October-December all day, and May from sunrise to noon.) During this time, wear 250 square inches of blaze orange on the chest, head, and back.

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