Mauch Chunk Lake & Lung Buster via Switchback Trail

3.9 mi · ▲ 408 ft · 1 hr 30 min

Mauch Chunk Lake & Lung Buster via Switchback Trail is a 3.9-mile out-and-back near Nesquehoning, PA. The route reaches Mauch Chunk Lake. It climbs 408 ft, with sections as steep as 27% grade. It scores 43/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: green fringe.

Elevation

0 mi1,011 – 1,431 ft · steepest grade: 27%4.0 mi

Getting there

Trailhead: Unnamed 40.84365, -75.80236
Nearest town Nesquehoning, PA

Directions

AMBLEWAYwww.ambleway.com

Mauch Chunk Lake & Lung Buster via Switchback Trail

3.9 mi · ▲ 408 ft · 1 hr 30 min

Elevation 1,010–1,431 ft

Out & Back

Trailhead: 40.84365, -75.80236

Weather Sep 6: sunrise 6:36 AM · sunset 7:29 PM

Toilets at the trailhead · Parking lot at the trailhead

  1. Start at the trailhead, heading NE.
  2. 50 ftPass Mauch Chunk Lake.
  3. 0.2 miTurn left onto Switchback Trail, heading W.
  4. 1.3 miContinue straight onto Lung Buster, heading SW.
  5. 0.4 miReach Mauch Chunk Lake, then turn around and head back the way you came.
  6. 0.4 miContinue straight onto Switchback Trail, heading NE.
  7. 1.3 miTurn right, heading SE.
  8. 0.2 miArrive back at the trailhead.

Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.

Weather

Sunrise 6:36 AMSunset 7:29 PM

Sunset

The best sunset spot on this hike is 1.9 mi in (~57 min). Leave by 6:12 PM for the 7:29 PM sunset. Back at your car by 8:30 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

More sunset hikes nearby

Good to know

  • Toilets at the trailhead
  • Parking lot at the trailhead

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