Bethlehem Authority Wild Creek

Penn Forest Reservoir

12.7 mi · ▲ 1,146 ft · 4 hr 48 min

Penn Forest Reservoir is a 12.7-mile out-and-back in Bethlehem Authority Wild Creek near Dotters Corners, PA. The route reaches Penn Forest Reservoir. It climbs 1,146 ft, with sections as steep as 21% grade. It scores 71/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: backcountry feel.

Elevation

0 mi1,004 – 1,726 ft · steepest grade: 21%12.8 mi

Getting there

Trailhead: Unnamed 40.92927, -75.53387
Nearest town Dotters Corners, PA

Directions

AMBLEWAYwww.ambleway.com

Penn Forest Reservoir

12.7 mi · ▲ 1,146 ft · 4 hr 48 min

Elevation 1,002–1,726 ft

Out & Back · Bethlehem Authority Wild Creek

Trailhead: 40.92927, -75.53387

Weather Sep 5: sunrise 6:34 AM · sunset 7:30 PM

  1. Start at the trailhead, heading NW.
  2. 1.3 miPass Penn Forest Reservoir.
  3. 50 ftTurn left, heading NW.
  4. 500 ftSharp right, heading N.
  5. 0.1 miSharp left, heading W.
  6. 0.3 miBear left, heading NW.
  7. 1 miTurn left, heading NW.
  8. 0.5 miTurn right, heading N.
  9. 1 miTurn left, heading W.
  10. 2 miReach Penn Forest Reservoir, then turn around and head back the way you came.
  11. 2 miTurn right, heading N.
  12. 1 miTurn left, heading S.
  13. 0.5 miTurn right, heading NE.
  14. 1 miBear right, heading SE.
  15. 0.3 miSharp right, heading SE.
  16. 0.1 miSharp left, heading S.
  17. 500 ftTurn right, heading SE.
  18. 1.3 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 6:34 AMSunset 7:30 PM

Sunset

The best sunset spot on this hike is 4.2 mi in (~126 min). Leave by 5:04 PM for the 7:30 PM sunset. Back at your car by 9:32 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

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