Upper Switchback
6.3 mi · ▲ 475 ft · 2 hr 20 min
Upper Switchback is a 6.3-mile out-and-back near Nesquehoning, PA. It climbs 475 ft, with sections as steep as 18% grade. It scores 49/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: green fringe.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
Upper Switchback
6.3 mi · ▲ 475 ft · 2 hr 20 min
Elevation 1,061–1,488 ft
Out & Back
Trailhead: Switchback Trail · 40.84381, -75.80579
Weather Sep 5: sunrise 6:35 AM · sunset 7:31 PM
Toilets at the trailhead · Parking lot at the trailhead
- Start on Switchback Trail, heading W.
- 0.3 miTurn right, heading NW.
- 350 ftTurn right onto Upper Switchback, heading NE.
- 2.2 miBear left, heading NE.
- 0.1 miTurn right, heading NE.
- 0.4 miTurn left, heading N.
- 500 ftSharp right, heading N.
- 50 ftReach the turnaround, then head back the way you came.
- 50 ftSharp left, heading E.
- 500 ftTurn right, heading SE.
- 0.4 miTurn left, heading SW.
- 2.3 miTurn left, heading SW.
- 350 ftTurn left onto Switchback Trail, heading SE.
- 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
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 2.5 mi in (~67 min). Leave by 6:04 PM for the 7:31 PM sunset. Back at your car by 8:46 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.
Good to know
- Toilets at the trailhead
- Parking lot at the trailhead
More from Switchback Trail Trailhead
- Upper Switchback 1.9 mi · ▲ 108 ft
- Lung Buster & Summit Hill Singletrack via Switchback Trail 3.3 mi · ▲ 388 ft
- Cabin Ridge & UTV Trails via Upper Switchback 4.3 mi · ▲ 474 ft
- Switchback Trail 5.2 mi · ▲ 245 ft
- Lung Buster–Summit Hill Singletrack, 3 sights 8.2 mi · ▲ 673 ft
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Hikes near Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania