Upper Switchback
5.8 mi · ▲ 447 ft · 2 hr 9 min
Upper Switchback is a 5.8-mile out-and-back near Nesquehoning, PA. It climbs 447 ft. It scores 51/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: backcountry feel.
Elevation
0 mi1,089 – 1,486 ft5.8 mi
Getting there
Trailhead: Switchback Trail 40.84202, -75.81035
Nearest town Nesquehoning, PA
Directions
AMBLEWAYwww.ambleway.com
Upper Switchback
5.8 mi · ▲ 447 ft · 2 hr 9 min
Elevation 1,089–1,488 ft
Out & Back
Trailhead: Switchback Trail · 40.84202, -75.81035
Weather Sep 5: sunrise 6:35 AM · sunset 7:31 PM
Toilets at the trailhead · Parking lot at the trailhead
- Start at the trailhead, 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 NW.
- 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 SW.
- 0.4 miTurn left, heading SW.
- 2.3 miTurn left, heading SW.
- 250 ftArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Weather
Sunrise 6:35 AMSunset 7:31 PM
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 2.2 mi in (~61 min). Leave by 6:10 PM for the 7:31 PM sunset. Back at your car by 8:40 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.
Good to know
- Toilets at the trailhead
- Parking lot at the trailhead
More from Switchback Trail Trailhead
- Mauch Chunk Lake via Switchback Trail 2.4 mi · ▲ 84 ft
- Cabin Ridge Viewpoint–Cabin Ridge, 3 sights 3.3 mi · ▲ 454 ft
- Switchback Trail 4.9 mi · ▲ 112 ft
- Cabin Ridge–Deadly Deposit Loop, 3 sights 7.4 mi · ▲ 764 ft
- Upper Switchback Viewpoint–Pisgah Vista, 3 viewpoints 7.7 mi · ▲ 650 ft
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Hikes near Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania