Upper Switchback Viewpoint–Pisgah Vista, 4 sights

3.2 mi · ▲ 928 ft · 1 hr 32 min

Upper Switchback Viewpoint–Pisgah Vista, 4 sights is a 3.2-mile out-and-back near Jim Thorpe, PA. The route passes Pisgah Vista and Upper Switchback Viewpoint. It climbs 928 ft, with sections as steep as 33% grade. It scores 23/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: paved and peopled.

Elevation

0 mi751 – 1,513 ft · steepest grade: 33%3.4 mi

Getting there

Trailhead: Pisgah Plane 40.86797, -75.74140
Nearest town Jim Thorpe, PA

Directions

AMBLEWAYwww.ambleway.com

Upper Switchback Viewpoint–Pisgah Vista, 4 sights

3.2 mi · ▲ 928 ft · 1 hr 32 min

Elevation 750–1,512 ft

Out & Back

Trailhead: Pisgah Plane · 40.86797, -75.74140

Weather Sep 5: sunrise 6:35 AM · sunset 7:31 PM

  1. Start on Pisgah Plane, heading N.
  2. 0.4 miBear right, heading NW.
  3. 450 ftBear left, heading W.
  4. 150 ftPass Pisgah Vista.
  5. 250 ftBear left, heading W.
  6. 50 ftContinue straight onto Upper Switchback, heading SW.
  7. 150 ftSharp right, heading SW.
  8. 50 ftPass Upper Switchback Viewpoint.
  9. 0.4 miBear right, heading SW.
  10. 0.2 miBear right, heading SW.
  11. 0.5 miReach Upper Switchback Viewpoint, then turn around and head back the way you came.
  12. 0.5 miBear left, heading E.
  13. 0.2 miBear left, heading E.
  14. 0.4 miBear right, heading E.
  15. 400 ftBear right onto Pisgah Plane, heading E.
  16. 0.4 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 6:35 AMSunset 7:31 PM

Sunset

The best sunset spot on this hike is 1.4 mi in (~60 min). Leave by 6:10 PM for the 7:31 PM sunset. Back at your car by 8:24 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

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