Upper Switchback Viewpoint–Pisgah Vista, 3 viewpoints

7.7 mi · ▲ 650 ft · 2 hr 54 min

Upper Switchback Viewpoint–Pisgah Vista, 3 viewpoints is a 7.7-mile out-and-back near Nesquehoning, PA. The route passes Upper Switchback Viewpoint before reaching Pisgah Vista at the turnaround, 3.8 miles in. It climbs 650 ft. It scores 45/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: green fringe.

Elevation

0 mi1,089 – 1,499 ft7.9 mi

Getting there

Trailhead: Switchback Trail 40.84202, -75.81035
Nearest town Nesquehoning, PA

Directions

AMBLEWAYwww.ambleway.com

Upper Switchback Viewpoint–Pisgah Vista, 3 viewpoints

7.7 mi · ▲ 650 ft · 2 hr 54 min

Elevation 1,089–1,499 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

  1. Start at the trailhead, heading NW.
  2. 350 ftTurn right onto Upper Switchback, heading NE.
  3. 2.2 miBear left, heading NE.
  4. 0.1 miTurn right, heading NE.
  5. 1.4 miBear right, heading E.
  6. 150 ftPass Pisgah Vista.
  7. 250 ftReach Upper Switchback Viewpoint, then turn around and head back the way you came.
  8. 400 ftBear left, heading W.
  9. 0.6 miBear right, heading W.
  10. 0.8 miTurn left, heading SW.
  11. 2.3 miTurn left, heading SW.
  12. 100 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 (~60 min). Leave by 6:11 PM for the 7:31 PM sunset. Back at your car by 8:39 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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