AMBLEWAY Wildest hikes

Upper Switchback Viewpoint–Mauch Chunk Lake, 5 sights

13.1 mi · ▲ 1,337 ft · 5 hr 2 min

Upper Switchback Viewpoint–Mauch Chunk Lake, 5 sights is a 13.1-mile out-and-back near Hacklebernie, PA. The route passes Mauch Chunk Lake and Upper Switchback Viewpoint. It climbs 1,337 ft, with sections as steep as 25% grade. It scores 45/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: green fringe.

Elevation

0 mi869 – 1,499 ft · steepest grade: 25%13.4 mi

Getting there

Trailhead: Switchback Trail 40.85275, -75.77156
Nearest town Hacklebernie, PA
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Directions

AMBLEWAYwww.ambleway.com

Upper Switchback Viewpoint–Mauch Chunk Lake, 5 sights

13.1 mi · ▲ 1,337 ft · 5 hr 2 min

Elevation 871–1,499 ft

Out & Back

Trailhead: Switchback Trail · 40.85275, -75.77156

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

Parking lot at the trailhead

  1. Start on Switchback Trail, heading SW.
  2. 1.4 miPass Mauch Chunk Lake.
  3. 0.8 miTurn right, heading NW.
  4. 350 ftTurn right onto Upper Switchback, heading NW.
  5. 2.2 miBear left, heading NE.
  6. 0.1 miTurn right, heading NW.
  7. 1.3 miPass Upper Switchback Viewpoint.
  8. 350 ftBear right onto The Wagon Road, heading NE.
  9. 0.5 miReach Upper Switchback Viewpoint, then turn around and head back the way you came.
  10. 0.5 miBear left onto Upper Switchback, heading NE.
  11. 0.6 miBear right, heading W.
  12. 0.8 miTurn left, heading S.
  13. 2.3 miTurn left, heading SW.
  14. 350 ftTurn left onto Switchback Trail, heading SW.
  15. 2.2 miArrive back at the trailhead.

Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.

Trail map, photos and weather for this hike: www.ambleway.com/hikes/upper-switchback-viewpoint-the-wagon-road-out-back-3-sights-22-km

Trail surface

8% dirt92% unspecified

Weather

Sunrise 6:35 AMSunset 7:31 PM

Sunset

The best sunset spot on this hike is 4.4 mi in (~119 min). Leave by 5:12 PM for the 7:31 PM sunset. Back at your car by 9:34 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp. Car visible from the viewpoint

More sunset hikes nearby

Good to know

  • Parking lot at the trailhead

More from Switchback Trail Trailhead

Hikes near Hacklebernie, Pennsylvania