The Pulpit Rock Trail

Over the weekend, I took a nice hike on the Pulpit Rock Trail in Hamburg. The trail is easily accessible and easy to find.

To find it, instead of parking at the Kernsville Dam monument, where you would park to jump on the Bartram Trail or the Therman Madeira Switchback Trail, just keep driving past the parking lot towards the falls of the Kernsville Dam.

Keep going past the falls and the road will eventually end. At one time, you could drive all the way back to the area known as "The Rock" in Hamburg. This trail ends when you come upon the large rock summit that overlooks the Schuylkill River below.

While many continue to jump off the rock for recreation, this isn't recommended as a few people have died over the years after jumping off the summit into the river.

Litter continues to be a problem along this trail. One area especially stands out which is a flat area many use for camping and fishing, especially night fishing. Luckily, volunteers clean up the area about twice a year.

The trail itself is flat and easy to navigate until you get near the rock summit which goes up hill slightly. I took some pictures while there for everyone to see.

Looking at the dam area before entering the actual trail.

An area of the dam before entering the trail. This is the area where you can park. Boats can also be loaded here.

Entering the Rock Pulpit Trail in Hamburg

I think this is a bathroom but wasn't really interested in checking it out. Notice the graffiti all over it.

The camping fishing area. A lot of garbage, but at least its in a pile. Perhaps, there was a recent cleanup.

Another section of the camping fishing area. A bench can be seen to the left.

A totem pole and rope for swinging on and jumping into the water.

The totem pole sends a social message of, "Family & Friends Use Condoms Peace & Love".

Someone's missing their rug.

Somewhat near the end of the level section of the trail.

Looking below to the Schuylkill River.

The small hilly area that leads to the summit area of rock known as The Rock.

Almost there.

A little closer. The bridge in the distance is actually Route 61.

Across the river is the beach area. People oftern park on Port Clinton Ave. and use the path to reach "The Beach". Thieves often target unlocked cars parked on Port Clinton Avenue.

Litter. So bad!!!

Right below the rock. Here is a nice view.

Here it is! The Rock. It is off here many people have jumped below. Not recommended. Some have died due to head injuries.

A good view of Route 61 from The Rock.

Someone forgot their towel.

The path along side the rock where you go down below to the river.

Therman Madeira Switchback Trail Hamburg

Yesterday, I took a hike on the Therman Madeira Switchback Trail in Hamburg, PA. This trail is one mile long and starts directly in front of the parking lot for the Kernsville Dam - Bartram Trail Parking Lot.

While there are many curves in the trail, the trail is flat and easy to navigate. The trail meanders to the Schuylkill River and travels along it for the most part until it ends at Old 22 in Hamburg. Right before you reach the end you can cross a real nice wooden bridge that goes over a creek.

Look below and you will see fish swimming. Here is where the trail also connects to the section of the Bartram Trail that runs through Hamburg and ends currently near the Dollar General store.

Most of the Therman Madeira Switchback Trail is through a wooded area with a lot of shade.This day was great with a constant breeze going the whole time. At one point the trail goes underneath Interstate 78.

A look off to the left of the Therman Madeira Switchback Trail coming from the parking lot area.

A marshy area with a pond to the left of the Therman Madeira Switchback Trail heading into the wooded area.

A section of the trail that runs under Interstate 78 in Hamburg, PA

A pic of the overhead bridge which is Interstate 78 on the Therman Madeira Switchback Trail in Hamburg

The Trail Is Very Busy This Time of Year

The Bartram Trail continues to be a success to those looking to enjoy the outdoors. The number of people using the trail are higher on weekends with many walking and running, along with dog walkers and kayak and canoe users.

People continue to use the Auburn Trailhead off of Rt. 895 to launch kayaks and canoes. The majority of user going down the Schuylkill River and stopping in Port Clinton or Hamburg.

Runners and hikers continue to be the majority of users from Hamburg to Auburn, the small section outside Auburn, and the Landingville section. Dog walkers are often seen too.

A new small section of trail is completed that runs from the parking lot at the Kernsville Dam into Hamburg. This section is about 1 mile long. You can follow this into town and south where it currently ends around where the parking lot for the Dollar General is located.

Happy Trails!

Squirrel at the Bird Feeder

Squirrel caught me taking his picture. So he decides to take a break.

Here is our friendly squirrel eating the bird seed outside the house. He is quite talented and loves to hang upside down to eat the sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds are his favorite. He has no problem though with eating regular birdseed too.

I caught in on camera in the following pictures.

He knows I'm there, so squirrel hides and stays still until I walk away.

Squirrel is at the buffet.

"Audubon Wrap Around Black Squirrel Baffle"

Squirrel chows down on his favorite, sunflower seeds. Yum!

State Game Lands Road 110 Open Again

The road that leads to the State Game Lands 110 parking lot from Bear Creek Road, near Auburn, is open once again. The sign by the gate states it will be open until mid-May.

No reason is given and hopefully the State Game Commission will extend the opening. The road runs down to the parking lot where the Stony Creek Trail Head is located on the Bartram Trail. This is about 4.4 miles from the Hamburg Trail Head. Update! The sign now says that the road will be open until May 31st. I will update this again if they extend the opening of the road.

Photos of the Bartram Trail

Here are some photos of the Bartram Trail from the Hamburg section.

This section starts near the Kernsville Dam. A new 1 mile section has been added that goes directly into Hamburg, PA. I will get some photos of that in the near future.