Nov. 8 West Chester University's Annual Hike of the Appalachian Trail

Join members of the West Chester University community for an exciting day hiking the most famous hiking trail in North America! We will be hiking to Pulpit Rock and the Pinnacle, located on the Appalachian Trail near Hamburg, PA.

We want to encourage your involvement in the outdoors and want to provide a unique opportunity to sample a section of the famous Appalachian Trail which runs over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine. This is not a course mandated trip but rather a trip with staff members hiking and sharing this experience with you and your friends. Starting at the Hamburg Reservoir, the hike ascends, via the Appalachian Trail, to Pulpit Rock.

The hike will share a range of learning experiences. Birds of prey use these ridges for their fall migration. Hikers gain a sense for the impressive geology and wonders of the woods. The view from the Pinnacle is amazing! The return trail descends into a beautiful forest of hemlock, mountain laurel, and rhododendron with a tiny stream which contains small trout. This section is beautiful and well worth the effort.

This is a rewarding hike which requires reasonable fitness. A suggested equipment list is on the back. Students who like a physical challenge may enjoy this adventure. There is no technical climbing and the trail is easy to follow. Directions are on the back of this flyer. Drive time from West Chester to the Hamburg Reservoir is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Staff members will be at the parking area at 10:30 a.m. to help get your group started with the hike.

We will assist with car pooling. It is important to arrive at the Hamburg parking area as close to 10:30 a.m. as possible. This will allow us to help you in getting started on the hike.In the event your group chooses to start at a latertime, a map of the hike can be viewed in an outdoor case located in the parking area. Our group will be up on the mountain after the initial check in period at 10:30 a.m. We are strong advocates for environmental awareness and wellness. These seasonal hikes will be coordinated to help you to enjoy and experience the many benefits of the outdoors. The important environmental decisions of the future will be made by our students of today. Helping students to gain first hand experience is essential and fundamental to building a deeper understanding. We look forward to a great day of wellness, discovery, and friendship. Please contact Sandy Maxwell, at WCU (610-256-7462) for more information.

The attachment below includes a map of the trail.