Pinnacle Letterbox Clues
click on the stamp to see an antique postcard
Overview: Called the best view on the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania, and one of the best views in the state, The Pinnacle is a worthwhile hike! The Pinnacle overlook is 1,615 feet above sea level. If you decide to hunt this letterbox, you will find yourself on a section of the historic Appalachian Trail (The "AT") that runs from Georgia to Maine. The AT in Pennsylvania has a reputation as the rockiest section of the trail, so be prepared for rocky terrain and wear sturdy hiking boots. Also, be prepared for a little elevation gain (about 1000' of elevation gain) which should be no problem for folks who are reasonably fit. The entire round trip hike from the parking lot to The Pinnacle and back is about 9 miles. You'll also need a compass to help decipher the clues. This is NOT a very good hike for small children, as there is a bit of "rock scrambling."
Getting There: Take Exit 11 (Lenhartsville) from Route I-78. Turn right (south) at the bottom of the exit ramp towards Lenhartsville. Follow this road for about 1/4 of a mile to a stop sign at a "T" in the road. Turn right and follow this road about 3 miles. Turn right on "Reservoir Road". Follow Reservoir Road for about 1 mile to the Hamburg Reservoir. Park on the left side (you'll see a large sign that says "No Overnight Parking" or some such near the parking area. From there, the hunt is on!
Clues: Refer to the clues for The Pulpit Rock Letterbox. The clues for The Pinnacle letterbox pick up from there, so you might as well find the Pulpit Rock box while you're at it! Once you've gotten to Pulpit Rock...
From the sign on a tree that says, "Pulpit Rock 1582 ft elev", continue following the Appalachian Trail's white blazes for about 2 miles. This trail is also called the "Valley Rim Trail," and offers some great views as you run the ridge. You will eventually come to a junction with the "blue blazed" trail. You'll know you're there when you see the large pile of rocks that people have built into a cairn. The AT continues "north" by turning westward here. For now, follow the blue blazed trail eastward about 100 yards to The Pinnacle overlook itself. Take some time to enjoy the view...you deserve it!
When you're ready to locate the letterbox, follow the blue blazed trail 100 yards back to the junction with the AT. Continue along the AT, but not in the direction that you came. Within a few hundred yards, you will see some trees growing in the "middle" of the AT. Continue walking, keeping an eye out for the tree bearing the "2" diamond marker. From this tree, it's simple...
11 paces on bearing 0, then 20 paces on bearing 300.
Once you have found the object of your search, you can either backtrack on the AT (follow the white paint blazes) all the way back the way you came or make it a circuit hike.
To make this a circuit hike, continue "north" (technically sort of west!) on the AT. After about a mile and 1/4, you will come to a very large grassy clearing that's called "The Heliport." Turn sharply left onto the fire road at The Heliport. Follow this fire road for a couple of miles, past the Hamburg Reservoir. Ignore the road that leads off to the left and continue ahead on the fire road, back to the junction with the Appalachian Trail. Turn right onto the AT, cross the little bridge over the creek, and return to the parking lot.
Notes: Some or all of this hike is on State Game Lands and other hunting areas. If you're going to search for the box during hunting season, it's best to limit your hiking in this area to Sundays. Outside of hunting season, no worries! Wear sturdy hiking boots as this trail is somewhat rocky.
DISCLAIMER: PERSONS USING THIS CLUE OR HUNTING THIS LETTERBOX DO SO AT THEIR OWN RISK. Do not hunt this letterbox without reading and agreeing to the waiver first. Children, do not hunt this letterbox without the supervision of an adult who has read and agreed to the waiver. Possession of this clue does not imply rights of access to particular lands and route choices, or the safety thereof, including the location of the box itself. Always observe current local regulations, signs, property rights, and customs; you are responsible for your actions. Clue not indended to be taken literally or to suggest route choices; route choices (and the choice to proceed at all), are your choice.
NOTE 1: Off-trail walking may be involved. There is very steep and rocky terrain in the area.
NOTE 2: Be wary of snakes and other wildlife when reaching into dark places. All bearings magnetic unless otherwise noted. A pace is a long stride counted on a footfall of either foot, i.e. two paces are counted each time the right foot hits the ground.
NOTE 3: Please replace all letterbox contents and re-hide the thing well were you found it.