Pulpit Rock Letterbox Clues
Overview: Located near Route 78 in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Pulpit Rock is an overlook near the town of Hamburg, PA. The Pulpit Rock overlook is 1,582 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 from the parking lot to the top of Pulpit Rock) which should be no problem for folks who are reasonably fit. The entire round trip hike to top and back is about 5 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: (See trail map above) From the Hamburg Reservoir parking lot, walk around the metal gate that blocks vehicle access to the gravel access road. Please take a look at the map board as you pass and read the regulations and any current notices or restrictions.
Follow the blue blazes (paint marks on trees) up the gravel access road for about a half mile to the intersection with the Appalachian Trail (AT). Follow the white paint blazes of the Appalachian Trail to the right and immediately cross a small bridge over Furnace Run creek. After crossing the creek, follow the AT to the right and continue following the white blazes of the AT all the way to the top of Pulpit Rock. Be careful not to loose the trail by keeping an eye on the white rectangular AT paint blazes that mark it.
The trail will switchback to the left and begin to climb more steeply as you near the base of Pulpit Rock. As you round the base of Pulpit Rock, keep alert for the white blazes as the AT makes a sharp right turn up the rocks to the top of Pulpit Rock. Scramble up the rocks (still following the white AT blazes) to reach the summit. You'll know you're there when you see a magnificent view to the east, and a sign on a tree that says, "Pulpit Rock 1582 ft elev".
Enjoy the view before putting your back to the tree that bears the aforementioned sign. Walking 35 paces down the path on a bearing of about 250 degrees will bring you to two trees that grow across from each other close to the sides of the path. From these trail-hugging trees, walk 16 paces (the term walking is used loosely) on a North bearing. What you seek is hidden between some rocks.
Once you have found the object of your search, you can backtrack on the AT (follow the white paint blazes) to the access road near the reservoir and back to the parking lot. Or you may make it a circuit hike by jumping onto the access road on the western side of the astronomical park (you DID notice the telescope buildings, didn't you?) following that back to the parking lot.
If you're up for it, you can also consider extending this hike and try to find The Pinnacle Letterbox.
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.