The easily accessible Pinnacle Overlook offers one of the lower Susquehanna’s most scenic views. And it has the shortest route to the famed Tucquan Glen.
The Pinnacle Overlook in Lancaster County, PA is a promontory offering one of the best views of the lower Susquehanna River. The easily accessible observation deck, cliffside picnic area, and location along the Conestoga Trail make it a popular outdoor destination. In a previous adventure, we showed you how to access Tucquan Glen from the Clark Nature Preserve, since parking at the glen is closed indefinitely. In this adventure, we’ll show you how to access Tucquan Glen from the Pinnacle Overlook.
We began our adventure at the spacious parking area at 39.84555, -76.34232. The Pinnacle Overlook’s large observation platform is visible from the parking lot. Here the Susquehanna River flows through a deep, wide gorge on its way to the Chesapeake Bay. What an amazing view! Duncan Island adds an aesthetic splash of color in the river. The smaller Reed Island lies submerged in high water during our visit in early spring. The high winds during our trip are evident from the waves in the photo below.
After enjoying the superb view, we headed north (upstream) on the orange blazed Conestoga Trail. There is another vista from a rock outcropping just a few minutes’ walk past the picnic area. The view is as good, if not better than at the observation platform. The rock ledge jutting out of the cliff adds a thrill to the experience.
We call this promontory the Lower Pinnacle Overlook. It is at 39.84690, -76.34483.
Note: the rocks are smooth and slippery when wet. Only enjoy this outcropping when it is completely dry.
From the Lower Pinnacle Overlook we followed the Conestoga Trail to the steepest part of the hike. Even in dry weather, the leaves on the smooth schist rock can be slippery. Be careful. Along the way, we enjoyed the rock outcroppings and boulders characteristic of this area.
The trail undulated between rocks and small tributaries descending the gorge. There was little flatness to the trail. Along the way, we enjoyed the abundant spring wildflowers for which this region is known.
The trail crested one more time then snaked over and through the boulders as it descended to Tucquan Glen.
The slope to Tucquan Glen is steepest part of the hike after the initial descent from the overlook. As you can see from the photo below, portions are rocky!
After taking in the rhododendron accented cliffs and cascades of Tucquan Glen, we returned the way we came back to the trailhead.
The Pinnacle Overlook is located on the Conestoga Trail between Kelly’s Run and Tucquan Glen.
Overall, the out-and-back was a total of 1.2 miles.
Parking is at 39.84555, -76.34232.
There is a picnic area and latrines at the trailhead, but no water.
The Pinnacle Overlook is a great excursion for families, casual adventurers, and adventurers with limited mobility. The Conestoga trail to Tucquan Glen, however, undulates with the terrain. It is steep and rocky in spots, and is good for those wanting a vigorous workout.
Because the Tucquan Glen parking lots are closed indefinitely, you can access the glen from Clark Nature Preserve to the north or the Pinnacle Overlook to the south. The Clark Nature Preserve route is longer (about 2.5 miles each way depending on how you go) but easer. Whereas the Pinnacle Overlook route is shorter (0.6 miles each way) but more difficult.
While you’re in the area, visit these nearby outdoor adventure destinations.
Be sure to check out our other adventures.
