Schuylkill Hub Search

Hiking · Straddles the county line

Appalachian Trail — Port Clinton

Type
Long-distance trail (in-county section)
Where
Broad Street near SR 61, Port Clinton, PA
Managed by
Appalachian Trail Conservancy / NPS; locally the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club; trailhead via Schuylkill River Greenways
Coordinates
40.57915, -76.02817 · Open in Maps
Schuylkill River Greenways official Port Clinton trailhead page (parking, AT access, and water-trail landing).
Last verified
2026-06-18

The Appalachian Trail crosses Schuylkill County at Port Clinton, a borough on the Schuylkill River that is a long-standing thru-hiker town stop. From town, a steep stair-and-rock side trail climbs west onto the Kittatinny (Blue Mountain) ridge and its overlooks; the footpath itself crosses into Berks County along the ridge.

Hiking

This is a difficult, steep, rocky ascent — not an easy stroll. From SR 61, go west on Broad Street, cross the railroad tracks, and pick up the side trail to the AT. A free lot sits at the rail yard, and thru-hikers can camp at the St. John’s Church pavilion.

Port Clinton is also a launch on the Schuylkill River Water Trail, so the town works as a combined hike-and-paddle base.

Access & parking

Getting there
From SR 61, go west on Broad Street and cross the railroad tracks; a side trail climbs west to the AT via steep rock stairs. There are two access points in Port Clinton.
Parking
Free lot at the rail yard; thru-hiker camping at St. John's Church pavilion.
Accessibility
No — the ascent is a steep rock-stair climb.

Sources

← Outdoor Life