Green Point to Kimmel Lookout: Fern Forests, Rocky Trails, and Incredible Appalachian Trail Views
The Green Point to Kimmel Lookout section of the Appalachian Trail is one of my favorite hikes in Pennsylvania! If you’re looking for a challenging Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail hike with rocky sections, endless ferns, scenic overlooks, and beautiful forest views, the Green Point Trailhead to Route 501 section deserves a spot on your hiking list.
🌞 Always Sunny in PA Quick Hike Stats
🏔️ Trail: Appalachian Trail
📍 Route: Green Point Trailhead to Route 501 (Kimmel Lookout Area)
🗺️ Location: Lebanon & Berks Counties, Pennsylvania
📏 Distance: 12.9 miles point-to-point
🥾 Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
🐕 Dog Friendly: Not recommended due to extensive rocky terrain
🚗 Parking: One vehicle at Route 501 and one at Green Point Trailhead
⏱️ Time Needed: Full-day hike
⭐ Best Features: Kimmel Lookout, Waterville Bridge, endless fern forests, scenic overlooks, and classic rocky Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail terrain
❤️ Would I Hike It Again? Absolutely
Parking and Shuttle Logistics
This hike works best as a shuttle hike. We parked one vehicle at Route 501 and then drove a second vehicle to the Green Point Trailhead to begin the hike.
Starting at Green Point and hiking south toward Route 501 allowed us to enjoy a full day on the Appalachian Trail without needing to turn around and retrace our steps. If you only have one vehicle, you’ll need to arrange a shuttle or plan for a very long out-and-back hike.
For anyone who enjoys section hiking the Appalachian Trail, this is an excellent way to experience nearly 13 miles of Pennsylvania’s famous AT terrain in a single day. We used the AllTrails route map to help plan this shuttle hike.
Crossing Swatara Creek and Entering the AT
One of my favorite parts of this hike comes near the beginning as the Appalachian Trail crosses Swatara Creek on the historic Waterville Bridge within Swatara State Park.
At first glance, it simply looks like a beautiful old bridge crossing the creek. But the bridge has quite a story. Originally built in 1890 over Little Pine Creek in Lycoming County, the cast iron bridge was later dismantled and relocated to its current home in Swatara State Park. Today, it serves as an important crossing for Appalachian Trail hikers and visitors exploring the park.
The bridge provides a unique start to the adventure and offers a completely different feel than most Pennsylvania trailheads.
Don’t let the bridge fool you, though. Shortly after crossing Swatara Creek, the trail begins climbing uphill and continues gaining elevation for quite a while. I remember this section being a serious leg workout and a good reminder that Pennsylvania’s Appalachian Trail doesn’t always ease you into the day.
The climb is well worth the effort. As the miles pass, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful woodland scenery, rocky Appalachian Trail terrain, and some memorable overlooks.
Fern Forests and Beautiful Woodland Trails
One of the things I remember most about this hike was the endless sea of ferns covering the forest floor.
There were stretches where it felt like the trail was winding through a green carpet that extended in every direction. Combined with the tall hardwood trees and peaceful woodland setting, it created some of my favorite scenery of the entire day.
This section reminded me why I love hiking in Pennsylvania. Sometimes the most memorable moments aren’t the overlooks or landmarks—they’re the quiet stretches of trail where you can simply enjoy being surrounded by nature.
Following the White Blazes
One of my favorite things about hiking the Appalachian Trail is following the iconic white blazes that guide hikers from Georgia all the way to Maine.
Throughout this hike, the trail was well marked and easy to follow. Even after hiking several sections of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania, I still get excited every time I spot a fresh white blaze painted on a tree.
There’s something special about knowing you’re walking on the same trail used by day hikers, section hikers, and thru-hikers from all over the world. It serves as a reminder that this stretch of Pennsylvania trail is part of something much bigger.
We also stopped for a quick photo beneath one of the Appalachian Trail signs along the route. While these signs might not seem like a big deal to non-hikers, they always make me smile.
After all, there aren’t many trails where a simple sign represents more than 2,000 miles of hiking history.
Rocksylvania: What to Expect on This Hike
If you’ve spent any time hiking in Pennsylvania, you’ve probably heard the nickname “Rocksylvania.”
This hike is a perfect example of why.
While there are plenty of beautiful forest sections and scenic overlooks, there are also long stretches where you’ll be carefully watching your footing as you navigate rocky terrain. The rocks aren’t just occasional obstacles—they’re a constant part of the experience.
I found this section of the Appalachian Trail to be moderately challenging, not because of steep climbs, but because of the endless rocks underfoot. Good hiking shoes are essential, and trekking poles would be helpful for many hikers.
This is also one of the reasons I wouldn’t personally recommend this hike for most dogs. While some trail dogs may handle it just fine, the rocky terrain could be tough on sensitive paws over nearly 13 miles.
A Quick Note About Snakes 🐍
One thing that always crosses my mind while hiking this section of the Appalachian Trail is snakes.
Although we didn’t see any during our hike, this area is known habitat for both timber rattlesnakes and copperheads. I’ll admit it—I spend a little more time scanning the rocks than I probably should. The thought of accidentally encountering a rattlesnake definitely keeps me paying attention!
As with any Pennsylvania hike, staying aware of your surroundings and giving wildlife plenty of space is the best approach.
Scenic Overlooks Along the Trail
After miles of climbing, rocky footing, and forested trail, the overlooks along this section of the Appalachian Trail feel well-earned.
Several viewpoints offer sweeping views of the Pennsylvania countryside, providing the perfect excuse to stop, catch your breath, and take in the scenery.
One of my favorite things about Appalachian Trail hiking is that the views often appear when you least expect them. After spending hours surrounded by trees, the trail suddenly opens up to reveal rolling ridges, farmland, and miles of Pennsylvania landscape stretching into the distance.
These overlooks were easily some of the highlights of the hike and made every rocky mile worthwhile.
I always think photos like this tell the story better than any trail description can.
There’s something special about standing on an overlook after a long day of hiking and simply appreciating how far you’ve come. Moments like these are why I keep returning to the Appalachian Trail year after year.
Kimmel Lookout: The Best View of the Day
For me, Kimmel Lookout was the highlight of the entire hike.
Growing up in Lebanon County, there’s something special about looking out across the Lebanon Valley from high above. The rolling farmland, wooded ridges, and patchwork of fields reminded me why I love this area so much.
After nearly 13 miles of hiking, the view felt like a reward. We spent a few extra minutes here simply taking it all in before continuing toward Route 501.
If you’re only going to remember one overlook from this hike, Kimmel Lookout is probably the one.
Final Thoughts
The Green Point to Kimmel Lookout section of the Appalachian Trail offers a little bit of everything that makes Pennsylvania hiking memorable.
You’ll find rocky trail sections, peaceful fern-covered forests, iconic Appalachian Trail landmarks, scenic overlooks, and one of the best views of the Lebanon Valley at Kimmel Lookout.
While the distance and terrain make this a challenging day hike, the variety of scenery keeps it interesting from start to finish.
Would I hike it again? Absolutely.
If you’re looking for another scenic Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail hike, check out my guide to Peters Mountain and Clarks Ferry
