The 501 Lookout is one of the great views from the Appalachian Trail. While it views Berks PA and Lebanon PA, we count it as a Schuylkill County Tourism site since it is right on the southern border of Schuylkill County.
Just a few miles south of Pine Grove, the 501 lookout is a great mountain view of Pennsylvania. It can easily be accessed and enjoyed with friends, family, or that special someone. I would take my girlfriend (now wife) there on our rides home from visiting Lititz, now we stop by after grocery shopping at Hornings. To any Appalachian trail hikers reading this, Hornings is a grocery store has super affordable food!
Frequently Asked Questions About The 501 Lookout
Below are a few common questions about the 501 Lookout.
How Do I Get To The 501 Lookout?
From the South: Take the Bethel exit off of 78 and head north on 501. When you crest the mountain you will see a parking lot to your right. Park there and cross the road. You will find a trail almost directly across from the Appalachian trail sign.
From the North: Turning off of 895 just as you are getting close to Pine Grove, you will turn onto 501 South. Follow this until you reach the top of the mountain and park in the parking lot to your left. To your right will be the access trail.
The outlook over the two Pennsylvania counties is only about a 5-minute walk from 501. It is relatively easy with only a slight decline.
Quick Tip: The image above is the view of the trail entry from the road. Typically there is a lot of mud between the road and the start of the trail. Try to circumvent that muddy patch. If you visit late at night be extra cautious of the large stones. These stones are perfect for hitting your shins on and tripping.
When Can I Go To The 501 Lookout?
This is a little bit tricky. While there are no definitive hours, you may get in trouble for being there at night time. Unless of course, you are a thru-hiker. I have not personally seen a police officer in the area, but you can assume if you are under the age of 18 they will try to enforce either Pine Grove’s curfew or Bethel’s curfew.
What Can I Do At The 501 Lookout?
This is actually asked a lot. There are some fun creative things you can do, but the primary thing you and most people do is sit and relax while looking at the view. If you do visit the 501 Lookout, please take your trash and do not spray paint the rocks. Go spraypaint something in your backyard and keep the public area beautiful.
Fun things you can do at the 501 Lookout are enjoying the view and explore the woods. If you follow the path further down there is also a small field-like section in the woods. A lot of people will smoke cigars at the 501 Lookout and bask in the sun. Just be sure to take your trash with you.
Appalachian Trail Information: Erosion Management
On the 501 lookout trail, you will see what looks like steps or a small wall built along the path. These small walls are called retaining walls and they serve a very specific purpose. The very structure and design of the Appalachian trail is to not interfere with the nature around while also continuing to exist with as little maintenance as possible.
In the image to your right, you can see one of these retaining walls. On the top left of the image, you will see the dirt is finer and almost looks like soft clay. This is where the water settles or runs off to when it rains. This is designed to direct water away from the trail so it does not erode as quickly.
Learn more about trail making and stopping erosion on the Appalachian Trail.
Visit The 501 Lookout Today!
Is it nice out today? Then it is the perfect time to visit the 501 Lookout! Enjoy the view and be sure to check back with SchuylkillPA for other great things to do in Schuylkill County and amazing views in Pennsylvania.
