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Witches Hat
4.5 ★★★★★ 237 Google reviews · Running trail in Reading, Pennsylvania · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Witches Hat's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park with scenic views featuring a pavilion and well-marked trails for easy hiking.
What runners say about Witches Hat
“Super easy to get to and great views of the city of Reading PA and The Pagoda only a short distance from it.”
“The trail was well marked wear I started but when I got to the witches hat it got vague.”
“Very peaceful, and beautiful atmosphere”
The GPS took us to a service road that says not to block the gate. We parked there and didn't block the gate obviously. Take the trail behind the gate, keep going up to the service tower to around the service tower until you get to a fork in the road take the middle path that leads up.
I have lived in the area my whole life and this was the first time I have ever been. The only complaint I have is there should be a better way of showing where exactly to go to find it. Other than that it was a great place to hike to. Will be going back.
Really liked it. Went the day before and had to go back the next day and will be going more. I wanted to do the long tail but I got turned around at witches hat. The trail was well marked wear I started but when I got to the witches hat it got vague. I looked at the map and I think I figured wear I made my miss turn.
This is a great hike, full of history. It's a little difficult to find if you're not sure where you're going. We went there longest, most difficult way only to find the easy trail afterwards. Wouldn't suggest going at night, seems like a spot kids like to go to drink and do whatever.
Trail conditions & character
“Unfortunately power lines cloud view of Mt Penn/Reading view and the landscape of Pagoda and Fire tower skyline drive.”
“The right side of the cliff is an easy free climb for a person of moderate fitness.”
“Parking was not very easy from the area that we used, so maybe research that when heading out to take a look.”
“The trail was well marked wear I started but when I got to the witches hat it got vague.”
Plan your run at Witches Hat
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitereadingpa.gov
- Phone(877) 727-3234
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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