The Reading Pagoda Trail at
Mount Penn Preserve in Reading, Pennsylvania is a moderate 1.7-mile out-and-back hike that leads up to the area's most-photographed building, the Reading Pagoda.
Hiking to the Reading Pagoda
While most visitors will simply drive up to the pagoda, this hike follows a less-traveled path that leads you to Reading's most-iconic building without dealing with really any people along the way.
The hike begins at the very end of Walnut Street where you'll find on-street parking and signage for the
Mount Penn Preserve. The Pagoda Trail leads uphill along a wide gravel path that leads up Mount Penn behind a busy neighborhood. There are several older trails that do not appear to be maintained anymore, so to stay on-trail just keep following the widest gravel path uphill. You know you're on the right trail if you pass a large grassy opening with a small building near its edge.
Peace Rock - Mile 0.37
Just up the hill from the large grassy opening is a right-hand turn that heads toward a sloped cliff face to the east. You'll find a massive painted peace sign on the side of the cliff face known as Peace Rock.
Base of the Pagoda & Views - Mile 0.8
From Peace Rock, the trail leads uphill through the mountain laurel to reach the pagoda. You know you're getting close once the Reading Pagoda (aka Mount Penn Pagoda) starts to peek through the mountain laurel while you're hiking the trail. Eventually, the trail reaches the base of the retaining wall for the pagoda's parking lot. Here, the route leads out to the base of the pagoda to views of Reading, Pennsylvania. You'll also find
Neversink Mountain located to the south.
Neversink Mountain is a great hike as it provides views of Mount Penn and the Reading Pagoda. This section of the trail can be a bit sketchy if you're hiking with small children or a dog, however, as there are a ton of broken bottles and shattered glass around the concrete platforms.
Exploring the Pagoda & Views - Mile 0.9
While you cannot enter the Reading Pagoda, you can walk up to the outside of the building. The trail itself does not have an easy connection to the parking lot, so you must hike off-trail for less than ~50-feet and hop a fence to reach the parking lot. Then you can walk up to the building to take your photos or to simply enjoy its architecture. You can also get views of Reading, PA and
Neversink Mountain from the parking lot as well.
Hiking Out - Mile 0.9 to 1.7
Once you're done exploring the Reading Pagoda atop of Mount Penn, the hike back to parking is straight forward. Simply follow the same route back to Walnut Street to complete the hike for approximately 1.7-miles.
Parking
Hikers will find street parking at the coordinates provided, located at the very end of Walnut Street in Reading, PA.
Biking
Mountain biking is technically allowed along this route.
Warning
Broken glass: The trail around the bottom of the Reading Pagoda is littered with broken glass, so watch your step especially with children or dogs.
