Monroe County High Point Trip Report

Date: August 23, 2003
Author: David Orsheski

Pimple Hill

Took exit 284 off I-80 to PA 115 south. Followed this for 5 miles and turned left at a sign that read "Delaware State Recreation Area, Pohoboco Tract". The road was gated where it breaks left at the 2000-foot elevation sign so we parked in the parking area just to the bottom of this. There is a map box on the information display there and I took a map. The hike to the summit is about 3/10 mile.

Just before the summit, there is a sign that reads "Scenic View ->" and we took this short trail to the summit. The high point appeared to be a flat rock next to a small, white radio station building at the end of the trail. However, there was also a sign directly across the trail from the rock that read, Highest Point 2213. Either one of these could be the high point.

We spent some time exploring the open-access fire tower, warden's house, weather instruments and various other attractions at the summit. Well worth the short hike anytime.

Kistler Ledge

From Pimple Hill we took 115 north to I-80 to I-380 and exited at Tobyhanna. From there we took 423 to 196, crossed 196 and parked in an electrical plant a little north and to the left on 423.

We crossed 196 again and bushwhacked northwest to the cliffs that are Kistler Ledge. The bushwhack wasn't too tough, but very rocky with overgrown moss and ferns. Anyway, the boulders piled at the base of the ledge provide a relatively easy scramble to the flat rocky summit. The high point appeared to be right at the edge of the cliff. We rested there, had a little snack and noticed numerous caves and animal burrows almost everywhere we looked.

Dressler Hill

Dressler Hill is now in an enclosed, restricted housing development. When we pulled into the road it was gated with security guards and guard posts. I'm assuming that the contour shown on the topo has been bulldozed so I wonder if this particular spot should still be considered a high point. Anyway, I'll have to go back and see if the guards will let me in to bag it.