Pulpit Rock Astronomical Park

Welcome to the Lehigh Valley Amateur Astronomical Society’s premier dark-sky observing site located atop Blue Mountain in Pennsylvania.

Site Information

Latitude: 40.5965° North
Longitude: 75.9325° West
Altitude: 1,584 feet
Magnetic Deviation: 11.7° W

Copperhead Snake Warning
Copperhead snakes are occasionally found around the rocks and wooded areas of the site. Please watch where you step or sit and wear proper footwear while exploring the area.

Bear Activity Advisory
Bear sightings have occurred near Pulpit Rock and the Hamburg Reservoir area. Visitors are strongly encouraged to use bear-safe practices and properly secure food and trash.

View Bear Safety Tips

Pulpit Rock Astronomical Park, often referred to simply as “The Rock,” is the Lehigh Valley Amateur Astronomical Society’s dedicated dark-sky observing facility. Located approximately 25 miles west of Allentown between Lenhartsville and Hamburg, Pennsylvania, the site sits along the Appalachian Trail at nearly 1,600 feet above sea level.

The site provides both experienced observers and beginners with an exceptional location for visual observing, astrophotography, scientific research, outreach events, and quiet enjoyment of the night sky far from the heavy light pollution of the Lehigh Valley.

Pulpit Rock was originally established in the 1960s by Henry Kawecki, a Berks County industrialist and astronomy enthusiast. The first observatory dome was built in a small clearing in the woods and eventually evolved into the modern observing campus maintained today by LVAAS volunteers.

Over the decades, members expanded the site with additional observatories, improved road access, upgraded facilities, and extensive landscaping efforts. Today, Pulpit Rock remains one of the finest amateur astronomy observing sites in the northeastern United States.

Visit & Membership

Access to Pulpit Rock Astronomical Park is available to active LVAAS members. Members are encouraged to participate in observing sessions, outreach activities, and volunteer work parties that help maintain and improve the site.

Membership Information Join The Buzz Mailing List

Virtual Tour & Photos

Explore the observatories, observing fields, and scenic mountaintop views through our Pulpit Rock photo gallery and virtual tour collection.