Appalachian Trail Walk and Lunch at Thunderhead Lodge in Andreas

The fall fun continues on the summit of Blue Mountain for this one as we combine a 4-mile trail walk on the famous Appalachian Trail with lunch at the trailside Thunderhead Lodge in Andreas (West Penn Township, Schuylkill County).

The Thunderhead Lodge, originally the Blue Mountain Summit Inn, AKA Dorward's Inn, turned 101 this year. The original facility that opened in 1925 was a hotel with cabins for lodging and, later, a tap room.

Early owners of the property also operated a service station and refreshment stand here. The current owners took over in 2019, made some renovations and rechristened the business Thunderhead Lodge.

Past iterations included the Blue Mountain Summit Restaurant, which also operated as a bed-and-breakfast, the Restaurant on Rascal Hill and Gambrinus Bavarian Restaurant, which hosted many an Oktoberfest in its day.

Thunderhead Lodge remains a popular stop for day-hikers and thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail. It's common to see them pass through the restaurant with their hiking and camping gear. We'll get into the spirit of things with a short 4-mile out-and-back trail walk from the parking lot across the road from the Thunderhead Lodge to the New Tripoli Campsite and Spring.
Drinks and lunch to follow at the lodge.

After lunch, head outside for marshmallows, s'mores, campfire songs and ghost stories around the fire pit, hosted by LoriAnne.

See you there!