Site Information
North America
The Pulpit is a scenic hang gliding site in Pennsylvania that offers amazing views of the Appalachian Mountains and the valleys below. The site has a launch area at the edge of a ridge, accessible by a dirt road. The launch is suitable for intermediate to advanced pilots, as it requires a good wind direction and speed to take off and land. The site is managed by the Capital Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (CHGPA), which requires a membership fee and a USHPA rating of at least H3 or P3 to fly there. The site is also open to paragliders.
Location and Directions
The site is located near the town of McConnellsburg, about 80 miles west of Harrisburg. To get to The Pulpit, take US 30 west from Harrisburg and exit at McConnellsburg. Turn right onto PA 522 and follow it for about 5 miles. Turn left onto PA 484 and drive for another 5 miles until you reach the village of Buck Valley. Turn right onto Buck Valley Road and drive for about 2 miles. Turn left onto Pulpit Road and drive for another 2 miles until you reach the launch area. The GPS coordinates of the launch are 39.8333° N, 78.1667° W.
Flying Conditions and Restrictions
The launch faces west and works best with winds from NW to SW at less than 15 km/h. The landing zone is a large field near the launch area, but it can be turbulent and obstructed by trees and power lines. Pilots need to have a radio and a helmet, and follow the club rules and regulations.
Best Times to Fly and Visit
The site is open year-round, but the best flying conditions are in spring and fall, when the weather is clear and the thermals are strong. The site can also be flown in winter, but the road may be closed due to snow or ice. The site is popular among local and visiting pilots, so it can get crowded on weekends and holidays.
More Information
For more information about The Pulpit, you can visit the CHGPA website at https://chgpa.org/ or contact them at (202) 255-4234. You can also check out their reviews and photos on https://www.soaringroadtrip.com/pulpit.
