The Witch’s Hat - Reading PA

The McIlvain Pavilion, popularly known as the Witch's Hat, was built in 1892. the pavilion was named for William McIlvain, a hiker who liked to stop at this spot to rest.

On these grounds once sat the Neversink Hotel, which was a resort for patrons mainly from New York and Philadelphia area. In 1892, the hotel opened and the community was very unhappy.

After the turn of the 20th century, the five-story hotel burned down. Now, the land the hotel once occupied is owned by the Berks County Conservancy and is open for people to explore.

You can access the trail near Centennial Lane and park your vehicle a few yards down the street where there is a pull off area to park. A brief walk up to Centennial Lane for a short hike up the trail.

At the top of the hill you can look over the city's east side and through the valley to Mount Penn and the Pagoda. The view from the Witch’s Hat is beautiful and one you must see for yourself.