Switchback Trail

The Switchback Trail at Boyce Mayview Park in Upper Saint Clair, Pennsylvania is a moderate 0.2-mile one-way trail that leads the hiker from a ridge down to the creek valley below.

Hike Description
This track begins at the top of the ridge at the Sylvan Ridge Trail and heads downhill along a skinny path that hits switchbacks on the way down. There’s not much to note along this trail other than the Spring-time wildflowers. Hikers heading uphill along this trail will find the hike moderate, hence the difficulty. At the top of the trail, hikers will find a labeled point-of-interest labeled Earth Spirit Point.

Earth Spirit Point
At the top of the ridge near the trailhead is a point-of-interest labeled Earth Spirit Point. There were no signs for this POI, but there was a large “scar” cut out in the earth, built up with what looked like small rock walls. This cut in the earth is no larger than 6-feet long and 2-feet wide. I assume this is what Earth Spirit Point is, or maybe it’s simply a reference to what potentially used to be a vista or overlook here as there's an obstructed view through the trees.

Pets
Dogs are allowed on this trail.

Parking
Hikers will find parking at the coordinates provided, right off of Morton Road in Upper St. Clair.

Biking
Biking is allowed along this trail.

Wildflowers
During the Spring (approx. mid-April) this trail usually has some nice wildflowers like Trout Lily and Trillium.

Connecting Trails
This trail connects with the Sylvan Ridge Trail, Curved Bridge Trail, and the Trillium Trail.