Trough Creek State Park
 General Description This beautiful wide rippling creek is the center of activity at this state park. The waters move along swiftly offering exciting bank fishing. Beautiful rock outcroppings add interest to the creek and surrounding area. Folks enjoy picnicking and camping along the water's edge. Winter sport enthusiasts enjoy traveling creekside on their snowmobiles and at night, lodging in the beautiful renovated two-story stone mansion. Fishing opportunities in Great Trough Creek include trout, smallmouth bass, rock bass and panfish. In recent years, shad fish netting has become popular each spring when these fish enter tributaries of Raystown Lake to spawn. In addition, lake fishing is available via a short walk along Terrace Mountain Trail to a sheltered cove of Raystown Lake. Directions from Huntingdon, PA: Travel 16 miles south on SR 26, then 5 miles east along SR 994 near the village of Entriken to reach the park. The park winds around following the creek's flow. The 554-acre Trough [troff] Creek State Park is a scenic gorge formed as Great Trough Creek cuts through Terrace Mountain and empties into Raystown Lake. Rugged hiking trails lead to wonders like Balanced Rock and Rainbow Falls. Rothrock State Forest and Raystown Lake Recreation Area border the park, making a large, contiguous area of public land for recreation. |
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Directions - Weather - Recreation - Hiking - Winter Report - Calendar of Events - Accessibility - History - Wildlife Watching - Nearby Attractions - Volunteers - Rules and Regs - In an Emergency - Contact Us - Downloadables and Maps
Park Advisories
| 1/3/2011 8:55:00 AM |
| Firewood Advisory: Invasive Beetles found in Firewood Threaten Forests! Before bringing firewood to a Pennsylvania State Park, please read the information in the linked page about a very real threat to forests in Pennsylvania and all of North America. Firewood Advisory |
Directions
 | The park can be reached by traveling 16 miles south from Huntingdon along PA 26, then five miles east along PA 994 near the village of Entriken. |
Recreational Opportunities
Hiking - Picnicking - Fishing - Hunting - Wildlife Watching - Snowmobiling - Trough Creek Lodge - Camping
Camping: 29 sites, all with electricty
The cozy camping area accommodates any size camper and has a rustic restroom with no showers. Each site has an electric hookup, picnic table, campfire ring and separate crushed stone tent pad. A sanitary dump station is next to the park office. Camping is open from mid-April through mid-December. Pets are permitted on designated sites.
Explore the camping map.
Explore camping for more information.
Make a reservation
Free Camping for Campground Hosts: one host position in the rustic campgroundThe campground host site has amenities including 30-amp electric service, however, sewer dump station is located some distance from host site. The host is required to work 40 hours per week with two days off per week. Contact the park office for additional information and availability.
Trough Creek Lodge: This renovated, two story, stone home is available for rental year-round. The stone was covered with stucco which was scribed to look like brick, a common practice when the home was built.
Originally constructed in the mid-1800s as an ironmaster’s home, it has a modern eat-in-kitchen, two bathrooms, four bedrooms and central heat. The lodge has spacious porches, yard areas and sits atop a hill overlooking Paradise Furnace. The lodge is fully accessible for people with disabilities.
Explore cabins for more information.
Make a reservation
Picnicking: Five picnic areas throughout the park provide a variety of scenic table sites. One large picnic pavilion and two smaller ones may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis. A fourth small picnic pavilion is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Restrooms, hand pump wells and activity areas are in some picnic areas.
Make a reservation
Hunting and Firearms: About 100 acres are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, turkey, grouse and squirrel. Trough Creek State Park adjoins state forest and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lands which are open for hunting.
Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for ADA accessible hunting information.
Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's car, trailer or leased campsite. The only exception is that law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms may carry said firearm concealed on their person while they are within the park.
For complete information on hunting rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission Web site.
Snowmobiling: The park serves as a trailhead for trails on Rothrock State Forest lands. Parking and restrooms are provided in the park. A snowmobile trail map is available from the park office. Explore the Winter Report for current snow and ice depths.
 Fishing: Stream fishing in Great Trough Creek provides a variety of fish including trout, smallmouth bass, rock bass, sucker and panfish. In recent years, smelt fish netting has become popular each spring when these fish enter tributaries of Raystown Lake to spawn. Lake fishing is available via a short walk along Terrace Mountain Trail to a sheltered cove of Raystown Lake. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and seasons apply. For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site. |
Hiking: The trails traverse scenic vistas, cool stream hollows, hillsides and ridge tops. Explore the Trails.
Access for People with Disabilities
If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.
Nearby Attractions
For information on nearby attractions, contact: Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau, 888-RAYSTOWN, www.raystown.org and The Alleghenies www.thealleghenies.com.
Warriors Path State Park: About 12 miles southwest of Trough Creek State Park in Saxton, Bedford County, the park is just off of PA 26. Warriors Path is a 349-acre day use park on a peninsula created by a large meander of the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River. Picnicking, river fishing and hiking are popular recreational activities. 814-658-3847
Rothrock State Forest: Over 90,000 acres of state forest land in Huntingdon County provides wooded land for hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, hiking and undeveloped recreation. 814-643-2340
Raystown Lake: This major recreation area administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers encompasses 29,300 acres including a 30-mile long, narrow 8,300-acre lake. A variety of recreational opportunities are provided in 13 public use areas, including boat launches, marinas, camping, picnicking, swimming and fishing. 814-658-3405 raystown.nab.usace.army.mil
In an Emergency
Contact a park employee or dial 911.
For directions to the nearest hospital, look on bulletin boards or at the park office.
Nearest Hospital:
J.C. Blair Hospital
1225 Warm Springs Avenue
Huntingdon, PA 16652
814-643-2290
For More Information Contact
Trough Creek State Park
16362 Little Valley Road
James Creek, PA 16657-9302
814-658-3847
Manager: Steve Volgstadt
E-mail: troughcreeksp@state.pa.us
An equal opportunity employer
Campsites, Cottages and Walled Tents
These prices are effective through December 31, 2011.
Make online reservations anytime. Call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757) for state park information and reservations, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday except on the Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. holidays.
Senior citizens and people with disabilities can get a reduced campsite price.
Peak season is generally the second Friday in June to the day before the third Friday in August and at designated sites during periods such as the Friday before Thanksgiving to the first Friday in March.
Non-peak season is generally the third Friday in August to the day before the second Friday in June.
Backpacking
| Facility | Time Frame | Resident Price | Non-resident Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campsite | Per Night Per Person | $4.00 | $5.00 |
| Shelter Area/Campsites | Max. Per Night Per Group | $20.00 | $25.00 |
Camping
| Campsite | Time Frame | Resident Price | Non-resident Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Price | Per Night | $15.00 | $17.00 |
| Additional Charges | Time Frame | Resident Price | Non-resident Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium - Fri. Sat. Holiday, Events | Per Night | $4.00 | $4.00 |
| Modern (showers) | Per Night | $4.00 | $4.00 |
| Adirondack Shelters | Per Night | $2.00 | $2.00 |
| Amenities | Time Frame | Resident Price | Non-resident Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Per Night | $5.50 | $5.50 |
| Water | Per Night | $8.00 | $8.00 |
| Water and Sewer | Per Night | $13.00 | $13.00 |
| Designated Pet Campsite | Per Night | $2.00 | $2.00 |
| Extra Vehicle | Per Night | $4.00 | $4.00 |
| Multi-Campsite | Per Night | $18.00 | $21.00 |
| Discounts | Time Frame | Resident Price | Non-resident Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly Discount (per 7 days) | Per Week | $15.00 | $17.00 |
| Senior Citizen/ADA | Per Night | $4.50 | $4.50 |
| Senior Citizen/ADA | Per Week | $27.00 | $27.00 |
| Miscellaneous Camping | Time Frame or Service | Resident Price | Non-resident Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camping Unit Storage | Per Week | $16.00 | $16.00 |
| Camping Unit Storage | Per Night | $3.50 | $3.50 |
| Camping Equestrian Site | Per Night | $19.00 | $24.00 |
| Transient RV Overnight Camping | Per Night | $6.00 | $7.00 |
| Dump Station for Non-camper | Per Use | $10.00 | $11.00 |
| Camping Cottage | Time Frame | Resident Price Peak Season | Resident Price Non-peak Season | Non-resident Price Peak Season | Non-resident Price Non-peak Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sleep 5 | Per Week | $232.00 | $209.00 | $264.00 | $241.00 |
| Sleep 5 | Per Night Fri - Sat | $44.00 | $40.00 | $47.00 | $43.00 |
| Sleep 5 | Per Night Sun - Thur | $36.00 | $33.00 | $40.00 | $36.00 |
| Deluxe Cottage | Time Frame | Resident Price Peak Season | Resident Price Non-peak Season | Non-resident Price Peak Season | Non-resident Price Non-peak Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sleep 6 | Per Week | $366.00 | $328.00 | $440.00 | $393.00 |
| Sleep 6 | Per Night Fri - Sat | $96.00 | $85.00 | $114.00 | $101.00 |
| Sleep 6 | Per Night Sun - Thur | $55.00 | $50.00 | $66.00 | $59.00 |
| Walled Tent | Time Frame | Resident Price Peak Season | Resident Price Non-peak Season | Non-resident Price Peak Season | Non-resident Price Non-peak Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 sq. ft. | Per Week | $205.00 | $186.00 | $235.00 | $215.00 |
| 200 sq. ft. | Per Night Fri - Sat | $37.00 | $34.00 | $41.00 | $37.00 |
| 200 sq. ft. | Per Night Sun - Thur | $33.00 | $30.00 | $39.00 | $35.00 |
| > 200 sq. ft. | Per Week | $223.00 | $204.00 | $255.00 | $232.00 |
| > 200 sq. ft. | Per Night Fri - Sat | $42.00 | $39.00 | $46.00 | $42.00 |
| > 200 sq. ft. | Per Night Sun - Thur | $35.00 | $32.00 | $41.00 | $37.00 |
Peak season is generally the second Friday in June to the day before the third Friday in August and at designated sites during periods such as the Friday before Thanksgiving to the first Friday in March.
Non-peak season is generally the third Friday in August to the day before the second Friday in June.
Make online reservations anytime. Call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757) for state park information and reservations, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday except on the Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. holidays.
Strange and Unique AttractionsTrough Creek State Park
Trough Creek State Park is one of the smallest and most rustic of PA State Parks, yet it is one of the most interesting.
Enjoy a very small and uniquely charming State Park Camping area, complete with Rustic Outhouses, Fire Rings, and Electric Hookups.
If your family loves to explore through rugged hiking trails and enjoys finding unexpected surprises along the many rustic paths, then this is the PA State Park for your family to expect the unexpected!
The bad news is;
What you won't find at Trough Creek State Park are Sandy Beaches, a beautiful Lake, Boat Launches, Modern Restroom, Campstores, or even a Snack Bar.
The good news is;
What you will find are Unique Attractions that your family will love exploring, rugged Hiking Trails, 32 Camping Sites with electricity, and a beautiful Stone Mansion, available to rent year round.
This Stone Mansion was built by an Iron Master back in the early 1800s. The history of the Allegheny Furnace and its Iron Masters Mansion is worth exploring.
The 554-Acre Park is a Scenic Gorge created by Great Trough Creek, cutting through Terrace Mountain, emptying into Lake Raystown.
The Great Trough Creek is well known for being well stocked with a variety of fish. It's been a well kept secret fishing area through the Allegheny Mountains.
Surprises Are Hidden Throughout Trough Creek State Park
Trough Creek State Park Cottage was built back in the 1800s. It was built for a wealthy Ironmaster. It has been completely renovated with a modern kitchen and bath, 4 bedrooms, and central heat. It can be rented year round. The lodge has spacious porches, yard area, and sits atop a hill overlooking Paradise Furnace. Balanced Rock is one of the strangest and surprising attractions I have ever witnessed at a PA State Park. It is actually a huge rock that is balanced at the edge of a Pennsylvania Mountain ledge. The only way to get up to the ledge is to follow the steps cut out of the side of the mountain. Just climbing the steps are spooky for me. But once you visit the top you'll be amazed at the view.
Leading to Rainbow Falls and Balanced Rock is a Suspension Bridge that connects each side of the Great Trough Creek that flows between the sites. Not only does the bridge sway back and forth, with each step the bridge planks move in waves that bounce you up and down. The bridge takes some practice to get across but it's a lot of fun.
On the opposite side of the Great Trough Creek is where you will find the picnic areas and the Ice Mines. Visit here on a hot summer day and the Ice Mines are a tough area to leave.
There are so many wonders along the hiking trails throughout this PA State Park, you should really plan to stay there at least for the day. It's a really unique area to take a picnic and just kick back and relax. Once you start finding your way around and visit the many surprising attractions you'll want to make a habit of visiting over and over.
Location Directions And Nearby Attractions
Trough Creek State Park isn't as easy to find as you might think. It is located on Rt. 994, 16 miles South from Huntingdon. It is much easier to find Raystown Lake, Seven Points Marina. Once you find the road to the Marina, don't turn into it, just stay on that road and keep driving until you see a small PA State Park sign that reads, Trough Creek State Park. Turn left there and follow the signs.
On that same road if you turn right the road will lead to the historic Allegheny Furnace. It is well worth spending some time there to learn some really good history trivia from that area.
Again, don't forget Raystown Lake. It is a huge beautiful Lake that offers many attractions. Anytime my family visits Trough Creek State Park we always stop at the Seven Points Marina Restaurant and enjoy a meal.
Trough Creek State ParkHiking
12 miles of trails
The trails traverse scenic vistas, cool stream hollows, hillsides and ridge tops. A popular short hike crosses the suspension bridge and follows Rhododendron Trail to Rainbow Falls. Climb the steps along the waterfall, then hike on to Balanced Rock and return the same way.
The hiking trails of Trough Creek State Park are famous for their beauty and scenic views. Because trails can be steep, rocky, follow along cliffs or pass through narrow ravines, hikers should use extreme caution when hiking and wear hiking boots. Children must be supervised at all times. Trail conditions may be slippery when wet or icy depending on weather conditions.
Boulder: 1.05-mile, red blazes, moderate hiking
Starting at Ice Mine, Boulder Trail follows an old logging road up the mountain through beautiful forests and is moderately steep. The scenic and winding trail crosses Terrace Mountain Road above the campground, then descends to the suspension bridge parking area. The trail name is derived from the many boulders along the trail.
Abbot Run: 0.18-miles, white blazes, moderate hiking
Beginning at the Rainbow Falls Bridge, this trail follows Abbot Run up out of Great Trough Creek Gorge past the trail to Balanced Rock. The trail crosses the stream twice, providing surprising changes in scenery, before ending on Old Forge Road.
Brumbaugh: 2.4-miles, orange blazes, difficult hiking
Starting at Balanced Rock, this trail rises and falls through spectacular forest scenery along the hillsides and ridges. From a large opening atop one of the higher ridges there is a beautiful view of Raystown Lake. This trail ends along Old Forge Road and Terrace Mountain Trail below the old park dam.
Balanced Rock: 0.12-mile, green blazes, moderate hiking
This trail starts at Trough Creek Drive. It passes over Great Trough Creek via a suspension bridge then past beautiful Rainbow Falls. The trail ascends a flight of CCC-built stone steps overlooking Abbot Run and ends at the geologic wonder, Balanced Rock.
Cemetery: 0.28-miles, orange blazes, moderate hiking
Starting at the Paradise Furnace ruins, this trail crosses a small stream on a wooden bridge then begins a moderate climb to an old Paradise Furnace cemetery. This delightful trail passes a small waterfall and ends at an old cemetery.
Copperas Rock: 0.43-mile, red blazes, moderate hiking
Starting along Trough Creek Drive at Copperas Rock, this trail climbs a fairly steep and rocky slope through oak and hemlock trees and ends on Ledges Trail. You can make a nice 2.5-mile loop by following Ledges Trail to Abbot Run Trail, descending to Rainbow Falls and following Rhododendron Trail back to Copperas Rock Trail just above the parking lot.
Laurel Run: 1.8 miles, green blazes, moderate hiking
Starting along Trough Creek Drive where it crosses Laurel Run, this scenic trail follows Laurel Run between two ridges and into state forest land, then crosses Terrace Mountain Road and ends with a moderate incline to Boulder Trail. It meanders across Laurel Run numerous times by way of eight rustic bridges. This trail is very scenic and lends itself well to wildlife viewing.
Ledges: 0.91-mile, blue blazes, moderate hiking
This trail starts at Trough Creek Drive below the park office and ends at Abbot Run Trail. The highlight of this trail is the panoramic view of the Great Trough Creek gorge from several lookouts. This trail passes the ruins of the old Paradise Furnace schoolhouse.
Raven Rock: 0.32-mile, yellow blazes, moderate hiking
This trail starts near the upper end of Abbot Run Trail. It takes you by the geologic wonder, Balanced Rock, and finally ends up along Trough Creek at Raven Rock where you will need to retrace your steps to Balanced Rock. Raven Rock is the cliff site that local legend says was a favorite nesting site for ravens.
Rhododendron: 0.6-mile, green blazes, moderate hiking
Starting at Copperas Rock Trail and ending at the suspension bridge, this trail takes hikers up and down from ridge top to valley floor. Its name is derived from the beautiful rhododendrons that line the trail. The steepest portion of the trail is very rocky and requires cautious footing. Rhododendron usually blooms in early July.
 | Trough Creek State Park 16362 Little Valley Road James Creek, Pennsylvania 16657 Phone: 814-658-3847 Toll Free: 888-727-2757 Reservations: 888-727-2757 Email: troughcreeksp@state.pa.us | Area Accommodations |
| Photography: add your photos | |
| Reservations:  | |
| The 554-acre Trough [troff] Creek State Park is a scenic gorge created as Great Trough Creek cuts through Terrace Mountain and empties into Raystown Lake. Rugged hiking trails lead to wonders like Balanced Rock and Rainbow Falls. Rothrock State Forest and Raystown Lake Recreation Area border the park, making a large, contiguous area of public land for recreation. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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