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 campground
The 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 Attractions
Trough 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.

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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.

At the foot of the ledge that Balanced Rock sits on is Rainbow Falls. It's a beautiful little waterfall. Depending on what time of year and what time of day you get there is what determines if you see a rainbow. There are large rocks behind the Falls that children and adults alike love to climb through.

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.

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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 Park

Hiking

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.

This is Rainbow Falls in Trough Creek State Park, PA. It was extremely cold out when I took this, and since my son was with me and my hands froze, I only had time to take this one photo. Look for more when it warms up a little bit more.

State Park Contact Information:
	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
Adopt-A-Park Contacts:
	Photography: add your photos
State Park Reservations:
	Reservations:

State Park Overview:
	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.
Reviews By Park Visitors:
	visitor rating: (2 votes) TroughCreek State Park Lodge Nice house, 4 bedrooms, not real cozy decorating;carpet throughout, except in kitchen; modern kitchen is big and well-equipped and good layout, although sound reverberates when talking. Beds not the greatest: 2 doubles, 2 sets bunks, 2 singles; if you want more comfort, take a padded mattress cover along; living room has two couches, table with four chairs and 2 cushioned chairs. If you want pics, email me at annelisefrench@hotmail.com Camping: 32 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 tent pad. A sanitary dump station is next to the park office. Camping is open from the second Friday in April through the middle of December. Trails: 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. 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. Fishing and Hunting: Fishing: Stream fishing in Great Trough Creek provides a variety of fish including trout, smallmouth bass, rock bass, sucker and panfish. In recent years, shad 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. 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 accessible hunting information. Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. The park is used by other visitors during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment 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 camp. Huntingdon County Natural Wonders Hawn's Overlook at Raystown Dam - Featured on the cover of 1996 Pennsylvania Visitors Guide, land beautiful at sunset or sun rise. Overlook Road , Huntingdon, PA 16652 Balance Rock at Trough Creek State Park - appears to be perched on the edge of a cliff, ready to fall off at any moment into Great Trough Creek far below. This "erosion remnant" has hung here for thousands of years. Once part of a much higher cliff, the hard rock of Balanced Rock was sitting on a layer of soft rock. The soft rock on the cliff face eroded first, easing Balance Rock into its angled perch hanging over the valley. Eventually the soft rock under the back of Balanced Rock eroded away, leaving the rock balanced on the edge of the cliff. To preserve the natural beauty of Balanced Rock, please do not spray paint or vandalize any natural features. Trough Creek Rainbow Falls at Trough Creek State Park - Spring is the best time to experience the rainbow effect formed from the mist of the falls. Popular spot for weddings. Shaver's Creek Environmental Center - Live birds of prey, reptiles, amphibians, shows, festivals, exhibits/programs, picnicking/bird watching, gardens, trains, books and gifts. Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks -Caves are one of nature's hidden beauties, full of spectacular sights. Discover Lincoln Caverns, where nature's splendors have been left just as they were when discovered in 1930. Explore twisting passageways that reveal splendid rooms glittering with white crystals and massive flowstones. See delicate stalactites, created over thousands of years. Hospitality and breathtaking marvels await beneath the earth. Educational interpretive tours. Pennsylvania Game Commission Migration Area/ Raystown Lake - Three thousand acres of habitat has been aggressively managed to maintain wildlife; one of Pennsylvania's premier watchable wildlife areas. Observe waterfowl, eagles, osprey, small game, deer, and bear in their natural habitat. Rainbow Falls at Trough Creek State Park Spring is the best time to experience the rainbow effect formed from the mist of the falls. Popular spot for weddings. Ice Mine was probably a prospect hole for early iron miners. They did not discover iron ore, but did create a natural refrigerator. In the winter, cold air diffuses up into the loose rock of the hillside. In the spring and summer, cold air flows down the mountainside and into the ice mine. This causes melting snow water to refreeze when it hits the cold air in the mine. Humid summer air adds more ice until all of the cold air has left the hillside, usually by late summer. Trough Creek Copperas Rocks is named for the coppery-yellow stain on the cliff surface. The crystalline, yellow precipitate is ferrous sulfate that leaches from a small pocket of coal. Although this substance is one of the main pollutants in acid mine drainage, the small quantity here is not harmful to the stream. The small cave at the bottom of the cliff was probably made by early settlers who used ferrous sulfate as a mordant for setting the dye color in cloth. Trough Creek Great Trough Creek, Pennsylvania, US T370 to Trough Creek State Park Usual Difficulty I-III (for normal flows) Length 6.3 Miles Avg. Gradient 37 fpm Max Gradient 60 fpm Gauge Information Name Range Difficulty Updated Level Aughwick Creek near Three Springs, PA usgs-01564500 700 - 3500 cfs I-III 00h34m 164 cfs (rc= -0.2 ) River Description Put-in follow the signs to Trough Creek State Park from PA route 994. It is about 10 miles north of the town of Saxton. At the park entrance there is a park office where you can pick up a park map which will help in navigating the area. Continuing on, you will shortly cross a recently restored wooden arch bridge over Great Trough Creek. Take the first right after you cross the creek onto Trough Creek drive which quickly degrades to a gravel road. You may want to take note of the pipeline crossing where the road closely approaches the creek for future reference when you run the creek. In a couple miles take your first right onto another gravel road(T-370); in 1/2 mile you will be at the put-in. Takeout Retrace your path to the wooden bridge cross over the creek and take the first right - this is still Trough Creek drive. Follow this road just past the campground to the parking area near the dam and the "ice mine". River Description In the first part of the run Trough Creek is hemmed in on one side at a time by limestone bluffs with scenic woodlands on the other side. The gradient is modest with periodic riffly rapids, and the occasional small drop cum surfing opportunity. Shortly,(perhaps 100 yards)after the pipeline crossing there is an excellent surfing hole. This is best grabbed on the way downstream as getting back up and in once you've blown out is an arduous and paddle-banging task. There is a small eddy above it on river right for one boat to wait your turn. The river left side of this hole can be testy at higher flows. The creek continues with periodic class II rapids and surfing opportunities until it briefly flattens as you pass through the developed portion of the park near the wooden bridge. Then the gradient, action, and multiple surfing opportunities return. There is a rapid, surfing spot and pool at Copperas Rock. Just below this the creek passes under a new bridge; within a hundred yards downstream of the bridge there is usually a nice glassy faced wave. A couple hundred yards below the glassy faced wave the creek departs from the road a little and makes a slight bend to the right where a limestone bluff rises nearly vertically from the left bank. At most levels (low to med-high) this is the most difficult rapid on the creek; at high levels is washes out. Below this rapid you will pass under a suspension foot bridge and Abbot run enters from river left, cascading over Rainbow Falls. Just downstream from Rainbow Falls, high above you is Balanced Rock. There are a couple more fun drops, then you pass under another foot bridge and arrive at the pool backed up by the dam. Most boaters will usually take out above the dam. The hydraulic below the dam is lethal except for a side slot on far river left. If you run this remember to hold your paddle paralell to the long axis of your boat as you drop into the slot. One time one member of our group had his paddle bridge the opening and he did a fast and improptu limbo move, subsequently running the slot sans paddle. Keystone Canoeing by Ed Gertler is an excellent reference. StreamTeam Status: Verified Last Updated: 2002-04-16 22:55:09 Hike The Alleghenies Trough Creek State Park Brumbaugh – Boulder Loop Brumbaugh – Boulder Loop (6.4 Miles) The hike starts on the blue blazed Ledges Trail, which has panoramic views of the Great Trough Creek gorge from several lookouts. Ledges Trail passes ruins of the old Paradise Furnace schoolhouse. Paradise Furnace, which produced 12 tons of cast iron a day, was constructed in 1827. The hike takes you to a geologic wonder named Balanced Rock. Balanced Rock appears to be perched on the edge of a cliff, ready to fall off at any moment into Great Trough Creek far below. This “erosion remnant” has hung here for thousands of years. Once part of a higher cliff, the hard rock of Balanced Rock was sitting on a layer of soft rock. The soft rock on the cliff face eroded first, easing Balanced Rock into its angled perch hanging over the valley. Eventually the soft rock around Balanced Rock eroded away, leaving the rock balanced on the edge of the cliff. Raven Rock is the cliff site that local legend says was a favorite nesting site for ravens. It is reputed that Edgar Allen Poe visited and later wrote the poem “The Raven” after seeing the ravens that nested on the cliffs. You will be near the Ice Mine interpretive wayside at mile 3.8. Ice Mine was probably a prospect hole for early iron miners. They did not discover iron ore, but did create a natural refrigerator. In the winter, cold air diffuses up into the loose rock of the hillside. In the spring and summer, cold air flows down the mountainside and into the Ice Mine. This causes melting snow water to refreeze when it hits the cold air in the mine. Humid summer air adds more ice until all of the cold air has left the hillside, usually by late summer. Copperas Rocks is named for the coppery-yellow stain on the cliff surface. The crystalline, yellow precipitate is ferrous sulfate that leaches from a small pocket of coal. Although this substance is one of the main pollutants in abandoned mine drainage, the small quantity here is not harmful to the stream. The small cave at the bottom of the cliff was probably made by early settlers who used ferrous sulfate as a mordant for setting the dye color in cloth. Parking: Lat 40 18 50 Lon 78 07 53 From US Rt. 30 near Everett, take PA Rt. 26 North 29 miles and turn right onto PA Rt. 994 East. (From US Rt. 22 near Huntingdon, take PA Rt. 26 South 16 miles and turn left onto PA Rt. 994 East). Take PA Rt. 994 East 5.2 miles and turn left onto Hill Farm Rd (SR3031). Proceed 1.7 miles and turn left onto Trough Creek Drive. Go .2 miles (pass the park office) and park on the right across from the Ledges Trail trailhead. Trail Directions: From parking area take Ledges Trail .9 miles and Turn Right onto Abbot Run Trail. Go .1 miles to Balanced Rock Interpretive area. From near Balanced Rock, you can take a short optional out and back spur down stone steps to Rainbow Falls. Continue past Balanced Rock on Raven Rock Trail .1 miles and Trough Creek State Park Circuit 09/22/10 Description: At a diminutive 554 Acre, Trough Creek State Park is one of the diamonds in PA’s crown jewels of state parks. The creek cuts its way through a steep rocky gorge on its way to Raystown Lake passing natural wonders like Copperas Rocks, the Balanced Rock, Ravens Rock and the old Ice Mine as well as the man-made suspension bridge across the creek. Throngs of visitors visit them every weekend during good weather. Fortunately for the avid hiker most foot traffic comes to a sudden halt a very short distance beyond them. The trail system, some of which passes through Rothrock State Forest is pretty rustic even though most of it is well maintained. Described here is a moderate 6.9 mile hike with about 1200 feet of elevation gain. Google Maps Custom Driving Directions The hike starts at the Copperas Rock parking area on Trough Creek Drive across from the rock itself. The hike can be joined at almost any trailhead parking lot along the Drive. ________________________________________ Printable/Downloadable Map View 3-D Map Zipped National Geographic TOPO! GPS and Universal GPX Files GPS Text File for Non-TOPO! Users Trail Notes: After visiting Coperras Rock (The yellow stains are from Iron Sulfate leaching from a coal seam somewhere above it. Ancient Latin for this chemical compound is “Copperas”.) walk down the drive, crossing Trough Creek on the pedestrian side of the bridge. For safety’s sake descend to the picnic area on the left and walk through it to its parking lot. Cross the road and join the green blazed Laurel Run Trail. During periods of high water this little stream is quite pretty but even without good water flow the rocky gorge full of Rhododendrons and Hemlocks has a very boreal feel to it. The old grade the trail follows is severely eroded in spots and all of the eight bridges mentioned on the park map have either rotted away or otherwise been destroyed. Still, stream crossings should never really be an issue. At 0.21 miles from joining the trail a spur takes off sharply to the left for 0.17 miles to gravel Terrace Mountain Road. Turn here and then turn left onto the road for 0.07 miles to visit the well preserved remains of a furnace used in the iron refining industry centuries ago. Retrace your steps to the main trail and proceed upstream. In another 0.26 miles a high water trail takes off to the right and rejoins the main trail in another 0.50 miles. I explored part of this by-pass and it is a well constructed trail. In 0.21 miles after the high water trail rejoins the main trail make a final crossing of the main branch of the stream. The abutments of the old bridge still remain. Cross the very small left fork and watch for a small “trail” sign on a tree to the left. Turn here and climb quite gradually for 0.36 miles to Terrace Mountain Road. Cross it on an angle to the left and join a easy to walk on woods road. In another 0.48 miles pass a shortcut trail on the right and arrive at the junction of the red blazed Boulder Trail. Turn right following the sign to the Ice Mine. Descend gradually for 0.48 miles through Mountain Laurel and Hemlock to Trough Creek Drive and the Ice Mine. After visiting the mine turn left on the drive and walk up it for 0.14 miles and turn right into Picnic Area #5. (At this point you are also hiking on the Terrace Mountain trail.) Cross the bridge over the creek and turn right onto Old Forge Road. Watch carefully for the Brumbaugh Trail sign as it is high up on the hill to your left and very hard to spot. (If you see the old park dam down on your right you went too far.) In 0.17 miles from joining Old Forge Road turn left onto the Brumbaugh Trail. (The park map and sign posts indicate that this trail is blazed orange. We saw only two such blazes, all on the eastern side of the trail. The remainder of the trail has recently been re-blazed with fresh yellow paint.) The trail climbs gradually but steadily up the left side of the gap in Terrace Mountain that has been carved out by the creek. This portion of the forest has been devastated by a Gypsy Moth infestation years ago leaving the canopy open, allowing dense vegetation to seriously encroach on the trail. There are few blazes (mainly because there are no suitable trees to put them on) but, as of this writing, the trail still is not that hard to follow. As you approach the top the trail suddenly seems to peter out. Look behind a small tree for it as the trail suddenly jogs to the right around it for a few steps before beginning a nice but short ridge walk with the sides of Terrace Mountain falling away quickly on either side of you. Here you will get window size views of the Lake to your right and views across the creek valley to your left. The trail will turn to the left to climb over the final summit of the hike at around 1600 feet (0.37 miles from where the trail snuck behind the tree.). It is marked with a large carin. The 1.02 mile descent is on well blazed woods roads surrounded by a healthy hardwood forest and fern understory. The road you are on will veer off to the right into a gated open meadow (an old log landing). Stay straight on yet another road that passes under a canopy of Striped Maples. The trail will join yet another road but only for a short distance before turning right onto a footpath and arriving at Old Forge Road (0.31 miles from the log landing). Cross the road onto a hunter’s cottage drive but bear off to the right onto an un-blazed but obvious footpath. Turn right onto the Raven Rock Trail and in 0.10 miles arrive at Balanced Rock. For the next 0.2 miles expect to see a lot of foot traffic. After the Balanced Rock descend a short distance on the white blazed Abbots Run Trail but soon turn left onto a set of rock steps and further descend to a wooded bridge below Rainbow Falls (just a trickle when we were there in August). From there follow the green blazed Balance Rock Trail for 0.19 miles to the suspension bridge. Do not cross it but continue straight. The creekside trail is still blazed green but is now referred to as the Rhododendron Trail (for obvious reasons). Follow the trail for 0.45 miles to its junction with the Copperas Rock Trail. (Note: There will be one VERY steep thirty foot climb requiring a bit of upper body strength as you scurry to the top of a cliff overlooking the creek.) Turn left at this junction and soon return to the parking lot. Printable/Downloadable Directions and Trail Notes Critique This Outing ________________________________________ ___________________________________

Cowans Gap State Park

Cowans Gap State Park is a 1,085-acre park in the beautiful Allens Valley of Fulton County. A 42-acre lake, large campground, rustic cabins and many hiking trails are prime attractions. State forest land surrounds the park, providing additional land for recreation and natural beauty in all seasons.

Directions

The park is north of US 30 between Chambersburg and McConnellsburg.
To reach the park from the west take Exit 180, Fort Littleton, of I-76, then US 522 north to Burnt Cabins and follow signs to the park.

From the east take Exit 189, Willow Hill, of I-76, then PA 75 south to Richmond Furnace and follow signs to the park.

From US 30 take PA 75 north at Fort Loudon to Richmond Furnace and follow signs to the park.

Recreational Opportunities

Picnicking: Picnic areas are along the eastern side of Cowans Gap Lake. Picnic areas are mostly shaded with several CCC-era stone fireplaces and charcoal grills scattered throughout. Four picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis. Pavilions 2, 3 and 4 are stone and have a fireplace. 

Fishing: The 42-acre Cowans Gap Lake offers excellent trout fishing and also has bass, perch and panfish. There is an ADA accessible fishing pier. The South Branch of Little Aughwick Creek offers good trout fishing.

For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site. 

Swimming: The 500-foot sand beach is open from late May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to sunset. Please read and follow posted rules for swimming. Swim at your own risk.

Food and Refreshment Concession: The concession is in the day use area and serves many snacks and sandwiches. It also has ice, charcoal and other camper supplies. The concession is open Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. 

Hunting and Firearms: About 630 acres are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, turkey and squirrel. The park land borders Buchanan State Forest, which is open to hunting, trapping and dog training.

Hunting woodchucks, also known as ground hogs, 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. 

Boating: electric motors only

There are two boat launches and 46 mooring spaces on 42-acre Cowans Gap Lake. A boating concession in the day use area rents rowboats, kayaks and paddle boats and is open daily in the summer.

Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks that are available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

For complete information on boating rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site. 

Hiking: 11 miles of trails

Trails vary in difficulty from flat to very steep. Explore Trails for more information.

Stay the Night

Camping: modern sites, some with electric

Cowans Gap has 201 campsites in two areas. The camping area has a sanitary dump station and modern comfort stations with flush toilets and hot showers. The campsites can accommodate campers from a small tent to a large motor home. Seven walk-in tent sites are adjacent to Camping Area B. An overnight courtesy boat mooring area is provided for registered campers during their stay at the park. The camping area is open from the second Friday of April until the day following deer season in December. Pets are permitted on designated sites.

Explore the campground map.
Explore camping for more information. 

Make a reservation

Free Camping for Campground Hosts: two host positions in the modern campground

The campground host sites amenities include 50-amp electric service with water hookup at one site. Hosts are required to assist park personnel 40 hours per week, five (5) days a week; provide information to visitors; post all sites daily with permits; and clean fire rings. Contact the park office for additional information and availability. 

Cabins: Ten rustic cabins are available during the spring, summer and fall. The three-room cabins have a four-person overnight capacity and contain a refrigerator, stove, inside fireplace and two bunk beds. There is no indoor plumbing in the cabins. A water faucet is outside. A central comfort station has showers and flush toilets.

Explore the cabin map. 

Organized Group Tenting: This camping area holds organized groups of up to forty people. The area has a modern restroom with flush toilets and is open from the second Friday of April to the third Sunday in October.

Explore organized group tenting for more information.

Winter Activities

Explore the Winter Report for current snow and ice depths. 

Ice Fishing: The 42-acre Cowans Gap Lake is open for ice fishing except for the ice skating area. Ice thickness is monitored only in the ice skating area. For your safety, be sure the ice is four inches thick and carry safety equipment. 

Ice Skating: A section of the lake by the beach is available exclusively for ice skating. Ice thickness is monitored in the beach area. 

Cross-country Skiing: Closed park roads and some of the hiking trails are suitable for cross-country skiing.

Environmental Education and Interpretation

The park offers a wide variety of environmental education and interpretive programs. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources.

Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to schools and youth groups. Teacher workshops are available. Group programs must be arranged in advance and may be scheduled by calling the park office. Programs are offered April to November. Contact the park office for more detailed information.

Explore the Calendar of Events for a listing of events from today forward.
Explore environmental education and interpretation for more information.

Access for People with Disabilities

The park facilities for use by people with disabilities include picnic areas, campground, cabins, parking and a fishing pier. Restrooms in these areas are designated with the symbol for accessibility. A special vehicle permit is issued at the park office to give access to areas of the park not open to vehicles.

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, please contact the Fulton County Tourist Promotion Agency. www.fultoncountypa.com and

The Alleghenies www.thealleghenies.com.

Buchanan’s Birthplace State Park is the birthplace of James Buchanan, 15th President of the United States and the only Pennsylvanian to ever occupy the office of president. The park is in the foothills of the Tuscarora Mountains on the western side of the Cumberland Valley, seven miles north of US 30.

The 75,000-acre Buchanan State Forest is adjacent to Cowans Gap and has hiking, fishing, hunting and general recreation. 717-485-3148

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:
Fulton County Medical Center
214 Peach Orchard Road
McConnellsburg, PA 17233

For More Information Contact

Cowans Gap State Park
6235 Aughwick Road
Fort Loudon, PA 17224-9801
717-485-3948
Manager: Stephen Behe

E-mail: cowansgapsp@state.pa.us
An equal opportunity employer

Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations.

Standing Stone Trail and Greenwood Furnace State Park

Nestled in the mountains of northeastern Huntingdon County, historic Greenwood Furnace State Park offers a unique recreational experience. The park is on the western edge of an area of Central Pennsylvania known as the Seven Mountains. It is an area of rugged beauty, abundant wildlife, breathtaking vistas and peaceful solitude.

The park covers 423 acres, including a six-acre lake, and is surrounded by an 80,000-acre block of Rothrock State Forest. The park office is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday year-round, and daily during the summer season.

A walk through historic Greenwood Furnace evokes images of the community that flourished here from 1834 to 1904. Greenwood Furnace was a busy industrial complex, with all the noise and dirt of a 19th century ironmaking community. The village throbbed with life: the roaring of furnace stacks, the shouts of the workmen, the hissing of the steam engine, the creaking of wagons loaded with charcoal, and the cast house whistle signaling another pour of molten iron. The furnaces were hot (3,000 degrees Fahrenheit) and cast clouds of smoke and cinders into the air, which rained down on grass, people, livestock and buildings, rendering everything sooty and gray. At night, the fire’s red glow lit the sky, probably allowing residents to walk about without lanterns. Greenwood Furnace was a village built around an inferno.

Directions

The entrance to the park is on PA 305; a 10-minute drive west of Belleville or a 35-minute drive southeast of State College.

Recreational Opportunities

Camping: modern sites, some with electricity

Forty-nine (49) tent and trailer campsites and two walk-in sites are open from the second Friday in April until the end of October. Forty-four (44) campsites have either 30 or 50 amp electric hookups. A washhouse has flush toilets, hot showers and dishwashing sinks. Pets are permitted at designated campsites. Pets are permitted on designated sites.

Trailers and motor homes may use a convenient, sanitary dump station at the campground entrance. The maximum stay is 14 days during the summer season and 21 days during the off-season. Campers must vacate the park for 48 hours between stays.

Explore the campground map.
Explore camping for more information.

Make a reservation

Free Camping for Campground Hosts: one host position in the modern campground

The campground host site amenities include 50-amp electric service, with water and sewer hookup. Firewood is provided. Hosts are required to assist park personnel for 40 hours per week with a four (4) week minimum stay. Responsibilities include posting camping permits, performing light maintenance, and overseeing the self-serve firewood/ice concession. Contact the park office for additional information and availability.

Swimming: A 300-foot sand beach is open from May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to sunset. Swim at your own risk. Please read and follow posted rules. A dressing area, snack bar and restroom are nearby.

Fishing: The six-acre Greenwood Lake is regularly stocked with trout. Ice fishing is permitted. All Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission laws and regulations apply.

For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site. 

Hunting and Firearms: About 320 acres are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, turkey and grouse. Special state park hunting regulations and Pennsylvania Game Commission laws apply. Most of the adjacent Rothrock State Forest lands are open to 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.

Picnicking: Picnic tables and eight reservable picnic pavilions are in a spruce and pine grove setting close to the beach. Unreserved pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis. A playground, snack bar, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts and a ball field make this area popular for picnics and reunions.

Snack Bar: A food and refreshment concession near the beach serves visitors in the summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend.

Orienteering: The self-guiding course starts across the road from the Visitor Center/Park Office. Maps of the course are available at the Visitor Center/Park Office.

Hiking: Many trails within the park and surrounding state forest offer hikers scenic views and glimpses of historical ruins from the 1800s ironmaking community. Explore Trails for trail descriptions.

Boating: Non-motorized canoes and kayaks may be used on Greenwood Lake.

Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks that are available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Winter Activities: Ice skating is popular on the lake. The park serves as a snowmobiling trailhead after the end of deer season in December. Several miles of ungroomed cross-country ski trails are in the park and on adjacent state forest lands. Parking, restrooms and picnic facilities are available at the park. Additional designated parking areas are within the state forest. Trail maps are available at the park office or state forest office. Explore the Winter Report for current snow and ice depths.

Environmental and Historical Interpretation

Year-round interpretive programming makes a visit to Greenwood Furnace an interesting educational experience. Archeological work and extensive research has done much to uncover not only the physical plant, but also the social structure of the community. Guided walks, living history and evening programs interpret much of the natural and historic resources of the park.

Programs for school and civic groups are offered by appointment. School programs are offered free and are custom-tailored to meet the teacher’s educational needs. PA Act 48-credit teacher workshops are offered. Contact the park office for details.

Explore the Calendar of Events for a listing of events from today forward.
Explore environmental education and interpretation for more information.

Greenwood Historic Walking Tour: Greenwood Furnace was once a thriving iron-making village. Today, only a handful of its original 127 buildings remain. This walking tour explores a portion of the historic district and includes parts of the town, tramway, historic roads and charcoal hearths. A free guide to the historic district is available at the park office.

Blacksmith Shop: This furnace-era building houses additional displays on the ironworks and serves as a base for many of the park’s educational programs. It is open weekends and holidays in the summer months.

Visitor Center and Gift Shop: In the park office, the visitor center is open Monday through Friday most of the year, and daily in the summer months. The visitor center has displays on the former ironmaking community. The gift shop sells a variety of items, including T-shirts and sweatshirts, park memorabilia, historical and nature books, children’s nature books and a variety of field guides for the novice and serious wildlife watcher. Proceeds benefit Pennsylvania State Parks.

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.

Wildlife

Wildlife is abundant in the area. The alert observer may see white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, ruffed grouse and many species of small animals. Duck, great blue heron and occasionally osprey visit the lake. At dusk in late May and June, whip-poor-will sing their unique call.

Feeding wild animals such as bear, raccoon, duck, goose, and skunk is strongly discouraged. When wildlife loses its fear of people, these animals become pests and dangerous situations can result. Please help in maintaining healthy wildlife populations by not feeding the animals.

Dog Town Trail

Total Elevation:	563'
Trail Length:	2.8 miles
Hike Time:	1.5 hours
Hike Type:	Loop

The Greenwood Furnace State Park is located within Rothrock State Forest. Located at this state park are the remnants of the "Age of Iron" with the iron smelting furnace and various other buildings needed to support such an endeavor. Also at the park is a small lake for fishing and swimming and of course a number of hiking trails. On this particular outing I guided a group of teenagers that were part of the Mifflin County Envirothon group, which happened to include my son. I was happy to take him and his friends on a hike into the woods to not only enjoy nature but give them the opportunity to brush up on their floral and fauna identification skills.

The trailhead for this hike is located at the parking area near the park office. The easiest way to get to the trailhead is to come from either Huntingdon or State College. If you are coming from Huntingdon, you'll want to head north on route PA26. If coming from State College, you'll want to head south on route PA26. Coming from either direction, you will want to turn off of route PA26 onto route PA305 once you enter the town of McAlevys Fort. You'll head east on route PA305 towards Greenwood Furnace State Park. Once you travel for approximately 4.7 miles you'll find yourself within the park as the road passes just south of the dam and the Greenwood Furnace lake. Travel another quarter of a mile and turn left, parking in the lot near the park office.

As I mentioned, I lead this hike accompanied by my son and some of his fellow classmates. They were members of the Mifflin County Enirothon team and wanted an opportunity to brush up on their skills in identifying trees and plants in the woods. We had a small picnic at the park and after cleaning up we headed out on this short circuit hike.

Leaving the parking lot at the park office, we headed down a paved path that skirted the right side of the park office. In about a tenth of a mile we crossed the East Branch of the Standing Stone Creek. This is the stream the feeds the small lake located in the park. Shortly after crossing the stream the paved path ended and we followed the paved Broad Mountain Road for another tenth of a mile.

At about a quarter of mile into the hike we beared right off the road and started hiking on the single track Chestnut Spring Trail. The trail had a bit of a climb to it but we only ascended 150 feet over the next two tenths of a mile.

At 0.6 miles the Chestnut Spring Trail crossed Broad Mountain Road. Shortly after the crossing we came upon an intersection, with Chestnut Spring Trail continuing off to our left. The trail to the right, the one we followed, was either Dog Town Trail, Brush Ridge Trail, or just an un-named connecting trail, I am not certain. Regardless, we went right at the intersection, ascending a bit, and then coming upon a gated, dirt road after about 1000 feet of trail.

Looking upstream as we cross the East Branch of Standing Stone Creek.

We turned left on the road and passed the gate on what was now Dog Town Trail. Dog Town Trail is a multi-use trail, usable for hiking, biking, and equestrian, including snow mobiles in the winter months. At 0.7 miles there was another intersection with a clearing straight ahead but with the Dog Town Trail turning to the right. We skirted around the edge of the clearing and then turned left at another intersection at 0.8 miles. Continuing straight was Brush Ridge Trail.

After the left turn we reached the highest part of the hike, positioned above the clearing that we saw earlier. This afforded us a nice view across the valley towards Stone Mountain in the distance. We paused here a bit to enjoy the view before continuing on with our hike.

The trail descended steeply along the edge of the clearing an reentered the woods. At a bit past 0.9 miles the trail turned to the right and leveled out. We now had an easy hike as we walked through the woods on the Dog Town Trail. To our left was a grove of pine trees with the ridge and broad leafed trees on our right. After a half mile the trail made a turn to the left and began a descent towards route PA305.

We reached route PA305 1.5 miles into the hike. Crossing the road we continued our descent towards the East Branch of Standing Stone Creek. At 1.6 miles we crossed the creek on a very sturdy foot bridge. Another 0.1 miles had us entering the back side of the camping area at Greenwood Furnace State Park.
We walked along the paved road through the camping area and turned left on Turkey Hill Road at 2.1 miles into the hike. We continued on Turkey Hill Road as it headed towards route PA305. Prior to reach that intersection we took a moment to explore the old cemetery here. Many of the graves here date back to the mid to late 1800s. After paying our respects, we crossed route PA305, two and quarter miles into the hike.

We followed the pave walkways through the park along the east side of lake. We crossed a small bridge at 2.4 miles and then continued on across the picnic area until we reached Broad Mountain Road. Turning right here we followed the previously hiked paved path back towards the park office and our waiting cars.
This short circuit hike is a great way to explore the forest near Greenwood Furnace State Park. If you have are having a picnic at the park or camping here, consider this hike as a way to enjoy the woods and see what all Greenwood Furnace State Park has to offer.

Standing Stone Trail

The Standing Stone Trail (SST) traverses through some of Pennsylvania’s most scenic terrain, and now holds the distinction of being part of the rapidly evolving Great Eastern Trail, which will soon connect Florida to New York. The Standing Stone Trail (SST) follows scenic, heavily wooded ridgelines in Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Fulton counties. Its features include the historic and popular Thousand Steps day hike, the spectacular vistas of Stone Mountain, and the jumbled sandstone pillars and sinkholes comprising Rocky Ridge Natural Area. At its southern terminus, the SST intersects the rugged Tuscarora Trail at the rustic and bucolic 1085-acre Cowans Gap State Park in Fulton County. Heading northward from the Cowans Gap 42-acre lake and beach area, the hiker up for challenges will trek along the SST through nearly 80 miles of gorgeous, mountainous terrain to the 423-acre Greenwood Furnace State Park with its six-acre lake. At this northern terminus, the trail connects with the Greenwood Spur of the Mid State Trail, which leads the adventuresome hiker to the Mid State Trail and the famous virgin white pines and hemlocks of Alan Seeger Natural Area.

For more details, check out www.hike-sst.org.

The northern terminus of the Standing Stone Trail is located in Greenwood Furnace State Park. A short distance from the park, the trail comes across the Stone Valley Vista. A loop hike can be made to see this vista and then return to the park via the Turkey Trail.

The Standing Stone Trail (SST) follows scenic ridgelines in Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Fulton counties: the south middle region of Pennsylvania's Tiltrock Country. Formerly known as "Link Trail" named for connecting Mid State Trail with Tuscarora Trail, Standing Stone Trail is a destination in its own right, offering Pennsylvania hikers and backpackers a link to dramatic scenery, wild plant and animal life, and compelling history.

The orange-blazed Standing Stone Trail is a 72-mile long main trail network with side trails. The northern terminus of the trail is at Greenwood Furnace State Park near McAlevys Fort, Pennsylvania. The southern end is a junction with Tuscarora Trail in Buchanan State Forest near Cowans Gap State Park. The SST uses both public (state park, state forest, state game land) and private lands.

Go to the link below for hikes along the Standing Stone Trail:

http://www.pahikes.com/trails/standing-stone-trail

Formerly known as “Link Trail” named for connecting Mid State Trail with Tuscarora Trail, Standing Stone Trail is a destination in its own right, offering Pennsylvania hikers and backpackers a link to dramatic scenery, wild plant and animal life, and compelling history. Standing Stone Trail links Greenwood Furnace State Park to Cowans Gap State Park through Rothrock State Forest, Rocky Ridge Natural Area, Martin Gap Natural Area, State Game Lands No. 112, No. 71, No. 99, and No. 81, and Buchanan State Forest.

The TRAIL was first laid out between 1978 & 1982. The original route was 68.1 miles in length. Over time the forest encroached on the original clearing. Extensive work has been done since the mid-1990’s to rehabilitate the trail and continues as SST takes its place in the Great Eastern Trail footpath network from Alabama to New York. The TRAIL runs through Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Fulton Counties in Central Pennsylvania. The trail can be reached within four hours or so from anywhere in Pennsylvania, and the Washington D.C. area. It is a north-south trail with its northern terminus at Greenwood Furnace State Park.

On its journey south the trail makes use of vast tracts of State owned land. You will travel through four State Game Lands, two State Forests and one Natural Area. Its southern terminus is Cowans Gap State Park. The route links the Mid State Trail to the Tuscarora Trail. Hence the original name LINK TRAIL.

The SST makes use of many of the old logging trails, log slides and railroad grades that were used to take the logs to the colliers’ camps where it was turned into charcoal and then carted to the furnaces and used as fuel to melt the iron ore. The trail will take you by more than 70 charcoal flats, and the remains of at least one logging camp.

Greenwood Furnace was one of these iron furnaces, Established in the mid 1800’s, it was also one of the last to shut down. As a result the old furnace along with many of its support buildings still stand. The trail head is near the old furnace. The hiker may get a better understanding of the whole process of making iron by a visit to the Park. I recommend the short hike known as the Collier’s Trail, located in the Greenwood Furnace State Park.

Another major point of interest and perhaps the highlight of the trail is the Thousand Steps ( actually there are almost 1100).

The next to last historical point on the trail, is a small stretch of railroad grade known as Vanderbilt’s Folly. During the late 1890’s William Vanderbilt decided to set up a competitive railroad with the powerful Pennsylvania Railroad. He proceeded to dig several tunnels through the mountains and smooth out a grade and install culverts and bridges. However the project failed and was never completed. Years later most of the right of ways and the tunnels were paved to form the Pennsylvania. Turnpike.

Finally the last quarter mile of the trail uses a small portion of Forbes Road. During the French and Indian War, British troops, under the command of General John Forbes, used this road in their campaign to capture Fort Duquesne (Pittsburgh) from the French.

So you see a hike on the Standing Stone Trail is a hike that will take you back in time from the 1700’s, the 1930’s, and to today. This historical trip is done by using a most interesting route traversing rugged mountains with many vistas, to gentle sloping benches covered with blueberry bushes. Elevations run from a low 660 feet to a 2283 foot high point at Raven’s View on Jack’s Mountain. Yet, the trail is not considered an up – down trail. Once the hiker is on top of a mountain he will stay up for several miles before dropping back down into a valley crossing.

 

Nearby State Parks and Forests

Whipple Dam State Park: This day use park has swimming, boating, picnicking, fishing, boat rentals in the summer and the 22-acre Whipple Lake. The upper end of the lake is wetlands that are best accessed by canoe. A variety of waterfowl and wildlife can be seen in the park.

Penn-Roosevelt State Park: Located in the heart of the western section of the Seven Mountains and surrounded by a large block of Rothrock State Forest, Penn Roosevelt is for people who like to get away from civilization and back to nature. The small lake is built in a natural depression known as Stone Creek Kettle. Ruins of the former African-American Civilian Conservation Corps camp can be found in the park.

For more information on Whipple Dam and Penn-Roosevelt state parks, contact the Greenwood Furnace State Park office.

Rothrock State Forest: All three state parks serve as a base for an 80,000-acre block of Rothrock State Forest. The forest is accessible from public highways at more than 27 points and contains over 200 miles of roads. The forest is crisscrossed with numerous hiking trails. The state forest offers; hiking, backpack overnight camping, birding, wildlife photography, hunting and fishing (in season), horseback riding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, auto touring, and other activities. 814-643 2340

Nearby Attractions

For information on nearby attractions, contact these agencies: Huntingdon County Visitor’s Bureau, 888-RAYSTOWN, www.raystown.org

Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, 877-568-9739, www.juniatarivervalley.org

The Alleghenies www.thealleghenies.com.

Belleville and Big Valley: Five miles over the mountain is the beautiful Big Valley and the village of Belleville, home to several Amish and Mennonite communities. Most tend small farms in this fertile, limestone valley and travel using horse and buggy. One of the best times to visit the valley is on Wednesdays, when the valley turns into a seven-mile long flea market and livestock auction.

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

Lewistown Hospital, Lewistown, Pa. (14 miles) Located 0.25 mile off the Electric Avenue Exit of US 322 (east); follow hospital signs.

717-248-5411

For More Information Contact

Greenwood Furnace State Park
15795 Greenwood Road
Huntingdon, PA 16652-5831
814-667-1800
Manager: Don Coine

E-mail: greenwoodfurnacesp@state.pa.us
An equal opportunity employer

Pine Grove Furnace State Park

Steeped in natural and historical features, the 696-acre Pine Grove Furnace State Park is in a beautiful mountain setting in southern Cumberland County. Surrounded by Michaux State Forest, Pine Grove Furnace features two lakes, 25-acre Laurel Lake and 1.7-acre Fuller Lake, a historic area and the Appalachian Trail.

Explore

Directions - Weather - Recreation - Stay the Night - Hiking - Winter Activities - Winter Report - Education - Calendar of Events - Accessibility - History - AT Museum - 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

11/23/2010 1:12:00 PM

Starting May 1, 2010 the Iron Master's Mansion (Youth Hostel) will be closed for renovations. The mansion is expected to reopen in the spring of 2011.

11/23/2010 1:09:00 PM

The Charcoal Hearth Family Campground will be closing for the season on Sunday, December 12th. The campground will reopen for the 2011 season on Friday, April 1st.

Directions

The park is easily reached from I-81. Visitors should take Exit 37 to PA 233 south then travel for eight miles.

Recreational Opportunities

Hiking - Biking - Picnicking - Swimming - Boating - Fishing - Hunting - Wildlife Watching - Cross-country Skiing - Snowmobiling - Ice Sports - Organized Group Tenting - Cabin - Camping

Picnicking: Many picnic tables are scattered in several locations of the park. Charcoal grills, drinking water and restrooms are available. Two picnic pavilions (seating 80 and 140) may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis. Make a reservation

Boating: electric motors only
Boating is permitted only on the 25-acre Laurel Lake, which has a boat launch, 85 mooring spaces and a boat rental.

Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks that are available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

For complete information on boating rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Fishing: The common fish in the 25-acre Laurel Lake and the smaller 1.7-acre Fuller Lake are pickerel, perch and stocked trout. Mountain Creek, which flows through the park, has brown, brook and rainbow trout. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations apply.

For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Biking: All park roads and service roads are open to bicycles unless posted otherwise. A two-mile bike trail connects the Furnace Stack Day Use Area with Laurel Lake Day Use Area. Bicyclists are advised to use caution because all trails are shared with pedestrian traffic and some are open to motor vehicles. Pennsylvania state law requires all bicyclists under the age of 12 to wear an approved helmet.

Hunting and Firearms: Over 75 acres are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, turkey, rabbit, pheasant and squirrel.

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.

Swimming: Two beaches are open from May 1 to September 30, 8 a.m. to sunset. Laurel Beach is swim at your own risk. Fuller Beach is open from late-May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to sunset. Lifeguards are on duty from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily unless otherwise posted. Please follow posted rules for swimming when lifeguards are off duty.

Swimmers at Laurel Lake and especially at Fuller Lake are advised to exercise caution because of the extreme depths and cold subsurface waters.

In the summer season, a snack bar is available at each beach.

Hiking: Pine Grove Furnace State Park has four miles of trails, and connections to longer trails, like the Appalachian Trail. Explore Trails for detailed trail descriptions.

Stay the Night

Camping: showers and flush toilets
70 tent and trailer sites are available from the openeing of trout season in spring to the close of rifle deer hunting season. Access cannot be guaranteed in severe winter weather. A sanitary dump station is near the campground entrance. A seasonal camp store is 0.25-mile from the campground. Pets are permitted on designated sites for a fee.

Explore the campground map.

Explore camping for more information.

Make a reservation

Free Camping for Campground Hosts: one host position in the modern campground
The campground host site has amenities that include 50-amp electric service and water hookup. The host is required to assist park personnel for 40 hours per week with a two-week minimum stay. Contact the park office for additional information and availability.

Paymasters Cabin: This historic house is available for rent year-round as a modern cabin. The cabin sleeps six people and is near the camp store. Guests should bring all essentials like sheets, linens and dishes. Modern cabin prices apply.

Explore cabins for more information.

Make a reservation

Organized Group Tenting: Organized adult or youth groups may reserve the rustic area year-round. The area is divided into six separate sites with capacities varying from 35 to 50 people each, or the entire camp can be reserved. The sites are in a wooded area surrounding an open playfield.

Explore organized group tenting for more information.

Winter Activities

Ice Sports: At Laurel Lake, a small area by the boat launch is maintained for ice-skating. Ice fishing is permitted in the rest of the lake. Ice thickness is not monitored except in the designated skating area. For your safety, be sure the ice is at least four inches thick and carry safety equipment.

Ice sports are prohibited on Fuller Lake.

Explore the Winter Report for current snow and ice depths.

Cross-country Skiing: Nordic skiers can enjoy the use of the railroad grade when snow conditions allow. Although no trails are specifically designated for cross-country skiing, numerous opportunities exist, especially during winters with heavy snowfalls, both within the park and on the surrounding state forest lands.

Snowmobiling: A trailhead parking area on nearby state forest land provides parking for vehicles and snowmobile trailers, and access to many miles of trails on state forest lands. Maps of the trails are available at the park office.

Educational Opportunities

The ADA accessible park interpretive center has exhibits on the historic charcoal iron furnace community, which flourished here for over one hundred and thirty years. The center is open in the summer season.

A park interpretor provides a full range of hikes, programs, demonstrations and activities for visitors during the summer season. School programs are available upon request.

Explore the Calendar of Events for a listing of events from today forward.

Explore environmental education and interpretation for more information.

Appalachian Trail Museum

The Appalachian Trail Museum is located in the Old Mill Building at 1120 Pine Grove Road (along PA 233) between Pine Grove Furnace Park office and the Pine Grove General Store. Museum exhibits and programs pay tribute to the pioneer trail builders and hikers including Earl Shaffer, Grandma Gatewood, Gene Espy and Ed Garvey, and their commitment to fitness and conservation. The Children’s Discovery Area provides fun, hands-on learning experiences. The Museum is near the midpoint of the 2,179 mile Appalachian Trail, a National Scenic Trail that goes through 14 states from Georgia to Maine. The Museum welcomes newcomers to the A.T. as well as veteran hikers and frequently offers an opportunity to meet current long distance hikers.

The Museum is open from noon to 4 p.m. seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day and noon to 4 p.m. on weekends in the spring and fall. The Museum is closed from Nov. 1 to March 31. Admission is free of charge although donations are welcomed. Parking for the Museum is adjacent to the Furnace Stack Picnic Pavilion. 717-486-8126. www.atmuseum.org

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.

Wildlife Watching

The diverse habitats of Pine Grove Furnace State Park support a variety of wildlife through all seasons. The historic use of the area during the iron furnace period created a varied combination of open areas, wetlands, and vegetation that make the area unique to wildlife.

Spring and fall is the time of bird migrations. Pine Grove Furnace State Park is an area of forest with interspersed ponds and wetlands and is a rest stop for many migrating forest birds. Warblers, vireos and thrushes stop to rest and eat before flying on to their breeding or winter homes.

Laurel Lake and its shoreline wetlands are a beacon that lures waterfowl. Merganser, Canada goose, mallard, loon, teal and many other ducks can be seen swimming, diving and dabbling for vegetation and small fish. Wild turkey and woodcock call from open areas.

Winter is a good time to see woodpeckers and evidence of their presence. Pine Grove Furnace has at least six species of woodpeckers.

Summer is the time of lush green vegetation and growing young animals. In thickets and along roads, watch for spotted fawns and frantic bluebirds searching for food to feed their hungry chicks. Butterflies reach their peak numbers and can be seen floating from flower to flower in the fields and wetlands.

In the fall, the deciduous trees lose their chlorophyll and their leaves reveal beautiful reds, oranges and yellows. This is a time that many animals are preparing for the winter season ahead. There is a growing population of black bears in the area and visitors may see one putting on weight for the winter hibernation. Beavers may be seen working on lodges and dams in the upper channels of Laurel Lake at twilight.

Nearby Attractions

For information on nearby attractions, contact: Cumberland Valley Visitor Bureau, www.visitcumberlandvalley.com.

Gettysburg Convention and Visitors Bureau. www.gettysburg.com

Kings Gap Environmental Education Center: Kings Gap offers environmental education programs from the pre-school environmental awareness program to environmental problem solving programs. 717-486-5031

Michaux State Forest: This 85,000-acre forest surrounds the park and offers general recreation like hunting, fishing and hiking. 717-352-2211

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:
Carlisle Regional Medical Center
361 Alexander Spring Road
Carlisle, PA 17013
717-249-1212

For More Information Contact

Pine Grove Furnace State Park
1100 Pine Grove Road
Gardners, PA 17324
717-486-7174
Manager: Jason Zimmerman

E-mail: pinegrovesp@state.pa.us
An equal opportunity employer

Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations.

Fowlers Hollow State Park

Directions - Weather - Recreation - Winter Report - Accessibility - History - Nearby Attractions - Volunteers - Rules and Regs - In an Emergency - Contact Us - Downloadables and Maps

The 104-acre Fowlers Hollow State Park is in a narrow valley created by Fowler Hollow Run. The park is on the edge of Tuscarora State Forest at the intersection of several multi-use trails. The campground of the park is a good base for adventures into the huge tract of public land.

ATTENTION CAMPERS - Advanced reservations can be made for all campsites from the Thursday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis for dates that fall outside of this time period by using the honor system envelop.

Directions

The park can be reached from Blain by turning south from PA 274 at the east end of town, then go one-quarter-mile, turn right over the bridge. The park can also be reached from PA 274 west of New Germantown on Upper Buck Ridge Road. For GPS, use the following address: 5700 Fowler Hollow Road Blain, PA 17006.

Recreational Opportunities

Hiking - Trail Biking - Horseback Riding - Picnicking - Fishing - Hunting - Cross-country Skiing - Snowmobiling - Camping


Fishing: Fowler Hollow Run traverses the park and provides trout fishing. The stream receives a pre-season stocking of brook trout.

For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.


Picnicking: Picnic tables and a limited number of grills are available in a wooded setting. A large play field is nearby. The one picnic pavilion may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. If unreserved, the picnic pavilion is free on a first-come, first-served basis.


Make a reservation


Mountain Biking: Alfarata and Beaston trails, which are extensive trails in Tuscarora State Forest, meet in Fowlers Hollow State Park. Mountain biking is also permitted on park roads.


Horseback Riding: Alfarata and Beaston trails, which are extensive trails in Tuscarora State Forest, meet in Fowlers Hollow State Park.


Hiking: There are miles of trails throughout Tuscarora State forest. Fowlers Hollow State Park is a trailhead for a variety of hiking trails within and connecting to the trail system of the Tuscarora State Forest. The Tuscarora Trail is nearby. Be sure to acquire a Tuscarora State Forest Public Use Map before hiking on forest lands.


Hunting: Hunting is permitted on adjacent state forest lands. Terrain is moderately hilly to mountainous and favors turkey and deer.


Camping: rustic sites

Twelve campsites with electric hookups and six walk-in tent sites are available from mid-April to Mid-December. All campsites have a picnic table and fire ring. There are flush toilets, water spigot and
sanitary dump station, but no showers. Pets are permitted.

Explore the campground map.

Explore camping for more information.


Make a reservation

Free Camping for Campground Hosts: one host position in the rustic campground

The campground host sites amenities include 50-amp electric service. Hosts are required to assist park personnel Friday through Sunday and those holidays occurring on Monday. A two week minimum stay is required, but would prefer a one month stay. Responsibilities include assisting with light maintenance and housekeeping. Contact the park office for additional information and availability.

Winter Activities

Explore the Winter Report for current snow and ice depths.


Cross-country Skiing: There are two miles of designated trail southwest of the campground. Skiing is also permitted in all areas of the park.


Snowmobiling: Fowlers Hollow has parking and a restroom. It serves as a trailhead to the 46-mile trail network in Tuscarora State Forest. Snowmobiles may be operated on designated trails and roads from the day following the last deer season in December until April 1, weather permitting.

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.

History

In 1901, the Perry Lumber Company began logging operations in the area by building a narrow gauge logging railroad along the unused Path Valley Railroad grade from New Germantown to what is now Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area. The railroad then expanded south into Bowman Hollow and around the end of Rising Mountain into what is now Fowlers Hollow State Park. The company engine was named the Alfarata after the American Indian princess in the poem the Blue Juniata.

The company did not have a large, stationary sawmill, but used five portable sawmills, one of which was used in Fowlers Hollow. The loggers cut lumber and shipped hemlock bark to the Newport Extract Plant.
By 1905, the lumber was exhausted and the Perry Lumber Company sold all of its equipment. In 1907, the company sold 2,573 acres to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

In the early 1930s, unemployed local men, through the Works Progress Administration (WPA), constructed many of the facilities in Fowlers Hollow State Park.

Nearby Attractions

For more information on nearby attractions, contact: Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau, www.hersheyharrisburg.org.

Colonel Denning State Park: This quaint park offers camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, picnicking, hunting, cross-country skiing and ice skating and is in the scenic Doubling Gap along PA 233.

Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area: The 45-acre Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area is 5.5 miles southwest of New Germantown, along PA 274. Tucked in the side of Conococheague Mountain, the picnic area is a quaint picnic and hiking area. A short loop trail leads to a partially completed railroad tunnel with historic interpretation at the trailhead. The picnic area also provides access to the Iron Horse Trail for day and overnight hiking.

Tuscarora State Forest: The 91,000-acre forest is open to hunting, fishing, mountain biking, snowmobiling and general recreation. Four miles east of the park is the Hemlocks State Forest Natural Area, an old growth stand of our state tree. The National Park Service designated the Hemlocks area as a National Natural Landmark in 1973. 717-536-3191

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:
Carlisle Regional Medical Service
45 Sprint Drive
Carlisle, PA 17013
717-249-1212

For More Information Contact:

Fowlers Hollow State Park
c/o Colonel Denning
Newville, PA 17241-9756
717-776-5272
Manager: Ryan Donovan

E-mail: coloneldenningsp@state.pa.us
An equal opportunity employer

Rocky Gap State Park

Rocky Gap State Park is located in Western Maryland’s Allegany County. The park encompasses over 3,000 acres of public land for visitors to enjoy.

Rugged mountains surround the park, featuring 243-acre Lake Habeeb. The lake is fed by Rocky Gap Run, which winds its way through an impressive mile-long gorge, displaying sheer cliffs, overlooks and a hemlock forest dense with rhododendron and mountain laurel. Overlooking the lake is Evitt’s Mountain, named for one of the first European settlers in Allegany County.

Rocky Gap State Park Day Use Renovation -- Renovation of day use facilities is underway and is expected to last for at least one calendar year. During that time, day use facilities will be closed nightly from dusk until dawn. Temporary restroom and shower facilities are available.

Pet Policy

The Maryland Park Service is pleased to announce a revised Pet Policy effective April 9, 2010. The new policy offers expanded opportunities for pet owners to visit and enjoy their State Parks, while continuing to emphasize the importance of following the rules of responsible pet ownership when using public spaces.

Pets are allowed in Rocky Gap State Park in the following areas:

• Pets are allowed on trails outside day-use area
• Pets are allowed in Ash, Birch, Chestnut and Dogwood camp loops and common areas of campground
• Pets allowed in lake except for sandy portion of swimming beach areas
• Pets allowed year-round in Clover Hill day-use area
• Pets allowed in all day-use areas after Labor Day to Memorial Day weekend

Park History

According to legend, Jacob Evart was the first white, European (Englishman) settler to come to what is now known as Allegany County. He settled on top of the mountain that overlooks Rocky Gap. According to the story, Mr. Evart (the mountain is named Evitt’s Mountain), around 1730, moved to the wildlands of Western Maryland after suffering a disappointing relationship. Also named for Mr. Evart is the creek that Rocky Gap’s water ultimately empties into – Evitt’s Creek. The “Homesite Trail” leads hikers to the top of the mountain where Mr. Evart’s home once stood. Remains of a well are all that is left, today.

Just 100 feet into the woods from the road to the Touch of Nature Parking Lot is the Lemel Bucy Family Cemetery. The Bucy Cemetery is an excellent example of a 19th Century rural cemetery. Originally owned by Caleb Luman, the land was sold to Lemel Bucy, whose family used the cemetery during the 1800’s, until the property was sold in 1900. The parcel of land passed through five owners before the Maryland Commission of Forests and Parks purchased it in 1964. The cemetery features many Civil War era stones, including for two children who perished only days apart.

The day use area of Rocky Gap State Park is situated on the former Clover Hill Farm, a dairy farm that was owned and operated by the McLuckie Family throughout most of the 1900’s, until just before the park was established. Until 1998, the original Clover Hill barn stood just off of the Exit 50 ramp, at the park’s entrance. The McLuckie’s purchased 162 acres of land from Mr. Thomas Pownell, who had purchased a much larger tract of farmland that had been known as the Bretz Farm and encompassed much of present day Rocky Gap. At the time, portions of the land were known as “Clover Hill,” “Pleasant Valley,” and “Great Friendship.”

Mr. Edward Habeeb (pronounced Hay-Bib), President of the Route 40 Association, donated land to be established as a state park. He, along with approximately 40 other land owners, provided land and many were compensated $10.00 for their land, with the understanding that a park would be built on the property. The McLuckie Family was paid $100,000.00 for their portion of the land. Mr. Habeeb was a nearby resident. Although he was born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1895, he came to Allegany County in 1913, first settling in Westernport, before opening a florist business in Piedmont, and ultimately moving his business to what became Route 40 and is now Interstate 68. His home and business location still stand today, operated as “Rocky Gap Gifts,” to the left off of I-68, westbound. The shop is not associated with or owned by the State of Maryland or the park.

Pursuant to Senate Resolution 2 of the 1950 Special Session of the Maryland General Assembly, the Maryland State Planning Commission commissioned a recreational survey of Western Maryland. The idea of constructing a park at Rocky Gap was suggested to Senator Charles See, by the Lions Club, who then presented the proposal to the Director of the Department of Forest and Parks, Mr. Joseph Kaylor. The Route 40 Association was then organized to promote business and industry in Allegany County, through improved highways and a recreational facility at Rocky Gap. The organization, under the leadership of Mr. Habeeb, obtained the support of Governors Tawes and Mandel. The beginning phase involved the purchase of the McLuckie’s farm in December of 1963, after which another 2,212 acres were acquired by December of 1966.

Rocky Gap State Park formally opened on July 17, 1974, in great part due to the efforts of Mr. Habeeb, for whom the park’s lake is named. In 1970, the dam was built by the Army Corps of Engineers to impound Rocky Gap Run and create Lake Habeeb. The 243-acre lake is typical of all Maryland lakes in that it requires a dam and is thus man-made. Maryland has no natural lakes. The park was dedicated on September 18, 1976. The campground opened to the public in 1978. Including the General Construction Loan of 1975, approximately $7.9 million was appropriated for land acquisition and development of Rocky Gap State Park.

From the beginning of the park’s development, there were plans for a golf course and hotel. The Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort came to fruition in 1998, with $33 million in private financing from a bond issue and $16 million in state funding. The Lodge & Resort features 220 rooms and an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.

Programs & Activities

Nature Center & Interpretive Programs

Rocky Gap State Park's interpretive programs are based out of the nature center. Throughout the summer, the nature center offers daily activities to educate visitors about natural and cultural resources and experience the exciting features of the outdoor environment.

Interpretive activities include nature hikes, talks, nature crafts, demonstrations, children's programs, campfire programs and special events. The Nature Center has open hours for visitors to explore the building and its many exhibits.

Group programs are also available upon request throughout the year and can be tailored to accommodate group needs. To learn more about the interpretive programs available, please contact Ranger Milbourne at 301-722-1487.

Aviary

“Scales and Tales” is an educational program using injured, non-releasable birds of prey and reptiles native to Maryland. Featured at the aviary are many birds that have been injured and cannot be released or have been raised in captivity and could not survive in the wild.

This one-of-a-kind program allows visitors the opportunity to view wildlife up close and hear the tales of how the animals became part of the program.

Our "Critter Encounter" program will bring our birds direct to your campsite. If you are looking for something unique at your next gathering, a Scales and Tales program can be scheduled as part of your special event. To check for program availability, scheduling or to receive information on program costs, please contact the park office at 301-722-1487 or email Ranger Milbourne.

Amphitheater

If you are looking for a place to host your outdoor wedding, reception, a small concert, or other special event, the amphitheater offers the perfect facility. The amphitheatre at Rocky Gap is available for daily rental. Applications for special events are available at the park office. Rocky Gap State Park is located just seven miles east of Cumberland, surrounded by mountains for the most breathtaking views and backdrop for your special event. Seating capacity is 3,000. The stage area is 42 feet x 60 feet of smooth finish, rose colored concrete. There is no overhead cover installed on the stage area. The service charge for daily rentals is $250.00 per day.

For more information on daily rentals of the amphitheatre at Rocky Gap State Park, please contact the park office at 301-722-1487.

Hunting Program

Rocky Gap is one of Maryland's many state parks that allow hunting activities for the public. At Rocky Gap there are 1,451 acres of land designated for hunting. This area can be accessed by walking from the parking area at the Touch of Nature Trailhead or by walking in from the campground or campground office.

A separate 300-acre tract of land between Pleasant Valley Road and I-68 offers bow only hunting. Parking is available at the park office and at the amphitheatre on Pleasant Valley Road.

Hunting areas are marked with signs and safety areas are posted. Please recognize all hunting regulations and safety precautions. Remember to keep all weapons unloaded and cased until you are within a designated hunting area. Hunters are asked to take into consideration that recreational trails do pass into the managed hunting areas. Rocky Gap State Park offers a distinct hunting program for individuals who possess a permit to hunt from a vehicle.

Pavilions

Rocky Gap offers four pavilions for rent. Pavilions are only available on a rental basis. All pavilions include a private restroom or one located in the immediate vicinity.

The Clover Hill pavilion is a small pavilion that accommodates up to 50 people and is located at the entranceway to Rocky Gap’s day use area.

White Pine Pavilion is nestled under a grove of white pine trees, situated above the public boat launch, overlooking Lake Habeeb. The pavilion is located along Pleasant Valley Road. White Pine Pavilion accommodates up to 125 people.

Lakeview Pavilion is located along Pleasant Valley Road and is in a private area with a large field available to users. The pavilion is situated on a slope above the lake. Lakeview Pavilion accommodates up to 125 people. The newest pavilion at Rocky Gap is located in the day use area, near the public beaches and across the lake from the Rocky Gap Lodge. The pavilion accommodates a maximum capacity of 80.

Pavilion reservations can be made by contacting the reservation center at 1-888-432-2267 or online at http://reservations.dnr.state.md.us

Camping & Cabins

Please be advised that on October 22, 23, 29 & 30 Rocky Gap is holding their annual Haunted Campground in the F loop from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. There will be a considerable amount of noise, traffic, and an elevated volume of campers. For additional information, please contact Rocky Gap Headquarters at 301-722-1480.

Rocky Gap offers 278 individual campsites, including 30 equipped with electric hook-ups. Full details of every campsite at Rocky Gap are available. The campground also features a dump station, centrally located bathhouses with hot water, a family group site, three youth group camping areas, one boat ramp, boat rentals, laundry facilities, a nature center, game room, private swimming beach and a camp store. Fourteen mini cabins, each with electric, bunk bed and a double bed, are available for rent. Pets are allowed in four designated camp loops.

The family group site offers visitors a location for many units and space for up to 40 people to camp together. The group site includes a two-story mini cabin with balcony, porch, and electric, as well as six electric hookups and a group fire ring. Access to two nearby bathhouse facilities is available. Rental of the group site is $225.00 per night, with no reduction for individual rentals.

Make a camping reservation online at http://reservations.dnr.state.md.us or call the reservation center for personal assistance at 1-888-432-2267.

Available for rent at Rocky Gap is a three bedroom, two-story Easter Hill Chalet that accommodates up to eight people. A completely furnished kitchen, wrap-around deck, fireplace, outdoor campfire area and grill make this an enjoyable vacation spot. The chalet is located in a forested, private area of the park, overlooking the lake.

The Chalet is available, out-of-season, on a two-night minimum basis for $175 per night. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, there is a seven-day minimum, from Saturday to Saturday.

The chalet can be reserved from October 1 through April 30, by contacting Rocky Gap State Park, at 301-722-1480. Reservations made from May 1 through September 30, can be made toll-free by contacting the reservation service at 1-888-432-2267. TTY users can call 1-866-804-7846.

Trails & Hiking

Rocky Gap offers a variety of hiking trails for guests to enjoy. The Lakeside Trail, a moderate 4.5 mile trail that encircles Lake Habeeb, offers hikers scenic beauty of the area. Crossing over four-foot bridges, trekking along the shoreline and winding through the woodlands are what makes this such a diverse trail.

A magnificent view of the one mile long gorge is the gift hikers will get when they reach the overlook on the one-quarter mile long Canyon Overlook Trail. This trail offers visitors a short but scenic hike.

“Rock hop” down into the canyon on the challenging five-mile long Evitt’s Homesite Trail and find yourself surrounded by hemlock, mountain laurel and rhododendron. Cross the small cascading stream on the footbridge and begin to climb Evitt’s Mountain, named for one of Allegany County’s first European settlers. This is an ambitious trail that climbs about 1,000 feet in elevation in 2.5 miles (5 miles round-trip). Plan to take water and a camera and spend a couple of hours hiking to the top of the mountain. This trail offers a great hike for those willing to take the challenge.

The one-quarter mile long Touch of Nature Trail offers hikers of all ability levels a fully accessible paved trail. Benches line the hemlock-edged path that leads to the fishing dock and connects with the Lakeside Trail.

Walk 100 feet into the woods from the road to the Touch of Nature Parking Lot, to visit the Lemel Bucy Family Cemetery. The Bucy Cemetery is an excellent example of a 19th Century rural cemetery. Originally owned by Caleb Luman, the land was sold to Lemel Bucy, whose family used the cemetery during the 1800’s, until the property was sold in 1900. The parcel of land passed through five owners before the Maryland Commission of Forests and Parks purchased it in 1964. The cemetery features many Civil War era stones, including for two children who perished only days apart.

• To purchase copies of the Rocky Gap State Park Trail Guide with a credit card, please "click" on this link to place your order online.
• To purchase copies of the Rocky Gap State Park Trail Guide with a check, please "click" on this link to print an order form.

Boating & Fishing

Rocky Gap State Park's Lake Habeeb offers year-round recreational opportunities. Boats are allowed on Lake Habeeb 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Navigational lights are required after sunset. Only electric powered motors are allowed on Lake Habeeb. Gasoline powered motors are prohibited. A public boat ramp is located within the park, along Pleasant Valley Road. Rental boats, including canoes and kayaks, are available in the day-use beach area and at the campground beach, for campground users.

Fishing is permitted 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The lake is home to panfish, trout, catfish and large and smallmouth bass. A valid Maryland Non-Tidal/Freshwater Fishing License is required for those 16 years of age and older.

To help maintain a healthy fish population, park volunteers have added artificial fish habitats throughout the lake. Brown trout and rainbow trout are stocked throughout the year.

To purchase a Maryland fishing license, call the licensing service center, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, at 1-800-918-2870. Callers may start fishing immediately with a confirmation number.

Volunteers & Internships

Members of the Volunteer Team (www.volunteerteam.org) have donated over 300,000 hours of service since the inception of the Team in 1992. The Volunteer Team sponsors and provides assistance for numerous special events for the public including the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Independence Day activities, a Memorial Day fun fair for children camping at Rocky Gap, a Labor Day corn roast, the haunted campground and the Mt. Reflections Christmas Light Display. On Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day weekends the Team also hosts campground karaoke for campers.

Support is provided to park and forest visitors on a continuing basis through the Camp Host and Volunteer Ranger programs. These volunteers are publicly visible and help to promote goodwill and understanding of the park to campers and visitors.

Volunteer schedules are very flexible. Volunteers may commit to a weekly or monthly schedule or help on an as-needed basis. No amount of time donated is too small. Many of the projects are scheduled for the evenings or on the weekends so that working volunteers and students may participate.

If you are interested in volunteering at Rocky Gap State Park, please call Ranger Norris at 301-722-1483.

Rocky Gap State Park offers a variety of unpaid internships for motivated students. Opportunities are available in several areas, including interpretation, volunteer management, office management, concession management, IT/website management, maintenance, special event coordination, marketing, natural resource management, trail management, grant writing, special operations, emergency services, Spanish language and cultural adaptations, park operations, and sports management.

Internships are available throughout the year and are unpaid. Students are expected to perform at least 150 hours of service, according to a flexible schedule. Internships may be conducted during block semesters, over the summer, or during the winter.

Interested applicants should send a resume, cover letter, and three character references to Ranger Milbourne. Applicants will be required to complete a volunteer application and student internship program application. The selection process will begin after all required materials are received and the applicant will be notified in advance of the requested internship. For additional internship information, please call 301-722-1487.

Rocky Gap Casino Resort

Rocky Gap Casino Resort is situated on the banks of Lake Habeeb in the center of Maryland’s Rocky Gap State Park. The AAA Four Diamond property offers many luxe amenities—including four restaurants and a casino—all surrounded by 3,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness.

• 24-hour casino with more than 600 slot machines, plus poker, blackjack, and roulette tables
• Room with a view: Spacious guest rooms and suites overlook either the mountains or the Jack Nicklaus–designed golf course.
• Dining options include the buffet-style Lakeside Restaurant, LB’s Place for casual dining, and Signatures Bar & Grill.
• Take a dip in the indoor pool or whirlpool, or head to the newly renovated spa for relaxing massages and facials.
• Casino credit offer one guest will receive $20 in slot-machine credit for the casino if they are new members signing up for the casino’s rewards club with purchase (only redeemable by purchaser of Groupon). Sign up is free.

Hotel and Casino Amenities

• 24-hour casino 
• Four restaurants 
• 18-hole golf course 
• Indoor pool and whirlpool 
• Full-service spa 
• Fitness center 
• Entertainment 
• Complimentary WiFi 
• Complimentary valet

Rocky Gap Casino Resort

Exit 50 off Interstate 68, Cumberland, MD
16701 Lakeview Road, Flintstone, MD 21530
Reservations: 1-800-724-0828 • Phone: 301-784-8400 • Fax: 301-784-8408