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.

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