Trough Creek State Park

Tucked into a narrow gorge in Huntingdon County, Trough Creek State Park packs remarkable geological drama into its 554 acres. Established in 1936, this park centers on Great Trough Creek as it cuts through Terrace Mountain, creating a steep-walled canyon that feels far more remote than its modest size suggests. The highlight is Balanced Rock, a massive boulder perched impossibly on a narrow ledge above the creek — a formation that has drawn curious visitors for over a century.

The park’s trail system follows the creek and climbs the surrounding ridges, offering views of the gorge, an old iron furnace from the 1800s, and Rainbow Falls, a small but photogenic cascade that catches light beautifully on sunny afternoons. The Rhododendron Trail is particularly striking in late June and early July when the blooms peak. Ice Mine Trail leads to a curious geological oddity where cold air seeps from rock crevices, keeping temperatures near freezing even in summer.

Fishing for trout in Great Trough Creek is a local favorite, and the surrounding Rothrock State Forest extends hiking options well beyond the park boundary. Hunting is permitted in designated areas during season.

Late spring through mid-autumn is the best window for visiting. Summer brings lush canopy shade that keeps the gorge cool, while October transforms the narrow valley into a concentrated corridor of fall color. Weekdays are noticeably quieter than weekends, especially during peak foliage season. This is a park that rewards slow exploration on foot.

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