Trough Creek State Park is a gem in Central Pennsylvania! There are so many unique things to see at this park, like Balanced Rock and Rainbow Falls. It’s the perfect spot for a day hike.
We enjoyed our visit to Trough Creek, completing a 2.2-mile loop to see the waterfall, suspension bridge, beautiful overlooks, and, of course, Balanced Rock.
If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, the guide below has everything you need to know! So, let’s start planning your next adventure.
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Multiple Trail Options to Balanced Rock
There are multiple trails at Trough Creek State Park. That means you have plenty of options for reaching Balanced Rock and Rainbow Falls! You can make your hike as short or as long as you’d like.
We wanted to include some of the other beautiful features of Trough Creek State Park, including the overlooks and Suspension Bridge, so we chose to hike to Balanced Rock via the Copperas and Rhododendron Trails. This option is just over 2 miles and showcases a lot of the park’s beauty (more details below).
However, the most direct route to Balanced Rock is from the parking area near the Suspension Bridge (along Trough Creek Drive, about a half mile from the Copperas Rock picnic area). You can actually see Balanced Rock across the creek from the parking area.
To get to Balanced Rock, follow the trail down to the Suspension Bridge, and then make a right after crossing. You’ll see Rainbow Falls on your left. Follow the stone steps up past Rainbow Falls and then make a right to continue to Balanced Rock.
Best Time to Visit Trough Creek State Park
If you’re visiting Trough Creek State Park to specifically see Rainbow Falls, you’ll probably want to visit in early spring. I’ve heard the waterfall is almost non-existent during the summer months and even into the fall. We visited the first weekend in April, right after it rained, and were treated to a beautiful display.
However, I still think the park is worth a visit, even if it hasn’t rained in a while. The gorge is beautiful, and the copper-colored rocks are so fun to see.
Visitor Tip: If hiking these trails in winter, consider wearing crampons or ice spikes and using hiking poles. There are stone steps next to the waterfall that could be very icy.
Prepare For Your Hike at Trough Creek State Park to Balanced Rock and Rainbow Falls
Parking
For this trail, we parked at the Copperas Rock Picnic Area. There weren’t many parking spaces, so if it’s full on your arrival, continue to Area 4, about 1/10 mile down the road. You should find parking there.
Amenities
Trough Creek State Park has limited amenities. However, there are primitive toilets throughout the park. There is one right near the Copperas Rock Picnic Area if you need it.
Limited Cellular Service
We had very spotty cell phone service at Trough Creek State Park. It’s best to download a map before your visit. And also pre-plan your route out of the park. We could not depend on GPS when leaving.
Pets
Dogs are allowed on the trails at Trough Creek State Park, but must be leashed at all times.
Wildlife
You may encounter snakes like copperheads or rattlesnakes at Trough Creek State Park, as well as black bears. It’s always best to stay alert and avoid wildlife while on the trail.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember, as you visit this park, to respect nature. Stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.
The more popular these destinations become, the more we need to be diligent about keeping our parks and lands clean and safe for all. You can learn more here.
Hike to Rainbow Falls and Balanced Rock Via Copperas Rock and Rhododendron Trails
| Trail Location: | Copperas Rock Picnic Area |
| Trail Length: | 2.2 miles |
| Trail Difficulty: | Moderate (steep in sections) |
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Elevation Gain: | 500 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
Trailhead
The Copperas Rock Trail starts right next to the parking area at the Copperas Rock Picnic Area. It’s clearly signed, and they even have a caution sign for the trail.
Copperas Rock Trail
The Copperas Rock Trail is a little rocky and a lot steep. It pretty much goes straight up to the ridge.
Not far into the trail, you’ll see a sign directing you to the Ledges, Rhododendron, and Copperas Rock Trails. Continue to the left side to stay on the Copperas Rock Trail. You’ll take the Rhododendron Trail on the return.
To the Overlook
The Copperas Rock Trail connects to the Ledges Trail at the top of the ridge.
But, you’ll want to detour a bit to the overlook – it’s a short walk and totally worth it! Make a left on the Ledges Trail and follow that for a few minutes. You’ll arrive at the overlook quickly.
Ledges Trail (and Another Overlook)
From the first overlook, backtrack on the Ledges Trail (towards Copperas Rock Trail).
Then, continue along the Ledges Trail (aptly named) to another overlook. It’s a small clearing surrounded by a short rock wall. From this area, we could see the Suspension Bridge.
Abbot Run Trail
The Ledges Trail deadends into the Abbot Run Trail.
From here, you’ll want to make a right (head north) on Abbot Run. I’m happy we chose this trail versus Raven Rock because the rocks are absolutely stunning on this trail. I also enjoyed crossing the footbridge at the top of what will eventually become Rainbow Falls.
However, an alternate route would be to follow Abbot Run to the left, cross the tributary to Raven Rock, and then follow that to the Balance Rock Trail. This should not change the length of the hike too much.
Balanced Rock
At the split, follow the trail to the left (up) to reach Balanced Rock. There are stone steps leading the way.
Balanced Rock is an “erosion remnant” that has been stuck in place for thousands of years. It looks like it could fall into the creek at any given moment, but even after we tried to push it off, it stayed in place 😜.
Once you’re done at Balanced Rock, return to the Abbot Run Trail the way you came, and then make a hard left, down the stone steps, to Rainbow Falls.
Rainbow Falls
As mentioned above, the flow at Rainbow Falls (like many waterfalls) depends on the weather. If you’re visiting in summer or fall, you may see a light flow or even a trickle, especially if there hasn’t been a lot of rain recently.
We visited in early April, and it had just finished raining as we entered the park, so we were treated to a beautiful display.
Rainbow Falls is estimated to be around 15-20 feet tall. But the cascades above it add to its grandeur and beauty.
Suspension Bridge
After crossing the footbridge at Rainbow Falls, continue along Balanced Rock Trail to the Suspension Bridge.
We took a slight detour to cross the bridge and then cross it back again. It was fun! The bridge reminds me of the ones you find at playgrounds. It’s a little uneven, so if you have a fear of bridges, you might want to admire this one from the trail.
Rhododendron Trail
Balanced Rock Trail turns into Rhododendron Trail at the Suspension Bridge. This trail is also aptly named, with a forest of rhododendrons lining the creek. It’s absolutely beautiful (almost as pretty as the Shades of Death Trail), and I can only imagine how gorgeous it is when the flowers are in bloom.
Follow the trail until it connects with Copperas Rock, and then you’ll return to the parking lot.
Other Features at Trough Creek
After finishing the loop, we wanted to check out the Ice Mine, so we drove down to Area 5.
I wasn’t sure what to expect (thought it might be something like the Ice Caves at Sam’s Point), but it’s just a set of steps that lead down to a small opening to the mine. You can definitely feel the cold air and the temperature difference. If you’re visiting the park in the middle of summer, this would be a nice area to cool off!
Also near Area 5 are dam ruins and a long foot bridge across Great Trough Creek. It’s not anything crazy to see, but it’s always fun to cross a bridge!
Lastly, before we started the hike, we made sure to get a closer look at Copperas Rock. This area along the Great Trough Creek is so beautiful, with the different colors on the rock caused by the ferrous sulfate leaching from the small pocket of coal.
Other Hikes Near Trough Creek
We combined this hike to Balanced Rock at Trough Creek with the Thousand Steps on the Standing Stone Trail in Mapleton, about 35 minutes away. In the opposite direction, you’re about 35 minutes from the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp, which leads to both the abandoned PA Turnpike tunnel and the old railroad arch in Buchanan State Forest.
However, there are other trails nearby in Rothrock State Forest, like the Throne Room (also along the Standing Stone Trail) and a short trail to Hawn’s Overlook at the north end of Raystown Lake.
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