This is a gem in northeastern Pennsylvania!
The Main Loop at Seven Tubs Recreation Area is a short, .4-miles trail that leads past several small waterfalls along Wheelbarrow Run in Wilkes-Barre. This moderate trail is the perfect place to introduce young children or novice hikers to hiking because it offers high payoff with minimal effort. Of course, because of that, the trail is very popular, so you might want to plan a visit during the week or off-season.
If you’re thinking about hiking at Seven Tubs, the guide below has everything you need to know. So, let’s plan your next adventure!
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A Short But Beautiful Waterfall Trail in NEPA
The Main Loop at Seven Tubs Natural Area is a moderately easy trail leading past several small waterfalls. Although places like Ricketts Glen are more popular, this is still a fun waterfall trail worthy of visiting. It’s not far from Scranton or Wilkes-Barre and is about 30 minutes from Hickory Run State Park.
Seven Tubs Geology
The Seven Tubs along the Wheelbarrow Run were formed about 12,000 years ago. When the Wisconsinan glacier began to melt, water and debris carved through the sandstone bedrock, creating a series of pothole-like formations.
Prepare for Your Hike at Seven Tubs Natural Area in Pennsylvania
Parking
The main parking lot at Seven Tubs Recreation Area (900 Bear Creek Blvd in Wilkes-Barre) holds about 40 cars. They recently added more parking just before the main lot that holds about 15-20 cars.
This park is VERY popular during the summer months, and the parking areas can fill up quickly. They will also close the park when it reaches capacity. It’s best to visit during the week or off-season.
Amenities
There are two vault toilets next to the main parking area. There are also several benches. However, there are no picnic benches at Seven Tubs.
Pets
Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails at Seven Tubs Recreation Area.
Steep Drop-Offs
The trail around Wheelbarrow Run can bring you close to steep drop-offs. Keep young children near and pets on a leash.
Carry-In / Carry-Put
There are no trash bins at Seven Tubs Natural Area. Please pack out all trash.
Seasonal Closures
Bear Creek Boulevard, the road leading to the Seven Tubs Recreation Area parking lot, is closed in the winter, limiting access to the park.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember to respect nature as you visit this park. 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 the Main Loop at Seven Tubs Recreation Area
| Trail Location: | The main loop begins on either side of the foot bridge, on the left-hand side coming from the parking area. |
| Trail Length: | .4-mile |
| Trail Difficulty: | Moderate – there are some rocky and steeper sections and also a ladder |
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Elevation Gain: | Moderate – there are some rocky and steeper sections, and also a ladder |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
Clockwise or Counter-Clockwise?
We choose to do this trail counter-clockwise. That means crossing the foot bridge before making a left on the trail. Going in this direction means we climb up the ladder, rather than climbing down.
Trailhead
As mentioned above, the trail is a loop. You can pick up the trail on either side of the foot bridge that crosses Wheelbarrow Run. We started on the opposite side of the bridge and took the trail counter-clockwise.
There is a second trail,the Audubon Loop Trail, also marked with yellow blazes. Don’t follow that – make sure to make a hard left after crossing the footbridge.
Along the Trail
For a short trail, there is plenty to see at Seven Tubs! As you make your way up Wheelbarrow Run, you’ll see plenty of small waterfalls.
The trail features stone steps and plenty of rocks and roots to navigate around, but it’s relatively easy. It’s a perfect beginner hike for young children or someone who’s just starting out.
Tunnel and Footbridge
There is a small footbridge for you to cross Wheelbarrow Run and continue along the trail. But further up, there is a small tunnel that allows the water to flow freely under the train tracks above it. If the water levels are low, you could probably walk through it to the other side. We did not attempt that on either visit.
After checking out the tunnel, make your way across the footbridge.
Ladder
There is a metal ladder on the eastern side of the trail. Going counter-clockwise on the trail means you’ll have to climb up the ladder.
More to See
Before or after completing the loop, you’ll want to go down to where Wheelbarrow Run and Laurel Run meet. Stone steps lead down on either side, and you can get close to the water.
As noted above, there is also a 1.8-mile loop, the Audubon Loop, that partially follows Laurel Run. It’s a nice addition to the main loop trail if you want to spend a little more time in the park.
Other Waterfall Trails Near Seven Tubs Recreation Area
Northeast PA has several waterfall trails in the region. Of course, Ricketts Glen, about 40 minutes from Seven Tubs, is one of the most popular trails. You can also drive about 30 minutes to Hickory Run State Park to hike Shades of Death or to Hawk Falls. Bear Creek Preserve, about 10 minutes away, also has some waterfalls.
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