This trail features the precariously perched oddity Balanced Rock, a waterfall, suspension bridge, cliff ledges, and a curiously colored rock formation!
As the name suggests, Balanced Rock is precariously perched on a precipice, and as you can see from the photo below, it looks like it could topple at any moment! This adventure to Trough Creek State Park in Huntingdon County, PA would be worth it just for Balanced Rock, but Trough Creek has even more to offer. So let’s get going!
The setting of this adventure is the deep, narrow Trough Creek Gorge. To access the trailhead, take the narrow, curvy Trough Creek Drive into the gorge and park at the spacious parking area. From the trailhead we will cross the Great Trough Creek via the suspension bridge then head to Rainbow Falls. From there we will ascend the stone steps to the amazing Balanced rock, then head up to the rim of the gorge via the Ledges Trail.
Our first attraction is the suspension bridge crossing the scenic Great Trough Creek. It bounces so much it could almost qualify as an amusement park ride. Crossing the bridge creates the strangely fun sense of disorientation similar to the first moments of walking on land after spending a long period on a boat.
After crossing the suspension bridge, turn right and enjoy the scenic walk along Great Trough Creek to Rainbow Falls. We visited Rainbow Falls during a dry period, so the volume was low. But the falls over the multi-tiered ledges through the rhododendron-lined ravine was pleasant nonetheless.
From the bridge at Rainbow Falls follow the stone steps up the ravine and turn right at the trail split. After a few minutes’ walk up to the top of the gorge you will arrive at the perplexingly perched Balanced Rock.
After taking in the wonderfully strange Balanced Rock you can take several routes to the Ledges Trail. Because we wanted to follow the stream, we backtracked from the Balanced Rock platform to the trail split where we came up from Rainbow Falls. We continued straight through at the trail split (cliffs to your right), following the stream through the ravine above Rainbow Falls. When you reach a sign to the “Abbot Run Trail” at a bridge, make a hard left (don’t cross the bridge) on the blue-blazed moderately steep trail up the gorge. This is the Ledges Trail. You can take a breather partway up the incline at the scenic overlook of the Trough Creek Gorge shown below.
We loved how the wooded Ledges Trail follows the rim of the gorge. The trail is remarkable for the multiple balcony-like rock formation jutting from the edge of the gorge, hence the name. Although we didn’t see any on our trip, be aware that snakes like rock ledges too.
The trail splits at 40.31984, -78.12943. You can opt to continue on the Ledges Trail, snagging another scenic view along the way, or head down the ramp-like trail directly to Copperas Rock. Either way you will return via Trough Creek Drive and encounter the curiously colored Copperas Rock. Copperas Rock is a cliff undercut by the Great Trough Creek. It is so named for its copper and yellow coloration caused by ferrous sulfate that leaches from a small coal deposit behind the cliff.
If you take the Ledges Trail to the Copperas Rock Trail then follow Trough Creek Drive back to the trailhead, the trip is 1.6 miles.
If you take the Ledges Trail all the way to its end then return via Trough Creek Drive, the trip is 2.4 miles.
Parking is at 40.32246, -78.12974
The map below is zoomed in to the Ledges Trail so you can see the points of interest.
This map shows the Ledges Trail extension in purple. Note that there are number of trails in the area by which you can extend your adventure.
Note that there is no cell service anywhere in the state park.
Balanced Rock is a must-see oddity. As such you can expect company if you visit on a weekend or holiday. The ascent to the top of the gorge is moderately steep but short. The high concentration of points of interest on a short trail make it well worth your visit and is a particularly good option for families.
While you are here, be sure to check out Trough Creek State Park’s other oddity The Uncanny Ice Mine.
Paradise Furnace and the Abandoned Cemetery are also located just down the road in the state park.
Thinking camping here? We did the legwork for you: see our Complete Trough Creek State Park Campground Review so you can pick the perfect spot.
Also, be sure to check out our other adventures.
