The Flat Rock Trail in Tuscarora State Forest is a rugged mountain hike with a rewarding panoramic view of the Cumberland Valley
The Flat Rock Trail is renowned for its spectacular panoramic view of the Cumberland Valley from the ridge of Blue Mountain and is one of the best in Tuscarora State Forest.
We parked in the spacious lot at the intersection of Elk Hill Road and Route 233 (40.27390, -77.42671). The trailhead is across the road a minute’s walk to the southwest. Alternatively, you can begin the Flat Rock trail at the trailhead in the Colonel Denning State Park campground at 40.27991, -77.41834. In both cases it is about a mile hike up the northern slope of the Blue Mountain. It wasn’t overly steep but was continuously upward.
The way we traveled, the Flat Rock Trail followed the Tuscarora Trail to the Blue Mountain ridge where it intersected with five other trails:
- The aforementioned Flat Rock Trail to Colonel Denning State Park.
- The Woodburn Trail which travels south on the ridge for about 0.7 miles then curves down the Blue Mountain to Route 233.
- The Lehman Trail which is a shortcut to the Tuscarora Trail along Wildcat Hollow that bypasses Flat Rock Vista and its rocky ascent.
- The Warner Trail, on which we made our return loop.
- The Tuscarora Trail, which we took to the Flat Rock Vista.
From the convergence, the Flat Rock Trail was relatively level for about half a mile and crossed over a wet spot via a wooden boardwalk. The trail then proceeded uphill, gradually at first then became steeper and rockier as we approached the Flat Rock. The final ascent was a stair-like rock field.
With heart pumping, we completed the rocky climb. We dipped over a ridge then the woods opened before us to reveal this magnificent view from a table-like rock platform.
We paused for a while to revel in the panoramic views. Our favorite part was the view to the west (right) where we could see the distant mountains curve south.
From the Flat Rock Vista we continued north then east on the Tuscarora Trail. The trail was easy to lose among the rocks and freshly fallen leaves as it returned to the ridge. As the trail descended headed toward Wildcat Hollow, the rocks abated and the way became clear again. The trail curved east and leveled as it passed through the peaceful Wildcat Hollow on an old grade for about 1.7 miles.
At about 40.26946, -77.38149 we crossed the hollow and ascended via a ravine between Buck Ridge and the Blue Mountain until we encountered the gravel Doubling Gap Haul Road.
IMPORTANT: We followed the haul road for a short distance to a bend then turned off to the right at 40.27194, -77.40872 to continue on the Warner Trail. Do not continue following the gravel road. When the gravel road curves, look for the yellow gate shown below and pass through it to continue on the Warner Trail.
After about half a mile we returned to six-point the trail convergence noted above. We took Tuscarora/Flat Rock Trail down the mountain the way we came to return to the trailhead.
Overall, the loop we took was 8.6 miles.
Parking is at the intersection of Elk Hill Road and Route 233 at 40.27390, -77.42671.
The route we took is shown by the orange Tuscarora Trail then the Warner Trail in red.
If you want to visit the Flat Rock Vista without the loop, it is 4.2 miles out-and-back on the Tuscarora/Flat Rock Trail.
With a vigorous hike and spectacular view, the Flat Rock Trail lives up to its reputation. It is well worth the visit and may be the best view in Tuscarora State Forest. As such, on nice days plan to share the view with fellow adventurers. Because of the abundance of intersecting trails, you have the option to explore and create multiple loop scenarios. To make this part of a multi-day adventure or vacation, we recommend camping at Colonel Denning State Park.
You can visit these nearby adventures while you are in the area:
Be sure to check out our other adventures.
