Treasury of Boulder Caves and a Majestic Vista at Michaux Chimney Rocks

With a panoramic view, cluster of boulder caves, and an upside-down stream, the Chimney Rocks trail loop in Michaux State Forest is packed with adventure.

Chimney Rocks in Franklin County, PA is a hidden treasure among the multitude of outdoor adventures in Michaux State Forest. The Chimney Rocks is a circuit composed of the Appalachian Trail, Shaffer Rock Trail, and the Hermitage Trail. There are several trailheads; we chose to begin at Rattlesnake Run Road. There is a pull-off lot that can accommodate approximately five vehicles at 39.79728, -77.47971, just northeast of the Old Forge Picnic area.

After a short hike through the woods, the trail crosses Old Forge Road, where there is a one or two vehicle parking area designated for Appalachian Trail hikers. The trail follows Tumbling Run and splits at the Tumbling Run Appalachian Trail shelter. We took the fork to the right on the rocky, but well-maintained AT up the ridge in the direction of the Chimney Rocks formation. At 39.81966, -77.47209 we encountered a sign to the blue-blazed spur leading to the formation.

The huge jumble of boulders on the edge of the ridge signaled our objective. We carefully traversed the snowy boulders to the pinnacle at 39.81897, -77.47108. A seemingly precarious heart-shaped boulder rests on the apex of the formation.

The panoramic view form Chimney Rocks is amazing. During our overcast mid-December visit we delighted in the hues of the painted horizon above the undulating ridged landscape.

Our exploration uncovered a crevice in the craggy boulders that led to a canopied boulder cave. The slick snow prevented us from climbing down into the cave. We probed several routes and ultimately made our way around the north end of the formation to get to the eastern slope where we found the entrance to the cave. Although there are more direct routes, this was the safest in the snow. To our pleasant surprise we discovered another boulder cave at 39.81912, -77.47089.

We gingerly made our way around the irregular boulders of the crags and uncovered two more caves! One is at 39.81900, -77.47083 and the other is nearby at 39.81899, -77.47080.

So cool! But neither of these was the cave we saw from the top of Chimney Rocks. We scanned the cliff face and found the cave farther up at 39.81904, -77.47095. We trudged through briers up a narrow ledge into the cavernous void in the boulder jumble. Four caves! But doubtless, there are more. We certainly plan on returning for further exploration in dry, safer conditions.

After taking in the amazing finds, we returned via the trail spur to cross over the Appalachian Trail on a connector (the Chimney Rocks Vista Trail) to a gravel road. We followed the gravel road south for a few minutes to hook up with the Shaffer Rock Trail at 39.81790, -77.47724. The Shaffer Rock Trail descends the ridge via the Tumbling Run ravine. After a few scenic switchbacks, the Shaffer Rock Trail becomes the Hermitage Run Trail at 39.81259, -77.47979.

The trail passes a between rocky outcropping on the side of the hill to the left and Tumbling Run on the right. At 39.80976, -77.48090 we heard a strange gurgling sound. We found what is sometimes called an “upside-down stream” flowing through voids in the rocky ground. If you listen closely, you can find crevices and holes where you can clearly hear the flow below. The Hermitage Trail led us back to the Tumbling Run Shelter, where we returned on the AT to the Rattlesnake Run Road trailhead.

Overall, the trail route we took was 4.5 miles and is given in the yellow highlight above.
The Rattlesnake Run Road Trailhead is at 39.79728, -77.47971.
Chimney Rocks is at 39.81897, -77.47108.
The upside-down stream is at 39.80976, -77.48090.

Michaux State Forest is a hot spot for outdoor adventure, with a myriad of trails and noteworthy destinations. For all that, the Chimney Rocks loop is one of the more interesting ones, with a majestic view, cool caves, and upside-down stream oddity in a space of only 4.5 miles. And there is more to explore. We plan on returning in dry conditions to search for more caves.

The trails are clear and well maintained, but rocky. There is enough elevation to get the blood pumping but it’s not difficult. The AT side is steeper than the Hermitage Trail side, climbing about 1000 feet over 2 miles. This would be a good option for families who can manage the rocky trail and elevation. The rock jumble at the top of the ridge is great fun, but the surfaces are irregular and slippery when wet. The Chimney Rocks loop should be on your to-do list when visiting Michaux State Forest.

If you’re looking for more outdoor adventure, the Heaven or Hell Trail loop is nearby.

Be sure to check out our other adventures.