Seven Tubs in Luzerne County is an extraordinary world of waterfalls coursing through an elegant and unusual landscape of naturally carved rock.
Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, PA, just south of Wilkes-Barre often appears in “top ten” lists of Pennsylvania outdoor destinations. Does Seven Tubs live up to its reputation? Join us and find out!
Park at 41.23564, -75.81023. The trail begins across the road by the information kiosk and latrine facilities. As we approached the woods, multiple trails branched toward the sound of rushing water. Take whichever you like, because they all lead to Wheelbarrow Run as it charges into Laurel Run.
After a few minutes’ easy walk, the fireworks (or waterworks) begin! A wooden bridge on the upper trail crosses Wheelbarrow Run over a tall and slender waterfall and smoothly carved rock chute. The lower trail leads to multiple waterfalls where the streams intersect. There are trails on both sides of Wheelbarrow Run, so take time to explore this gem of natural beauty.
Here’s a view of the elegantly carved tub, chutes, and waterfalls from the wooden bridge. And we’re just getting started! Even for a seasoned outdoor adventurer the beauty and majesty were something of a sensory overload.
From here there are two trails: the Seven Tubs Main Loop and the Audubon Trail. The Seven Tubs Main Loop is a 0.3-mile circuit of Wheelbarrow Run where the tub formations are located. The Audubon Trail is an approximately 1.8-mile loop that follows Laurel Run then joins up with the top of the Seven Tubs Main Loop. We opted to take the Audubon Trail first to explore Laurel Run then pick up the Seven Tubs Main Loop at its apex.
The Audubon Trail follows Laurel Run for about 0.8 miles and is a nearly non-stop water feature extravaganza with raging chutes, cascades, and waterfalls.
Here’s the tallest waterfall on the rocky Laurel Run.
Below is a view from the top of the waterfall. Note how the stream spits into two main channels on either side of the rock, while a remnant slides over the central outcropping to form a veil.
One of the most interesting parts of the Laurel Run is a large rock slab bisecting the stream. This interesting formation creates what looks like a fantasy world of dozens of miniature waterfalls. The pictures don’t do it justice. Check out the video at the end of the post.
After about 0.8 miles, the Audubon trail departs from Laurel Run and heads uphill to run along the ridge back to Wheelbarrow Run. This portion of the trail bid us farewell with a slide waterfall on a tributary to Laurel Run.
The trail at the top of the hill consisted of frequent flat rock slabs protruding through the thin soil as the deciduous forest gave way to sections of pine and scrub. We were delighted to find a number of native lady’s slipper orchids in bloom.
After about a mile since departing from Laurel Run, the Audubon Trail rejoins with the Seven Tubs Main Loop. There is an old tunnel at the top of the trail with some cascades inside. The tunnel allows Wheelbarrow Run to pass under the railroad at the top of the mountain.
The Seven Tubs Main Loop runs on both sides of the stream, so you can take either way to return to the wooden bridge at the beginning of the trail. Or you can loop around Wheelbarrow Run to experience the amazing formations from the perspectives on each side.
There was an unexpected kaleidoscope of colors from the water, rocks, and flora.
What an amazingly beautiful destination with an array of waterfalls, curving chutes, canyons, and tubs.
We were awed by the artistry of the natural beauty. The striations, curves, and textures make the rock appear as if it is flowing with the water.
The tallest drop of a waterfall plunges through a narrow cleft just above the wooden bridge near the trailhead. But the adventure is not over yet. Let’s visit the forgotten waterfalls of Seven Tubs.
On the drive descending to the Seven Tubs parking area and trail head, you may have noticed a parking lot further up at 41.23561, -75.80845. Either drive or walk to the upper parking lot and cross the road to an unmarked trail. Make your way to 41.23702, -75.80606 for a finale of two waterfalls intersecting! And there is a third waterfall just above the waterfall to the right. What a great hidden spot! I wonder why it is unmarked and overlooked?
The Seven Tubs Recreation Area is a tract of Pinchot State Forest
Overall, the Audubon Trail and the Seven Tubs Main Loop together were 2.2 miles.
Seven Tubs parking is at: 41.23564, -75.81023.
Parking for the forgotten waterfalls is at 41.23561, -75.80845.
The map below is from the Seven Tubs Recreation Area DCNR Map. The level of detail is disappointing, but to be fair there are only two short loops. The Audubon Trail is marked in yellow. The Seven Tubs Main Loop is the unlabeled black trail.
Does Seven Tubs live up to its reputation? A resounding “Yes!” Its resident position on the ubiquitous “Top 10” lists is well deserved. The unusual, almost alien artistry and exceptional beauty of Seven Tubs makes it a destination of distinction. Be sure to add Seven Tubs near the top of your outdoor adventure to-do list. But there are a few things you need to know before you go:
- Being that Seven Tubs is easily accessible, exceptionally beautiful, and just outside a major urban area, it can get packed, especially weekends and holidays. Expect company. We recommend visiting at off-peak times, if possible.
- The trails were rocky and had a little elevation but were not difficult. The rocks on the Audubon trail in and around Laurel Run were slick in spots.
- The Seven Tubs Main Loop runs above the canyon. There are some amazing views in the canyon, and if you choose to take the side paths down into the canyon, BE EXTREMLY CAREFUL. Some of the rocks are slick and the currents look as if they could snap your body like a twig were you to fall in. We were actually surprised (happily) that there was no restricted access to the canyon.
- If you want to see the amazing Seven Tubs without a hike, you can take the Seven Tubs Main Loop directly, without adventuring on the Audubon Trail (although you miss out on rad waterfalls and wilderness landscapes).
Be sure to check out our other adventures.
