Chimney Rocks in Tuscarora State Forest, Perry County, PA gives a superb wilderness view of the historic, now abandoned Henry’s Valley.
During this exploration of Tuscarora State Forest, we uncovered two excellent scenic views: Chimney Rocks and the Doubling Gap Overlook. The trail begins in Henry’s Valley. We parked at a roadside lot off of the gravel Laurel Run Road at 40.28016, -77.46170. This is as close as we could get on account of Bower Mountain Road being gated. We ascended on the gravel Bower Mountain Road as it gradually climbed the mountain via a switchback. Along the way we encountered a juvenile timber rattlesnake.
Bower Mountain Road makes a sharp turn at a formation called Horsehead Rocks. The outcropping may have provided a view at one time but has since been overgrown. About half a mile beyond Horsehead Rocks the trail leveled out at the ridge and the view opened up to the Doubling Gap Overlook at 40.28652, -77.47020. There is a pulloff with a picnic table under a hickory tree. This would make a great picnic spot if you can lug the food up the mountain.
The road was well maintained and level so we were able to move quickly on the mountain ridge. At the time we visited much of the mountain top had recently been logged. We encountered a sign to the left side of the road at 40.27844, -77.48627 indicating the trail to Chimney Rocks. However, there was no discernable trail through the debris of logged portion save for intermittent yellow blazes on a few remaining trees. Head to 40.27832, -77.48648 where the trail enters the woods and becomes easier to follow for a brief period.
After entering the woods, the Chimney Rocks Trail partially descends the mountain for 0.14 miles. The trail becomes more difficult both to follow and traverse due to the rocky slope. Be careful because the rocks are irregularly shaped and some are loose. The trail would benefit from more frequent blazes. Here are some waypoints to keep you on track through the most difficult portion:
40.27716, -77.48499
40.27698, -77.48482
40.27641, -77.48411 Success: Chimney Rocks!
The now wooded Henry’s Valley was settled shortly after the Revolutionary War. After tanning and logging rose then fell through the 1800s, the valley was abandoned by 1912. Here is an interesting brief history of the region presented by the Cumberland County Historical Society.
After taking in the views, we returned to the top of the mountain and continued southwest on Bower Mountain Road. We took the Julie Neidig Trail (40.27276, -77.49887) back down the mountain to the Chimney Rocks Haul Road at 40.26912, -77.48993. The Chimney Rocks Haul Road was another easy gravel road heading back to Bower Mountain Road to complete the circuit.
Overall the route we took was 6.7 miles and is given in red above.
Parking is at 40.28016, -77.46170.
Although your GPS may try to lead you down the dashed state forest roads, most of them are gated depending on the time of year. Gates are given by the symbols that look like black barbells on the map. The only reliable way to get to the parking area in Henry’s Valley is via Laurel Run Road.
You can see a full Tuscarora State Forest map here.
Because there are only certain ways to reach the secluded Henry’s Valley, be sure to chart your route using the information given above before visiting. Most of the hike was along gravel State Forest Road making even the uphill parts relatively easy. The Chimney Rocks Trail itself was challenging to follow. Navigating the loose irregular rocks down the mountain required sure footing, so it is not for everyone. We recommend visiting the rock formation only in dry conditions. But if you can make it, the view from Chimney Rocks is worth the effort. If the trail to Chimney Rocks is too much, you can still enjoy Doubling Gap Overlook.
You can visit these nearby adventures while you are in the area:
Be sure to check out our other adventures.
