Once the site of mountain top musical performances from the now ghost town of McIntyre, Band Rock offers impressive views of the Lycoming Creek Valley landscape.
Band Rock is an impressive scenic overlook of the Lycoming Creek Valley from the top of McIntyre Wild Area in Loyalsock State Forest. This location was a popular picnic spot for residents of the now abandoned coal mining town of McIntyre. It is so named because bands used to play form here on special occasions, and the music could be heard through the Lycoming Creek Valley below. You can hike to Band Rock from the bottom of McIntyre Mountain via a number of old grades from the coal mining days. However, many of the grades are easy to lose and there is a dearth of blazes. The easiest way to access Band Rock is by driving up McIntyre Mountain Road from Rock Run Road.
Caution: Driving Rock Run Road is not for the faint of heart. The road is narrow, cliff hugging, and is wide enough for only one vehicle for much of the drive. The road contains numerous exposed boulders, ruts, and large mud puddles. We strongly recommend a high clearance vehicle with four wheel drive. We have made it to the top of MacIntyre Mountain in a car before, but do not recommend it.
We parked in a pull off at 41.52568, -76.94163. It is possible to drive all the way to Band Rock if you are willing to navigate the vehicle-devouring monster mud puddles. But we chose to enjoy the easy, level 0.4 mile walk on the dirt road to Band Rock. Just mind the mud. Band Rock gives an impressive panoramic vista of the mountains across the way through the Lycoming Creek Valley to the south. You can see the town of Ralston just beyond the tree tops. There were remnants of the autumn color when we visited. This must be a spectacular view at the peak of the fall foliage.
The site of the abandoned coal mining town of McIntyre and its cemetery is in the woods to the east of the parking area. When unobscured by foliage, you can see the town’s explosives magazine at 41.52513, -76.94106 across the road from the parking area.
Parking is at 41.52568, -76.94163
Band Rock is at 41.52017, -76.94554
The round trip from the parking area to Band Rock is 0.8 miles.
Although the drive up McIntyre Mountain Road is rough, slow, and requires a high clearance vehicle, Band Rock Overlook is an excellent overlook. It is a great spot for families on account of the short, easy trail. Be aware that there is no winter maintenance and the road may be gated during periods of inclement weather.
While you’re up here, the abandoned McIntyre Cemetery is within a few minutes’ walk.
Want more? Here are other adventures in McIntyre Wild Area:
McIntyre Wild Area
Abbott Run
Pennsylvania Ghost Town
in All of PA
Be sure to check out our other adventures.
