Trough Creek State Park campground is located in a secluded gorge with easy access to Raystown Lake and boasts several oddities.
Trough Creek State Park Campground Review
Trough State Park is located in the deep narrow gorge of the Great Trough Creek in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. The state park is surrounded by a tract of Rothrock State Forest. Trough Creek is attractive for its feel of seclusion while being within minutes of the vacation hotspot Raystown Lake. Trough Creek is notable for its historic significance (and ruins) and even boasts not one but two amazing oddities: Balanced Rock and the Ice Mine.
Reservations can be made easily through the DCNR Website. As with all Pennsylvania state parks, alcoholic beverages are prohibited. The campground consists of one loop circumscribing a hillock. As indicated by the map above, pet sites are on the eastern half and non-pet sites are on the western half. All sites have electric. NB: There are no bath houses, only latrines. Being in a deep, narrow gorge, there is no cell service anywhere in the state park. Also beware of poison ivy; we had a bit of the nasty weed around some trees at our campsite.
There are many picnic areas along the picturesque Great Trough Creek and four Pavilions. In fact, there appeared to be as much, if not more real estate devoted to the picnic areas than the campground itself.
We’ve prepared a walking tour of the Trough State Park campground for you in the video so you can see for yourself and pick the perfect campsite. Don’t miss the porcupine encounter at the end!
Things to Do at Trough Creek State Park
The Amazing Balanced Rock
Balanced rock is quite literally a giant boulder that looks like it is teetering on the edge of a cliff and should be on the oddity-lover’s bucket list. It is a few minutes’ walk from the road, up the hillside steps past Rainbow Falls. Marvel at Balanced Rock.
The Uncanny Ice Mine
Tough Creek Park is blessed with not one, but TWO oddities. The Ice Mine is an opening dug into the hillside, perhaps as an exploratory mine. The chilling effect of the mine was inadvertently enhanced by the construction of the Juniata and Southern railroad railbed (which is now the road). As cold air flows down through the rock voids in the side of the gorge (cool air being denser than warm air) and the railbed acts as a dam, trapping it in the mine. It is said that the temperature of the cave never rises above the 50’s (Fahrenheit). Ice can often be found through the spring even on hot days. We felt the eerie temperature gradient as we descended into the mine and it was at least 30 degrees colder than the mid 80’s summer air above. Explore the Ice Mine with us.
The Ledges Trail
The Ledges Trail is a short fun hike up and along the western rim of the Trough Creek Gorge. As the name suggests, the trail runs by numerous ledges along the steep cliffside of the gorge. The trail features the park’s only waterfall, Rainbow Falls and a scenic view. Crossing the suspension bridge near the trailhead gives a fun disoriented feeling of having just gotten off a boat. There are multiple options to combine with other trails. On our exploration, we looped in Copperas Rock (see below). Join us on the Ledges Trail.
Copperas Rock
Copperas Rock is a rock cliff undercut by the Great Trough Creek. Copperas Rock is so named for its copper and yellow coloration caused by ferrous sulfate that leaches from a small coal deposit behind the cliff. The prominent formation is located next to the road, so you can’t miss it. Join us here.
Explore History at Paradise Furnace
Because of its natural resources, Trough Creek State Park is replete with ruins including Paradise Furnace, an old dam, and an Abandoned Cemetery. The Paradise Furnace Ironmaster’s house has been restored and is available to rent for vacation lodging in the state park.
Raystown Lake
Trough Creek State Park is minutes from the wildly popular central Pennsylvania vacation destination Raystown Lake. Raystown is the largest lake entirely in Pennsylvania, stretching 32 miles, and is brimming with aquatic and terrestrial adventures of all kinds. To whet your appetite, we’ve included some views form the scenic Reidenour Overlook and Hawn’s Overlook. Stay tuned for future adventures at Raystown Lake.
Concluding Thoughts and Recommendation
Trough Creek is one of the smaller State Park campgrounds and is secluded near the end of the road in a deep narrow gorge. Be aware that there is no bathhouse or flush toilets, only latrines, although all sites have electric. There is no cell service anywhere in the state park. There are a number of natural and historic attractions to explore plus Raystown Lake next door, and Balanced Rock is a must-see oddity.
For more information, visit the Trough Creek State Park website.
Also, be sure to check out our other campground guides and reviews.
