Recreation Opportunities in Rothrock State Forest
Hiking
Rothrock State Forest contains hundreds of miles of hiking and shared-use trails -112 miles are designated for "foot traffic" only, marked by either yellow or orange blazes -180 miles of shared used trails open for hiking, biking and horseback riding are marked with red blazes. Not all shared-use trails are equally accommodating for equestrian use.
Mountain Biking
Rothrock has become one of the premier mountain biking areas in the country. Trail riding ranges from in difficulty from easy to extreme, from gently sloping forest and logging roads to rocky ridge-top trails and steep side-hill climbs. A number of organized rides are held each year in the forest.
Horseback Riding
Horses may be hidden on all state forest roads and on shared-use trails. Equestrian activities are not permitted on hiking-only trails, on the Mid-State Trail, Standing Stone Trail, or in Natural Areas. Some trails are not suitable for riding due to limited clearance and steep or rocky terrain. Motorized campsite #8, in the Trough Creek area, is best suited for horse camping and has a series of trails leading from the site.
Picnicking
Rothrock State Forest has two state forest picnic areas. The Pine Hill picnic area is along Diamond Valley Road, northwest of Petersburg. Visitors will find two picnic pavilions, picnic tables, grills and toilet facilities. The Alan Seeger picnic area is at the site of CCC Camp No. 59, northeast of McAlevys Fort. The chimneys in the picnic pavilions are the last remaining remnants of the camp. This picnic area has four pavilions, picnic tables, grills, toilet facilities, proximity to hiking trails and fishing in Standing Stone Creek.
Boating / Kayaking / Canoeing
Boating opportunities abound in the area, from canoeing or kayaking the Little Juniata River or Raystown Branch to renting a paddleboat at Whipple Lake or motorboating on the expansive Raystown Lake.
Fishing
The area in and around Rothrock provides many fishing opportunities. Various cold water trout streams, notably the Little Juniata River, Spruce Creek, and Standing Stone Creek, flow through the forest. The Juniata River and it's branches provide outstanding warm water fishing, particularly for Smallmouth Bass. Nearby Raystown Lake is noted for it's population of large Striped Bass. Special fishing regulations may apply, check with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission for current regulations.
Camping
Motorized camping is permitted at a number designated locations in Rothrock State Forest. These sites provide off-road parking, a campfire and a picnic table. Camping permits, required for these sites, are available from the district office.
Backpackers may camp overnight anywhere except in designated Natural Area, within 200 feet of a forest road, within 25' of a trail, or within 100' of a stream or any open water. Permits are required if camping for more then one night. All campers are encouraged to register with the district office. Further guides and ethics can be found here.
Backpackers may camp overnight anywhere except in designated Natural Area, within 200 feet of a forest road, within 25' of a trail, or within 100' of a stream or any open water. Permits are required if camping for more then one night. All campers are encouraged to register with the district office. Further guides and ethics can be found here.
Sight Seeing
Vistas or scenic overlooks are a major attraction for many forest visitors. The best known and most easily accessible in Rothrock is Jo Hayes Vista atop Tussey Mountain along Route 26 at the Centre/Huntingdon County Line. The view overlooks the State College area. Other significant vistas are along the Mid-State Trail on Tussey Mountain. The Standing Stone Trail on Stone & Jacks Mountains also offer several great views. A trip to the Trough Creek area can also be rewarding to the scenic vista enthusiasts. The hike along the crest of Terrace Mountain provides some spectacular views of the Raystown Lake area. The auto traveler can find good views from overlooks along the following roads: Colerain, Pennsylvania Furnace, Bear Gap, Wampler, Kettle, Allensville and Turkey Hill. Rothrock has 180 miles of public use roads open to travel.
Snowmobiling
Rothrock offers about 200 miles of roads and trails for snowmobiling. Some trails are better suited for these activities than others. The Colerain, Stone Creek, Alan Seeger, Pine Hill, Galbraith Gap and Kepler Road trailheads are plowed for Winter access.
Cross Country Skiing
All of Rothrock's trails are open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but many are not suited for these uses due to steep terrain. Contact the district office for trail conditions and suitability during the Winter season.
Downloadable Rothrock State Forest Public Use Maps
Public Use Maps
Rothrock State Forest Public Use Map (PDF)
Motorized Campsite Locations (PDF)
Hunting Maps
Greenwood Furnace Division including Lucy Furnace Tract (PDF)
Stony Point Division (PDF)
Trough Creek Division including Locke Valley Tract (PDF)
Whipple Dam Division (PDF)
Recreation Trail System Maps
Trough Creek Division (PDF)
Galbraith Gap, Shingletown Gap and Tussey Mountain (PDF)
Musser Gap Recreation Area (PDF)
Snowmobile Trails Maps & Brochures
Seven Mountains Snowmobile Trail (PDF)
Seven Mountains Snowmobile Trail Brochure (PDF)
Trough Creek Snowmobile Trail (PDF)
Rothrock State Forest Public Use Map (PDF)
Motorized Campsite Locations (PDF)
Hunting Maps
Greenwood Furnace Division including Lucy Furnace Tract (PDF)
Stony Point Division (PDF)
Trough Creek Division including Locke Valley Tract (PDF)
Whipple Dam Division (PDF)
Recreation Trail System Maps
Trough Creek Division (PDF)
Galbraith Gap, Shingletown Gap and Tussey Mountain (PDF)
Musser Gap Recreation Area (PDF)
Snowmobile Trails Maps & Brochures
Seven Mountains Snowmobile Trail (PDF)
Seven Mountains Snowmobile Trail Brochure (PDF)
Trough Creek Snowmobile Trail (PDF)
