Skip to content
Trough Creek State Park, James Creek, PA

Photo: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources , Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks, probably Burt Ell..., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sports & Outdoors

Trough Creek State Park

A scenic gorge in south central Pennsylvania where Great Trough Creek runs down to Raystown Lake.

16362 Little Valley Road, James Creek, PA 16657-9302 · James Creek, PA

About Trough Creek State Park

Trough Creek State Park protects a gorge carved by Great Trough Creek as it crosses Terrace Mountain before reaching Raystown Lake. Visitors can explore rugged hiking trails that lead to Balanced Rock and Rainbow Falls. The park adjoins Rothrock State Forest and Raystown Lake, which together form a large stretch of public land for outdoor recreation. Wildlife watching is popular, and the lake area has a growing population of bald eagles. Programs for groups and educators run mainly from April through October.

  • #hiking
  • #gorge
  • #waterfalls
  • #Raystown Lake
  • #bald eagles

What's around here?

The closest stops to Trough Creek State Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums

    Swigart Museum

    Under $25

    A Huntingdon, Pennsylvania museum of antique automobiles, car emblems, license plates, and vintage toys, founded as a private collection in 1920.

    13 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Lincoln Caverns

    Under $25

    Guided tours through two crystal caverns with nature trails and gem panning near Huntingdon.

    13 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing

    East Broad Top Railroad

    $25–$50

    Historic three-foot narrow-gauge heritage railroad in central Pennsylvania, with steam trains and a preserved shop complex.

    14 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sports & Outdoors

    Whipple Dam State Park

    Check prices

    A quiet 256-acre state park in central Pennsylvania centered on a man-made lake, with a day-use area for picnics and hiking.

    28 mi awayMore like this

  • Sports & Outdoors

    Greenwood Furnace State Park

    Check prices

    A 423-acre Pennsylvania state park with a historic 19th-century ironmaking village, a small lake, trails, and a campground.

    29 mi awayMore like this

  • Sports & Outdoors

    Shawnee State Park

    Check prices

    A southern Pennsylvania state park with a large lake, set in the Ridge and Valley region and offering outdoor recreation.

    34 mi awayMore like this