Trough Creek State Park

If you want to get out and about in the sort of ruggedly beautiful natural scenery for which Pennsylvania is famous, Trough Creek State Park might just be your ideal camping destination. Located in Huntingdon County,  this tranquil park offers a host of great outdoor experiences and even lets you go camping with your canine companion.

The 541-acre park encompasses a picturesque gorge formed by Great Trough Creek cutting through Terrace Mountain. There are 12 miles of beautiful hiking trails winding their way through the park, ranging from short to long treks but all offering challenging hiking over rugged terrain. Balanced Rock Trail, which takes you past beautiful Rainbow Falls and to the geological magnificence of Balanced Rock, is a particular favorite.

Ruffly 3.5 miles of trails are open to bikes, while snowmobiling is available in the winter months. If fishing is more your cup of tea, excellent stream fishing in Great Trough Creek allows you to target a variety of warmwater and coolwater fish.

The Trough Creek State Park campground opens in mid-April and closes in mid-December. While camping fees do apply, there's no park entrance fee to worry about. There are 29 sites designed to accommodate any size of camper, and all sites have electricity. However, there are only rustic restrooms and no showers, so you'll need to be willing to forgo a few creature comforts during your stay

Pets are permitted at designated campsites only, so make sure you choose a site that permits canine guests. You'll also need to keep your pet leashed and under control for the duration of your stay, and remember to dispose of your dog's waste properly.

Other than that, all that's left to do is enjoy this pristine park. There's no shortage of things to see and do in Trough Creek State Park, so make sure you take the time to experience them all.