Rock Run

Rock Run

Rock Run is a hidden wonderland containing exceptional natural beauty. I first learned of Rock Run when I read several different publications that referred to it as “the most beautiful stream in Pennsylvania.” Despite the fact that Pennsylvania is laced with many beautiful streams, this claim is probably true. Pennsylvania has many streams named Rock Run, but none is quite as beautiful as this one in the northeast corner of Lycoming County. This Rock Run is unique, in that its gorge and watershed are almost completely forested and untouched. Its water runs cold and clear all year long, and it is a good trout stream. Rock Run’s numerous pools hold brook and brown trout. But what is most impressive about Rock Run is what it has done to the land. Most streams babble over cobblestone bottoms. Rock Run, however, has carved itself into solid rock in numerous places. There are chasms, overhanging ledges, flumes, chutes, deep pools, waterfalls, potholes, tubs, and channels carved into sandstone. Exploring Rock Run is not a hike; it’s an expedition. There are no trails following the run, and there are no blazes. Rock Run Road follows the run, but it is high on the bank and always out of sight. To explore Rock Run’s beauty, you must simply walk up the run—or down it. As a result, there are numerous stream crossings. You must feel comfortable boulder-hopping, scrambling, and traversing ledges. You often have to walk in the water. You should be physically fit and take every safety precaution. All this effort will result in an experience of great beauty. Do not even think about exploring Rock Run in high water; it is a very powerful stream, and crossing it would be dangerous. The same goes for periods of snow or ice. During high water, Rock Run becomes a ferocious white-water river with class V rapids. I once met a man who had descended Rock Run in a kayak; this radical form of kayaking is known as “steep creeking.” I suggest that you explore Rock Run in summer. Highlights: Waterfalls, cliffs, erosional features, chutes, flumes, potholes, spectacular pools, cascades.

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