- Rocky Knob Trail Loop details
- Trail Map and Summary Chart
- About the Flat Rock Trail System
- About the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Rocky Knob Trail Loop
The Rocky Knob Trail Loop is a lovely 4.5ish mile hike in the Flat Rock Trail System section of Michaux State Forest. The loop includes “Old Road”, constructed in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and a rocky trail built in the 1970s by the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC). Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), a government agency dedicated to managing and preserving state parks and forest lands, maintains the trail.
We parked in a small parking area on Birch Run Road, approximately 1 mile from Milesburn Road. The mini-lot, Lone Pine Parking, holds about 5-6 vehicles. From our vehicle, we walked onto a dirt pathway, thinking that it lead to the Rocky Knob Trailhead. Instead, it was a path to the Birch Run creek, where our dogs got a pre-hike fresh water drink. We backtracked and walked along the quiet road, crossing the bridge over the creek, finding the trailhead sign on the right (eastern) side of the road.
The loop is well marked with orangey-red blazes and signage. Numbered signposts along the loop, added in either 1976 or 1977 by the Youth Conservation Corps, mark places of interest. (I’m unsure of the exact year of the addition, as the trail signage and DCNR website differ by a year.) We could not discern some of the highlights of the stations, as the landscape has changed over the past 47 years. I don’t know how frequently the DCNR updates the station information. The most current map is available by clicking the button below.
From the trailhead, the path is smooth and gentle, changing to some rockiness around .5 miles, where Birch Run crosses the path. We easily walked across the water by stepping on rocks and twigs. There may be a challenge during a rainy spring season, so plan accordingly with waterproof shoes.
.2 miles further, the trail splits for the loop. We took the eastern trail first, walking counterclockwise for steeper elevation. The climb is approximately 420′ of elevation over a half mile. Walking the loop in a clockwise fashion includes a 443′ elevation climb over 2 miles, on mostly gentle pine needle covered trail. The eastern trail is rockier than the western trail counterpart, as it is mountain ridge line. Following our route, approximately 1.7 miles from the trailhead, there is a lovely view of Lone Pine Reservoir. This would have been more “wow” had we walked the clockwise direction, seeing glimpses of the view through the trees along the path.
The trail continues along the ridge line for another half mile, then curves westward and begins a slow descent, connecting with the old CCC road at mile 2.7. Take the left trail to close the loop and walk downhill 2 miles to the trailhead.
There are other ways to access this loop. Please see the All Trails Map below for the location of 2 road side parking areas.
Trail map and hike summary
| Hike difficulty classifications (link) | |
|---|---|
| Route type | Loop |
| Trail difficulty level | Easy-Moderate |
| Geographic location | Michaux State Forest, PA |
| Trailhead parking options | Roadside parking |
| Trail amenities | None |
| Elevation - trailhead | 1,368' |
| Elevation - highest peak | 1,977' |
| Elevation gain | 715' |
| Total mileage | Approximately 4.7 miles |
| Water sources | Birch Run stream |
| Highlights | Lovely views of the reservoir; Beaver and Long Pine Trails are well maintained, but other trails lack blazes and signage. |
About Flat Rock Trail System
The Flat Rock Trail System consists of approximately 45 miles of trails in the heart of Michaux State Forest. Michaux encompasses more than 85,000 acres of protected land in south central Pennsylvania. The Flat Rock System is in Franklin County, located north of US 30 (Lincoln Highway) and south of Shippensburg Road.
The Rocky Knob Loop, Beaver Trail, and Appalachian Trail (a National Trail) are designated as a hiking only pathways through this section of Michaux.. Shared-use trails, available for hiking, biking and horseback riding, span 38 miles in this region of the State Forest.
Access the Flat Rock Trail System map by clicking the button below.
About the Pennsylvania DCNR
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is a government agency formed by Governor Tom Ridge in 1995. Its mission is to conserve and sustain Pennsylvania’s natural resources for present and future generations’ use and enjoyment. Five bureaus work to inspire PA residents to value their natural resources, engage in conservation practices and experience the outdoors. Those bureaus are:
- Bureau of State Parks
- Bureau of Forestry
- Bureau of Recreation and Conservation
- Bureau of Geological Survey
- Bureau of Facility Design and Construction
The DCNR is charged with protecting our natural resources and promoting responsible stewardship across the Commonwealth. The various bureaus establish local, community conservation partnerships that benefit rivers, trails, greenways, local parks and recreation, regional heritage parks, open space, and natural areas in order to maintain and sustain natural resources while providing outdoor experiences for all. The DCNR manages 2.2 million acres of state forest land and maintains and protects 124 state parks.
Check out the following DCNR resources and plans that benefit outdoor enthusiasts and all Pennsylvania residents for the future:
- Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Recreation Plan 2020-2024
- Conservation of Pennsylvania’s Natural Resources
- Outdoor Recreation in Pennsylvania
- Leave No Trace
Cindy Dunn, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, has worked for 30 years, developing Pennsylvania as a leader in land conservation, outdoor recreation, green practices, and public land management. I had the great opportunity to work with Cindy 12 years ago in her previous role with the agency. Her support, guidance and trust in a project that I chaired led to a $600,000 park renovation within my community. Cindy’s passion for the environment and her leadership provides Pennsylvania’s with sustainable natural resources and recreational opportunities. For that, I am grateful.
The next time that you see a DCNR employee, whether it be a park ranger, a forester, a civil engineer, water treatment operator or an educator, thank them for their work. They are collectively making our world a better place for us to live.
Want to learn more about Michaux State Forest Trails? Click below for a blog about the Beaver Trail and Lone Pine Reservoir.
Beaver Trail, Michaux Forest, fond memories
The best hikes are the ones that conjure old memories and create new ones. Beaver Trail Loop map, tips and photos plus some hiking memories.