Yellow Arrow Trail: A Hike With A View In Spruce Creek, PA

Spruce Creek Pennsylvania is well known for its world class fly fishing waters, but less known for its amazing array of ridge line vistas in nearby Rothrock State Forest. Just a few miles northwest of Huntingdon, PA, this section of Rothrock State Forest boasts miles of the Mid State Trail (MST). The MST in this area crosses through Little Juniata Natural Area and includes several views of the surrounding ridges and valleys. Take a look at your Rothrock Lizard Map, and take notice of the large number of side trails that descend off the MST ridge into either Brady Road or Tram Road below. So many trails...so little time...

Exploring New Trails and Lizard Spots

On a sunny winter afternoon in Northcentral Pennsylvania, we decided to get outside to explore one of these side trails which leads uphill to Mid State Trail. We made the drive along beautiful Route 45 along the northwestern section of Rothrock State Forest and parked at the Yellow Arrow Trail head parking area on Colerain Road. The trail is immediately recognizable, having a trailhead sign and being well marked with yellow blazes.

Climbing To A Vista

Yellow Arrow Trail is not an easy trail. Although switchbacks are provided, it is still a challenging trail to climb in the late afternoon. The entire length of this trail is less than one mile, making it a great option to get up and down to the vista before dark on those weekday evening adventures. 

Indian Lookout

After a fun narrow section of trail with unstable footing (maybe not fun for the feint of heart) we arrived at Indian Lookout. What an excellent vista of the surrounding area! There is a reason this is a Lizard Spot on the Rothrock Lizard Map.

Spruce Creek

This vista provides a superb bird's eye view above Spruce Creek. Route 45 and Spruce Creek run alongside each other for miles from Pennsylvania Furnace to the confluence with the Little Juniata River. It is truly a beautiful mountain-fed stream in Northcentral Pennsylvania.

Snack Break

Although there isn't a picnic table at this spot, there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the view.

Walking Back To The Parking Lot

There are several options after Indian Lookout. One option is to turn around and head back to the car the same way we came in, along Yellow Arrow Trail. Another option is to continue straight to Brady Road, then turn left and pick up Colerain Road, then climb Rainbow Trail the whole way to Mid State Trail. From here the options are endless. The sun was setting on this winter day though, so we went with option C: turn right on Colerain Road and road walk the gravel surface back down to the parking area. Along the way we found DCNR Car Campsite #2. These roadside campsites are free of charge, all that is needed is a pre-approved permit from the forester. 

Roadside Campsite #2

Campsite #2 includes a pretty incredible view of the valley below. We suggest checking this view out the next time you visit, even if you aren't staying for the evening!

One More Vista

We stopped to enjoy one more vista as the sun was setting. This vista, which includes a narrow pull-off, occurs at the switchback turn along Colerain Road not far south of Route 45. After this vista, the road continues to descend towards Route 45, but now under the tree canopy of the north side of the mountain. The road walk is enjoyable, especially one section with a hairpin turn. We arrived back at our car just before dark, and just in time to stop for dinner on the ride home!

Explore All 300 Miles Of Trails In Rothrock State Forest!

And Wear Blaze Orange During Hunting Seasons!