Colerain State Park
Pennsylvania’s Rothrock Forest Gateway — Colerain Picnic Area, Yellow Arrow Trail to Indian Lookout, Trailhead Access to Rothrock State Forest & Scenic Overlooks Near Spruce Creek
Colerain State Park is a former Pennsylvania state park in Huntingdon County, now managed as the Colerain Picnic Area within Rothrock State Forest. The site features a picnic area, the trailhead for the Yellow Arrow Trail leading to the Indian Lookout scenic overlook, and gateway access to the vast Rothrock State Forest trail network.
While Colerain no longer operates as a standalone state park, its strategic location at the gateway to Rothrock State Forest makes it a valued recreation site. The Yellow Arrow Trail, which begins at the Colerain Picnic Area, leads hikers to Indian Lookout — a scenic overlook offering panoramic views of the Spruce Creek Valley and the surrounding Appalachian ridges. Rothrock State Forest encompasses over 96,000 acres of central Pennsylvania’s Ridge and Valley Province, making Colerain a practical starting point for day hikes, mountain biking, hunting, and cross-country skiing.
Things to Do
Hiking
- Yellow Arrow Trail: Begins at Colerain Picnic Area
- Indian Lookout: Scenic overlook — panoramic views of Spruce Creek Valley and Appalachian ridges
- Rothrock State Forest trails: Access to an extensive network
Picnicking
- Colerain Picnic Area: Picnic tables in a forest setting
- Shaded: Mixed hardwood forest canopy
State Forest Activities
- Mountain biking: On designated Rothrock State Forest trails
- Hunting: Seasonal hunting in the state forest (PA license required)
- Cross-country skiing: In winter on forest trails
- Horseback riding: On designated trails
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Status | Former state park — now Colerain Picnic Area in Rothrock State Forest |
| Type | Day-use picnic area and trailhead |
| Admission | Free |
| Facilities | Picnic tables, parking area — limited facilities |
| Camping | Not available at this site — see Rothrock State Forest for dispersed camping options |
| Location | Near Spruce Creek, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania |
| State Forest | Rothrock State Forest — 96,000+ acres |
Yellow Arrow Trail & Indian Lookout
The Yellow Arrow Trail is the signature hiking route accessible from the Colerain Picnic Area. The trail climbs through mixed hardwood forest to Indian Lookout, a rocky overlook providing sweeping views of the Spruce Creek Valley, the surrounding ridgelines of the Ridge and Valley Province, and the forested expanse of Rothrock State Forest. The overlook is a popular destination for day hikers and photographers, particularly during fall foliage season when the valley’s hardwood forests turn vibrant shades of orange, red, and gold.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | ⭐ BEST: Fall foliage from Indian Lookout; cool hiking; deer season; photography; stunning valley views | Wear blaze orange during hunting season; shorter days; cooling |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Wildflowers; birding; green-up; moderate temps; uncrowded; mountain laurel bloom | Muddy trails; variable weather; bugs emerging |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Full trail access; mountain biking; long days; warm; shaded forest hiking | Hot; humid; thunderstorms; mosquitoes; ticks |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Cross-country skiing; winter solitude; bare-tree overlook views; tracking | Cold; snow; limited access; icy trails; check road conditions |
Visitor Tips
- Indian Lookout: The Yellow Arrow Trail to Indian Lookout is the primary reason to visit — don’t miss the panoramic valley views.
- Fall foliage: Visit during mid-to-late October for the most spectacular foliage views from Indian Lookout.
- Rothrock gateway: Use Colerain as a starting point for exploring Rothrock State Forest’s 96,000+ acres.
- Hunting season: During fall hunting season, wear blaze orange if hiking in the state forest.
- Limited facilities: This is a former state park with minimal facilities — picnic tables and parking only.
- Near Spruce Creek: The town of Spruce Creek is nearby — known for its world-class trout fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Yellow Arrow Trail at Colerain State Park?
The Yellow Arrow Trail is a hiking trail that begins at the Colerain Picnic Area (formerly Colerain State Park) in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. The trail leads through mixed hardwood forest to Indian Lookout, a scenic rocky overlook providing panoramic views of the Spruce Creek Valley and surrounding Appalachian ridges. The overlook is particularly popular during fall foliage season. Colerain is now managed as part of the 96,000+ acre Rothrock State Forest.
Is Colerain State Park still open?
Yes — while Colerain no longer operates as a standalone state park, the site remains open to the public as the Colerain Picnic Area within Rothrock State Forest. It features picnic tables, a parking area, and serves as the trailhead for the Yellow Arrow Trail to Indian Lookout. The site is free to visit with no entrance fees. For camping in the area, check Rothrock State Forest for dispersed camping options or visit nearby developed state parks.
Last updated: May 2026
