🌤 Weather at Colerain State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29–72 °F | 58–85 °F | 34–76 °F | 21–42 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Raystown Lake 2, 17 mi away, elevation 1,000 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
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
Wildlife & Nature
Colerain SP — in Lancaster County — preserves a forested valley in southeastern Pennsylvania. The park’s hardwood forest, meadows, and creek support white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and songbirds. Red-tailed hawks hunt from the ridges. Box turtles inhabit the forest floor.
Nearby Attractions
Lancaster County — surrounding — has the Amish country. Strasburg — nearby — has the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. Lancaster — 15 miles north.
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
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Canoe Creek State Park (a short drive away) or Whipple Dam State Park (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Colerain State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in day-use areas of Pennsylvania state parks and in designated campground sites, but must be physically controlled, attended at all times and leashed, caged or crated.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required at all times; no universal maximum length — inquire at the park office (electronic fences/shock collars not accepted as control)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in swimming areas and designated beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs allowed in a limited number of designated cabins, cottages and yurts (pilot program); maximum two dogs per unit; dogs must be house-trained and current on rabies vaccination
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No standard statewide pet fee; fees may be assessed for damage in dog-friendly lodging
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Maximum two non-caged pets per campsite; pets prohibited in buildings; pet food may not be left outside camping units
Are dogs allowed at Colerain State Park?
Pets are allowed in day-use areas of Pennsylvania state parks and in designated campground sites, but must be physically controlled, attended at all times and leashed, caged or crated. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via pa.gov. More: Pennsylvania state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Colerain State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
