12,000-Year-Old Glacial Potholes — Wheelbarrow Run Gorge, Waterfalls, 500+ Acres, Audubon Loop Trail, Pinchot State Forest, Wilkes-Barre PA
Seven Tubs Natural Area is a natural area at 900 Bear Creek Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, within Pinchot State Forest. The area features a series of glacial potholes (“tubs”) carved into sandstone bedrock by swirling meltwater over 12,000 years ago during the last Ice Age, Wheelbarrow Run stream flowing through a deep scenic gorge with waterfalls and emerald pools, 500+ acres of wooded ravine and hemlock-mixed forest, the 0.3-mile Main Loop Trail with wooden footbridges and viewing platforms to the tubs, the 1.8-mile Audubon Loop Trail through the surrounding wooded ravine and along Laurel Run, and one of Pennsylvania’s most unique and dramatic geological features.
Seven Tubs is Pennsylvania’s glacial wonder — the circular potholes were carved by swirling meltwater during the last Ice Age over 12,000 years ago. Wheelbarrow Run now flows through these smooth, bowl-shaped depressions in the sandstone bedrock, creating waterfalls and emerald pools in a deeply carved gorge.
The 0.3-mile Main Loop with wooden footbridges and viewing platforms provides direct access to the tubs, while the 1.8-mile Audubon Loop explores the surrounding ravine and Laurel Run. The area was rehabilitated and reopened in April 2024 with improved infrastructure.
Things to Do
- Glacial potholes — 12,000-year-old “tubs”
- Gorge viewing — Wheelbarrow Run waterfalls
- Main Loop — 0.3 mi, footbridges, platforms
- Audubon Loop — 1.8 mi, wooded ravine
- Photography — geological formations, gorge
- Nature study — Ice Age glacial geology
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 900 Bear Creek Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 |
| Size | 500+ acres — Pinchot State Forest |
| Geology | Glacial potholes — 12,000+ years old |
| Trails | Main Loop (0.3 mi) + Audubon Loop (1.8 mi) |
| Swimming | Prohibited in the tubs |
| Parking | Limited — Bear Creek Blvd lot |
| Managed By | PA DCNR / Pinchot State Forest |
| Coordinates | 41.2356° N, 75.8102° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Seven Tubs — near Wilkes-Barre — features a series of glacially carved potholes (the “tubs”) in Wheelbarrow Run. The 200-foot-deep gorge with waterfalls, pools, and carved rock was sculpted during the last ice age. Brook trout inhabit the pools. Eastern newts crawl the forest floor.
Nearby Attractions
Wilkes-Barre — adjacent. Ricketts Glen SP — 30 miles northwest. Pocono Mountains — to the east. Lehigh Gorge SP — 25 miles south.
Can you swim at Seven Tubs Natural Area?
No — swimming is strictly prohibited in the glacial tubs at Seven Tubs Natural Area in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The 12,000-year-old glacial potholes carved into sandstone by Ice Age meltwater are protected geological features within Pinchot State Forest. Visitors can view the tubs via the 0.3-mile Main Loop Trail with wooden footbridges and viewing platforms, and explore the 1.8-mile Audubon Loop through the surrounding wooded ravine. Parking is limited at the Bear Creek Blvd lot; appropriate footwear recommended.
Last updated: May 2026
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Frances Slocum State Park (a short drive away) and Nescopeck State Park (a short drive away).
Park Location
Plan your gear for Seven Tubs Recreation Area
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