🌤 Weather at Seven Tubs Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29–72 °F | 58–85 °F | 34–75 °F | 20–40 °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 Wilkes-Barre Intl Airport, 12 mi away, elevation 930 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
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).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Seven Tubs Recreation Area
- 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 Seven Tubs Recreation Area?
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 Seven Tubs Recreation Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
