Flat Rock

Updated: Mar 13, 2021

We were looking for a bit of a workout this morning and boy did this do the trick!

Flat Rock

Length: 4.8 Miles

Time: ~2.5 Hours

Elevation Gain: 1,417 Feet

Difficulty: Strenuous

Description: Although this hike includes a strenuous climb and technical rocky section, you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the Cumberland Valley.

Fun Fact: Flat Rock is located in Colonel Denning State Park, which is named after William Denning, who was never actually a Colonel. He was a Sergeant in the Continental Army.

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aiWDVPCoE4817YU7A

Where to Park: The Flat Rock trailhead is located behind the Rt. 233 entrance to Colonel Denning State Park near the Nature Center Pavilion.

Details: From the parking area, cross the bridge and head up the stairs to begin the Flat Rock Trail. The Flat Rock Trail is marked by yellow blazes. About 1/4 mile from this point there will be a junction in the trail giving you two options, a "challenging" route or the "preferred" (easier) route. We opted for the challenging route and it is quite challenging. Steep and fairly technical for almost a mile. The preferred route is a bit longer but is significantly less steep and definitely not as rocky. A little over a mile (if taking the challenging route) from the parking lot, you'll come to the "Wagon Wheel", which is where 6 different trails intersect. We continued straight, following the blue blazed Tuscarora Trail. After about 100 yards there will be a shelter on your left to ensure you are on the correct path. Follow this down the hill, across the wooden plank walkways, and then up the final very rocky climb to reach the flat rock overlook.

After enjoying the views and eating those snacks or lunch you packed, you have two options. You can turn right back around and do an "out and back", or you can do what we did, and follow the Tuscarora Trail to give a little variety to the hike. This trail can be easy to miss, it is only a few feet above the flat rock overlook, and splits off to the right. Be warned though, the first 1/4 mile-ish of this section of the Tuscarora trail, is rough! It is basically all rock, some of which move when you step on them, and is a little tough to follow without consciously looking for the blazes. There is a lot of mountain laurel through this section so that would be a beautiful stretch when the laurel is blooming.

Follow this for about 3/4 mile until you reach a stream and sign for the Lehman Trail. Make the left onto the Lehman Trail, which is marked by red blazes, and follow this back to the "wagon wheel". At this point you'll follow the yellow blazed Flat Rock Trail back to the parking lot, once again opting for either the challenging or preferred route.

Suggestions: Pack plenty of water, trekking poles and a few snacks.

Shorten Your Hike: Not necessarily shortening but you can simply do an out and back rather than the route we took here.