Jack’s Narrows: Deepest Gorge in Pennsylvania
Renowned paddling, hiking and history, all within a 3-mile stretch
In 2018, two new community-owned river access projects opened convenient public launch areas to a historic portion of the Juniata River in Huntingdon County,
Pennsylvania. The two launches bookend the deepest gorge in Pennsylvania, known locally as Jack’s Narrows, where the Juniata River cuts a gap in Jack’s Mountain. The peaks of Jack’s Mountain on the south side of the gorge is just over 2,120 feet in elevation, and 2.9 miles away on the north of the gorge is just over 2,320 feet. The river surface of the Juniata River drops from 566 feet above sea level at Mapleton to 545 feet above sea level 3.3 miles downstream at Mount Union. That makes the gorge nearly 1/3-mile deep! The launches open up Jack’s Narrows to access for paddlesports, fishing and leisurely inner-tube floating. The facilities and distance between them make this the first and best recommendation for inner-tube floating in Huntingdon County. This stretch of the Juniata River is gentle and easily navigated by paddlers of all experience levels. Jack’s Narrows also boasts the Thousand Steps section of the Standing Stone Trail. The Thousand Steps (a 1,200+ rough stone staircase trail) was built generations ago by quarry workers to access the quarrying atop the mountain. Renowned paddling, hiking and history, all within a 3-mile stretch. There are historic sites and breathtaking vista views as you hike the popular Thousand Steps. The Standing Stone Trail (SST) is an 80 miler that traverses many ridgetops with scenic overlooks. The SST makes for great section hikes or for that through-hike you are planning.
Story ideas:
- Jack’s Narrows River Access
- Thousand Steps section of the Standing Stone Trail
- Who is Jack Armstrong?
- “Silica Brick Capital of the World”
- Through-hiking PA: Standing Stone Trail is part of the Great Eastern Trail Network
Boots, bikes and boats
A trifecta of world-class trails
Did you know that in the past 10 years, the Raystown Lake Region has been honored twice with local trails named Pennsylvania Trail of the Year? In 2019, the
Mid State Trail joined 2016 honoree, Standing Stone Trail, for the second Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources award in the region. Both are long-distance backpacking trails extending through multiple counties in Pennsylvania, and both have significant mileage through Huntingdon County, including some spectacular views! The two trails connect in the Detwiler Run Natural Area of Rothrock State Forest, providing an interesting Trails of the Year challenge to thru-hike a 134-mile arc of Huntingdon County from the Mid State Trailhead at Route 164 (top of the mountain between Route 26 and Martinsburg) and the Standing Stone Trail Ramsey Path trailhead on Sinoquipe Road between Maddensville and Fort Littleton.
When it comes to biking, the trails of the Raystown Lake Region are tough to match. In the northern part of Huntingdon County, there exists a trail network in Rothrock State Forest that has been recognized by the International Mountain Bicycling Association as an “Epic Ride,” the highest accolade awarded by the organization. Adding to that esteem, IMBA Trail Solutions, with the assistance of a small army of volunteers organized as the Friends of Raystown Lake, constructed the Allegrippis Trails at Raystown Lake, which opened in 2009. The Allegrippis Trails have been recognized by Men’s Journal magazine as one of the four best bike trails in North America, and the Allegrippis Trail System remains consistently ranked among the best trails in the world by SingleTracks.com.
The Juniata River Water Trail has been recognized as a National Recreation Trail since 2009. The water trail includes 142 miles along the three feeding branches (Frankstown, Little Juniata and Raystown) and the main Juniata River.
In Huntingdon County alone, there are 10 public access points along 53 miles of the water trail for canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Not included in that mileage is the 8,300-acre Raystown Lake with eight public boat launches - and a handful of other access points - for canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Also not included is significant mileage and spectacular scenery on Standing Stone, Aughwick and Great Trough creeks that can be paddled in the right conditions. Whether you like to pack, pedal or paddle for recreation, bring your gear to Huntingdon County and do it world-class!
Natural & Man-made Marvels
The Raystown Lake Region is a captivating blend of nature’s splendor and human ingenuity. From the towering Raystown Dam to the serene expanses of Raystown Lake, dubbed the “Crown Jewel of Pennsylvania”, this area is a testament to the harmonious relationship between man and the environment. 
The Raystown Dam holds back over 160 BILLION gallons of water, creating the 28-mile-long Raystown Lake. Visitors can drive up the side of the dam, where they will find the Raystown Dam Pagoda. Below the dam, the dual-gated spillway allows the Corps to hold back the water to prevent catastrophic flooding downstream. When opened, the spillway is designed to release as much as 89,000 cubic feet per second!
Just a short seven-minute drive from the Raystown Dam, Ridenour Overlook provides a unique view of the 225-foot-high dam and the Juniata River Valley beyond. This overlook is easily accessible from the adjacent parking area, and nearby benches provide the perfect spot to enjoy the view. If you are up for a short walk, the magnificent Hawn's Overlook is accessible from the same parking lot. Even though this lookout point is the smallest, it provides some of the most expansive views of the lake.
At Isett Heritage Museum, embark on a guided tour through a menagerie of local historical and Americana treasures. Take a trip down memory lane through their sprawling collection with over 40,000 items on display. Throughout the three buildings, visitors can explore a working tin shop, a print shop, a dentist's office, and so much more.
Discovered in 1930, the natural limestone caverns of Lincoln Caverns & Whisper Rocks feature stunning formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones, each carved by centuries of slow-moving water. Visitors can explore the intricate passageways and marvel at the delicate beauty of these underground wonders, formed over millions of years. The caverns offer guided tours, providing insights into the geological history of the region, as well as opportunities to learn about the unique ecosystems that thrive in the dark, hidden depths.
Head to the Lake Raystown Resort and embark on a cruise aboard the
Proud Mary Showboat. These leisurely cruises provide breathtaking views of Raystown Lake, making each memorable. Whether you're enjoying a relaxing sightseeing cruise, indulging in a delicious dinner cruise, or starting your day with a peaceful breakfast cruise, you'll be surrounded by the stunning beauty of the lake and its natural landscapes.
At the southern end of Huntingdon County lies the East Broad Top Railroad. This National Historic Landmark is the oldest narrow-gauge railroad in the US, and the last one standing east of the Rocky Mountains. Journey through America’s industrial history as you ride behind vintage locomotives, tour the shop complex, and get a rare glimpse into the archival vaults of the Orbisonia Station.
Located just across the road from the East Broad Top Railroad is another historic wonder. Rockhill Trolley Museum is a heritage railway dedicated to preserving the history of this once-popular mode of transportation. The museum boasts a collection of 21 trolleys, offering a glimpse into the past with fully restored cars from various eras. Visitors can ride these historic trolleys along scenic routes, explore the museum's artifacts, and experience hands-on learning about the evolution of urban transportation.
Tour the nation’s oldest automobile museum - Swigart Antique Auto Museum. The museum’s full collection contains over 150 vehicles, including two Tuckers, an original Herbie the Lovebug, and a DeLorean. Because of the size of their collection, the Swigart Museum displays up to 35 antique automobiles at one time. Other items on display include toy cars, and what is believed to be the nation’s largest collection of automobile emblems, badges, and license plates.
