Hawk Mountain Treks: River of Rocks Trail
Start: South Lookout
End: Upper Lookout Trail
Blazes: Red
Distance: 4 miles, 6.4 km
Time: allow 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Character: 600ft./183m steep descent, ankle bender rocks and boulders,
gradual ascent up bottom of canyon, steep ascent at the end. Wear sturdy
shoes. Stay on trail. Many older unmarked trails cross this trail. Stay with red blazes.
Use the paper Trail Guide for reference: boulder fields are gray
This Trek begins at South Lookout.
Look for this cairn and go right.
The naturally occurring boulder fields,
for which the trail is named, can be seen
from South Lookout.
The composite sign is a short walk
down the trail on the right.
Use the paper Trail Guide for reference
The trail begins with a quick descent on loose rocky terrain and steep
stone steps. Watch your step and stay on trail. Winter snow and ice
create hazardous conditions on this trail.
Many sections of this trail traverse large rocks. Watch your step, but look
up to see blazes on trees. If you think a log is across the trail, stop, and
check for blazes. Logs help define many trail edges.
Make sure you stay on the trail.
“No Entry” means just that.
Please, stay out of these areas.
River of Rocks Trail is crossed
by many old unmarked trails.
Stay with blazes, stay on trail.
The pictured post is not numbered and
is not on the Trail Guide.
The trail passes through lush stands of Rhododendron. The descent eases
but rocks are always near. Watch for warblers, woodpeckers, and seasonal
woodland flowers along the way.
The first and smallest boulder field in
The River of Rocks will be on your left.
During this Trek all boulder fields will be
on your left.
Water is often heard flowing
under the boulders.
Be careful if you venture out on the
boulder fields.
Boulders are very large and jagged.
Falling can result in serious injury.
Use the paper Trail Guide for reference:
boulder fields are gray on the Trail Guide
The rocky trail continues and the next, larger boulder field comes into
view on your left. Watch for snakes in rocky areas. Summer temperatures
can be high, so bring water and rest if necessary. Sunglasses in winter help
with snow glare.
River of Rocks - Golden Eagle Junction Post # 4
Post #4 GPS 40° 38’ 16.6” N, 75° 58’ 16.09” W (40.63794 N, 75.97114 W)
From here, this Trek turns right toward Post#5 about 80 yds, 73m. The trail
is comfortable, offering hikers a break before the next difficult section.
Turning right at Post #4 will put you on Golden Eagle Trail, blazed in yellow.
Use the paper Trail Guide for reference. See Hawk Mountain Treks: Golden Eagle Trails for details.
An easy short walk brings you to Post # 5
GPS 40° 38’ 13.93” N, 75° 58’ 15.04” W (40.6372 N, 75.97084 W)
At Post #5 this Trek turns left and the trail circles another boulder field.
Use the paper Trail Guide for reference.
This part of the trail goes over bouldery terrain. Watch for blazes on rocks
and trees in deep shade. Blazed rocks are harder to see in autumn as leaves
fall. This is a very challenging section of the River of Rocks Trail.
Near the end of this section the trail changes in character from difficult to
easy walking. Small foot bridges help with crossing rills, water courses, or
other fragile areas.
River of Rocks - Golden Eagle Junction Post # 3
Post # 3 GPS 40° 38’ 19.36” N, 75° 58’ 15.43” W (40.63871 N, 75.97095 W)
It can be easy to miss this post. Stay on River of Rocks Trail for this Trek.
Stay with red blazes.
Golden Eagle Trail is blazed in yellow, turning right will lead to Skyline.
Use the paper Trail Guide for reference.
See Hawk Mountain Treks: Golden Eagle Trails or Skyline for details.
The trail begins a moderate ascent up the bottom of the canyon and the
boulder fields are soon left behind. Large rocks in this area make good seats
for resting or a picnic. Remember, pack out your trash and please, don’t feed animals.
With boulder fields behind you, the trail changes. Boulders give way to loose
rocky terrain on this long section. But, there’s more to hiking than walking.
Try to identify birds by sound or get to know woodland plants and fungi
using field guides. Many hikers find this part of the trail to be their favorite.
Remember, Hawk Mountain is a Sanctuary to all plants and animals. Take only photos
and memories home.
River of Rocks - Golden Eagle Junction Post # 7
Post # 7 GPS 40° 38’ 26.43” N, 75° 59’ 12.43” W (40.64068 N, 75.98679 W)
At the upper end of the canyon you will come to Post #7. This Trek turns
left at the trail junction. Stay on River of Rocks Trail. The walk to Post #6 is
about 230 yds, 211m.
Turning right will place you on Golden Eagle Trail, blazed in yellow
Use the paper Trail Guide for reference.
See Hawk Mountain Treks: Short Loop or Golden Eagle Trails for details
In this view you will come down the right side and go up the left
Post # 6 GPS 40° 38’ 20.57” N, 75° 59’ 7.65” W (40.63905 N, 75.98546 W)
Here, the trail turns right in a switchback and the steep 250 ft, 76m ascent out
of the canyon begins. If you’re tired, this is a good place to rest. Stay with
blazes and stay on trail.
Use the paper Trail Guide for reference
When we say “Do Not Enter” please, stay out.
These are restricted areas.
You will see this, or something similar near Post #6.
Stay on the designated River of Rocks Trail.
Up through lush growth, up stone steps, up the steep rocky trail, keep
going up. The trail will cross Escarpment Trail as it reaches the top of the
ridge. The Escarpment Trail junction is not marked, but you will see the trails intersect.
Winter snow and ice can make this section very difficult.
Use the paper Trail Guide for reference
Near the Escarpment Trail you will come
to the backside of this sign.
The Trek is almost over as you walk
downhill towards Lookout Trail.
River of Rocks - Lookout Trail Junction
The Trek ends at this location.
This junction is on the upper end of
Lookout Trail.
It’s not far to North Lookout from here.
The walk back to South Lookout and the
Visitor Center is pleasant and downhill
all the way.
Use the paper Trail Guide for reference
See Hawk Mountain Treks: Lookout Trail for details