PA Natural Attractions

Exploring the Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County

A collage of scenes from Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, showcasing the natural beauty and unique geological formations within the 537-acre park. The top-left image captures a cascading waterfall flowing into a smooth, sandstone tub surrounded by autumn leaves. The top-right image displays a wooden bridge spanning a rocky gorge with water-filled tubs below. The bottom-left image features a hiker standing on a rock ledge, overlooking the gorge and stream as it winds through the sandstone formations. The bottom-right image shows the entrance sign to Seven Tubs Recreation Area, set against a vibrant backdrop of fall foliage. These photos highlight the park's rugged terrain, picturesque trails, and seasonal colors.

If you’re looking for information about visiting the Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, you’re in the right place!

A small, cascading waterfall flows through a narrow channel of rugged, layered rock formations at Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The scene captures the autumn season, with fallen leaves scattered across the mossy rock surfaces and lining the edges of the creek. Surrounded by lush forest, the flowing water weaves its way through the sandstone landscape, showcasing the unique geological formations created by thousands of years of glacial meltwater carving smooth tubs and channels into the stone.

The Seven Tubs Recreation Area is a 537-acre site featuring a series of seven sandstone “tubs” that formed over 12,000 years ago, as glacial meltwater eroded the sandstone bedrock along what is now known as Wheelbarrow Run.

An aerial view of a smooth, water-filled tub carved into rugged sandstone at Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The natural stone walls surrounding the tub are covered with moss and autumn leaves, adding earthy tones and texture to the scene. The deep pool, filled with clear water and scattered fall leaves, showcases the geological history of the area, where glacial meltwater has shaped the rock into unique, rounded formations over thousands of years. Lush greenery surrounds the tub, blending with the vibrant colors of the season.

In addition to the short (0.3 mile) trail that loops around the seven tubs along Wheelbarrow Run, there’s also the 1.8-mile, yellow-blazed Audubon Trail to explore.

An autumn landscape along Laurel Run at Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, with the clear stream winding through rocky terrain and reflecting the golden and orange hues of the season. Large moss-covered boulders and fallen leaves add texture and color to the forested scene, while tall trees create a natural canopy over the trail. Sunlight filters through the branches, illuminating this serene stretch of the 537-acre park, which is known for its glacially carved tubs and scenic beauty.

Directions to the Seven Tubs Recreation Area

The Seven Tubs Recreation Area is located at 900 Bear Creek Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

If navigating by GPS, use coordinates 41.23564, -75.8102 to find the main parking lot at the Seven Tubs.

The main parking lot at Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, on a bright autumn day, featuring several parked vehicles against a backdrop of colorful fall foliage. Accessible parking spaces and marked lines provide clear organization in the paved lot, while vibrant orange, yellow, and red trees enhance the scenic surroundings. The blue sky with scattered clouds adds to the inviting atmosphere, welcoming visitors to explore the trails and geological formations within this 537-acre recreation area.

There is an unpaved, overflow parking lot a few hundred yards east of the main lot as well.

The overflow parking lot at Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, on a clear autumn day, with a few vehicles parked against a backdrop of vibrant fall foliage. Trees in shades of orange, yellow, and red surround the gravel parking area, while a bright blue sky with scattered clouds adds to the scenic, seasonal atmosphere of this popular natural destination within the 537-acre recreation area.

Restrooms are located at the back edge of the main parking lot, and the trail heads can be found behind the restrooms.

A restroom facility near the parking lot at Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage. The small building features a rustic design with stone and wood elements, blending into the scenic forested landscape. Information boards and benches are situated nearby, providing visitors with a convenient rest area before they embark on trails through this 537-acre park known for its glacially carved sandstone tubs and unique geological formations.

An informational kiosk next to the parking area tells you a little bit about the formation of the Seven Tubs and the trails in the area.

An information board at the Seven Tubs State Forest Recreation Area in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, detailing the natural history, hiking trails, and conservation principles of the area. The display explains the formation of the unique pothole-like features known as the "Seven Tubs," created by glacial meltwater erosion over 12,000 years ago. It also provides descriptions of the unblazed main loop trail and the 1.8-mile Audubon Loop Trail, encouraging visitors to follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the natural environment of this 537-acre recreation area within the Pinchot State Forest.

What You’ll See at the Seven Tubs Recreation Area

The main attraction here is a 0.3-mile loop trail (depicted in red on the map below) that circles the Wheelbarrow Run ravine, providing an up-close view of the seven tubs and their surrounding landscape.

A detailed trail map of Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, showing the main parking lot and overflow parking area along Old Bear Creek Boulevard. The map highlights key features along the Seven Tubs Main Loop Trail, including the "Long Bridge", "Short Bridge", and " Railroad Viaduct." Trail paths are clearly marked, guiding visitors through the scenic and rugged terrain shaped by glacial meltwater, with elevation points labeled to show the area's varied landscape. The map provides a helpful overview for hikers navigating this 537-acre park known for its unique geological formations.

Though short, this main trail is rugged and requires proper footwear due to its rocky terrain and exposed tree roots.

A rugged trail at Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, winds through a forested landscape, with exposed tree roots and scattered autumn leaves covering the rocky path. Tall trees and vibrant fall foliage surround the trail, creating a natural canopy and adding color to the serene woodland setting. The challenging terrain reflects the area's natural beauty and invites hikers to explore the unique geological features shaped by glacial meltwater over thousands of years in this 537-acre park.

A long footbridge spans the lower section of the loop, while a shorter bridge near the top offers another vantage point of the scenic gorge.

A small waterfall flows through a narrow, rocky crevice surrounded by rugged stone formations and mossy patches at Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Overhead, a wooden bridge spans the gorge, blending into the autumn landscape filled with vibrant foliage. The scene captures the natural beauty and unique geological features shaped by centuries of glacial meltwater carving smooth tubs and channels into the sandstone, creating a scenic and serene environment within this 537-acre recreation area.

Adding an intriguing historic touch, a vintage railroad culvert, carved into the mountainside, can be found along the trail’s upper section, hinting at the area’s past as a popular destination.

A hiker wearing a red jacket and blue cap stands at the entrance of a stone tunnel at Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The hiker holds a walking stick and gazes into the tunnel, which is framed by a rugged stone archway and surrounded by mossy rocks and autumn leaves. The shallow stream underfoot reflects the warm tones of the fallen leaves, adding a vibrant contrast to the cool stone structure, hinting at the natural history and geological beauty of the recreation area.

The tubs along Wheelbarrow Run are unique geological formations created by the force of glacial meltwater.

A small waterfall cascades into a smooth, rounded pool within a deeply carved sandstone formation at Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The layered rock walls, accented with patches of moss and surrounded by autumn leaves, frame the flowing water as it drops into the tub-like basin below. Overhanging branches and vibrant foliage add a touch of natural beauty to this unique glacially formed landscape, showcasing the geological history shaped by thousands of years of flowing water.

These deep, smooth-walled potholes are carved into the sandstone bedrock, each filled with clear, rushing water that flows from one tub to the next.

A view from above of a water-filled, smooth sandstone tub at Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The rock walls surrounding the tub are layered and covered with patches of moss, while fallen autumn leaves float on the water's surface, creating a colorful contrast against the rugged stone. Trees and greenery frame the scene, showcasing the natural beauty and geological history of this glacially carved formation within the 537-acre park.

The rocky landscape surrounding the tubs displays layers of weathered sandstone, with swirling patterns that reveal the area’s ancient history.

A hiker wearing a red jacket and blue cap stands on a rocky ledge along the edge of Wheelbarrow Run at Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Surrounded by towering stone walls with layers of gritty sandstone, the hiker looks down at the narrow, water-filled gorge below, carved over thousands of years by glacial meltwater. Autumn leaves blanket the ground, adding warm tones to the rugged landscape, while trees and moss-covered rocks frame the serene, natural setting within this 537-acre recreation area.

Cascading water and small waterfalls add to the scene, making it both a fascinating natural wonder and a peaceful place to observe the power of erosion over millennia.

A tranquil pool of clear water collects at the base of a small cascading waterfall surrounded by rugged rock formations and vibrant autumn foliage at Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The layered rock walls and moss-covered boulders frame the scene, with fallen leaves floating on the water's surface, adding a touch of seasonal color. This picturesque setting showcases the natural beauty and unique geological features formed by glacial meltwater that carved smooth tubs and channels into the sandstone thousands of years ago.

While the area’s natural beauty may tempt some to dive into the tubs, please be aware that this activity is prohibited, to protect both the site and its visitors.

An overhead view of the cascading stream and smooth, sandstone tubs at Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The stream flows through a rocky gorge surrounded by moss-covered stones, autumn leaves, and vibrant foliage, with tall trees lining the edges of the gorge. This unique glacially-carved formation is set within a serene, forested landscape, showcasing the natural beauty and geological history of this 537-acre park. The photo captures the layered rock formations and winding waterway shaped by glacial meltwater thousands of years ago.

Instead, sightseers are encouraged to explore the trails, marvel at the geological formations, and enjoy the tranquil beauty that has captivated locals for generations.

A narrow waterfall flows through a deep, rugged gorge surrounded by towering trees and moss-covered rock formations at Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The scene, viewed from above, showcases the steep, layered rock walls that enclose the water as it cascades into the smooth, naturally carved tubs below. Fallen leaves and lush greenery highlight the forested landscape, adding a seasonal touch to this unique geological formation created by glacial meltwater thousands of years ago.

The Audubon Trail

The Audubon Trail at the Seven Tubs Recreation Area (depicted as a yellowish-green on the map below) offers a scenic 1.8-mile hike through lush forest, perfect for those seeking a longer trek.

A trail map of the Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, highlighting the Audubon Loop Trail and nearby trails along Laurel Run. The map shows key locations, including the main parking area, overflow parking, and points of interest such as the "Long Bridge" and "Short Bridge Railroad Viaduct." Topographical lines depict the elevation changes within the park, set within the broader context of the Pinchot State Forest. This 537-acre recreation area offers scenic trails through rugged, glacially carved landscapes with unique sandstone tubs formed by flowing water over thousands of years.

Part of the trail meanders alongside Laurel Run, a serene stream that enhances the natural beauty of the area.

A serene autumn scene along a leaf-covered trail at Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, featuring a narrow stream winding through moss-covered rocks and fallen leaves. Tall trees with branches adorned in vibrant fall foliage frame the path, creating a peaceful and colorful forest setting. This picturesque landscape showcases the natural beauty and seasonal charm of the 537-acre park, known for its unique glacially carved sandstone tubs and scenic hiking trails.

In the fall, this section is especially breathtaking, with vibrant autumn foliage reflecting in the water and creating a picturesque landscape.

A peaceful autumn scene along Laurel Run at Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, with a clear, slow-moving stream reflecting the vibrant orange and yellow foliage of the surrounding trees. Fallen leaves cover the rocky banks and forest floor, adding warm tones to the lush landscape. Sunlight filters through the trees, highlighting the natural beauty of this 537-acre park known for its unique geological formations shaped by glacial meltwater thousands of years ago.

Final Thoughts

A visit to the Seven Tubs Recreation Area offers a unique mix of natural beauty, fascinating geology, and a sense of history rooted in Pennsylvania’s landscape.

A scenic view of the Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, featuring a series of smooth, sandstone tubs filled with clear water and surrounded by vibrant autumn leaves. The cascading stream flows through a rocky gorge, framed by lush forest and tall trees. In the background, a wooden bridge spans the gorge, providing visitors with a vantage point to view the natural beauty and unique geological formations created by glacial meltwater over thousands of years within this 537-acre park.

Whether exploring the sandstone tubs along Wheelbarrow Run or enjoying the peaceful trails by Laurel Run, this destination provides a refreshing escape into nature.

A rocky gorge with smooth, water-carved sandstone tubs at Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, surrounded by a dense forest showcasing autumn colors. The small stream flows through narrow channels and cascades over the layered rock, with scattered fallen leaves adding a seasonal touch. Tall trees rise above the gorge, casting dappled light onto the rugged landscape, highlighting the unique geological formations shaped by glacial meltwater thousands of years ago in this 537-acre natural area.

With easy access and well-maintained amenities, the Seven Tubs is a perfect spot to reconnect with the outdoors and discover a true geological wonder.

A wooden entrance sign for the Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, stands amidst tall grasses and vibrant autumn foliage in shades of orange, yellow, and red. The sign directs visitors to the Pinchot State Forest, highlighting the scenic and seasonal beauty of this 537-acre park known for its unique geological formations created by glacial meltwater erosion over thousands of years.

Nearby Attractions

10 Must-See Attractions in Luzerne County showcases more remarkable sights and experiences near the Seven Tubs Recreation Area.

Collage of Luzerne County attractions including a waterfall at Ricketts Glen State Park, a lakeside trail at Nescopeck State Park, exhibits at the Anthracite Heritage Museum, and the Seven Tubs Recreation Area entrance sign surrounded by fall foliage.

Explore Pennsylvania like a pro with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map, showcasing over 1,000 memorable destinations I’ve personally visited across the Keystone State.

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