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Utlimate Guide to White Rocks Trail [AKA White Rock Acres] Hiking Trail, Overlook, and Rock Climbing
Overview
One of the best hiking trails near Carlisle Pennsylvania is definitely White Rocks Trail AKA White Rock Acres Trail (because it sits at the entrance to the White Rock Acres housing development in Boiling Springs). Here, you can hike, rock climb, access the Appalachian Trail, visit Center Point Knob (original center point of the Appalachian Trail from when it was first completed in 1937), see wildlife, camp out (in designated areas only), and enjoy the sunrise from THE best place near Carlisle to watch the sunrise.
Difficulty
I would call it just barely an intermediate hike… It’s really not that long and my 6 old twins could do it, so most should be fine. Having said that, there are some steep and rocky parts and the way up can be a bit much for some, but most people should be fine. It’s not a flat breeze, but not hard.
The hike starts level for a little bit, then gradually begins to get steeper until it’s about as steep as stairs right before you reach the ridge. Then you hike across the ridge (level and rocky) until you hit the first large rock cropping where the main overlook is (good for easy top rope climbing). If you continue on, you will soon come to another rock cropping (also good for easy top rope climbing). If you continue on from there, you will hit the Appalachian Trail, the camping area, and Center Point Knob. Then you can head to Maine or Georgia if you want!
Video Guide
Full Hike Video
Location & Directions
Parking Lot & Trail Head
Overlook and Rock Climbing Area 1
Center Point Knob
Animals You Might See
- Porcupine
- Raccoon
- Squirrel
- Chipmunks
- Raven
- Red-Tailed Hawk
- Black Vulture
- Pileated Woodpecker
- Eastern Gray Tree Frog
- Eastern American Toad
- Fowler’s Toad
- Broad-Headed Skink
- Five-Lined Skink
- Black Snake
- Copperhead Snake
- Garter Snake
- Red Fox
- Gray Fox
- White-Tailed Deer
Camping
Only camp in designated areas. Camping in non-designated areas has been an issue lately and is strictly prohibited. The designated camping area is located where the White Rocks trail meets up with the Appalachian Trail. It’s large with large fire pit (with logs around it for sitting) and plenty of nice flat area for multiple tents. From the camping area, Center Point Knob is only a few steps away up the hill.
Camping Area Location:
Resources & Links
Appalachian Trail Interactive Map
