Steeped in history, Pennsylvania lays claim to countless unique geological formations and natural wonders. Just off of Gold Mine Road at State Game Lands 211 in Lebanon County is an incredibly unique attraction in Pennsylvania that you have to see to really appreciate. Welcome to Boxcar Rocks.
The Boxcar Rocks – also commonly referred to as the Chinese Wall and High Rocks – is a natural geological formation that spans .6 of a mile and rises to 60 feet.
YouTube Screenshot/Ground Pilot Images
The natural wall is comprised of conglomerate rock, with quartzite pebbles, that dates back 300 million years and makes up part of Sharp Mountain.
YouTube Screenshot/The Wandering Woodsman
The Boxcar Rocks once served as a camping spot for Native Americans, who would send smoke signals to tribe members out hunting for food.
YouTube Screenshot/The Wandering Woodsman
Neighbors of the majestic rocks often hiked up the mountain, sitting on the rocks and having picnic lunches when the weather allowed.
YouTube Screenshot/The Wandering Woodsman
It wasn’t until the state began construction of Gold Mine Road in the 1940s, however, that the rocks officially earned the moniker Boxcar Rocks for, some observed, the rocks looked like boxcars toppled over on top of each other.
YouTube Screenshot/The Wandering Woodsman
Today, the Boxcar Rocks beckon climbers and photographers for its spectacular views.
Flickr/Jason
Visitors will find parking at one of the numerous pull offs on Gold Mine Road then will have to hike up to the Boxcar Rocks.
YouTube Screenshot/The Wandering Woodsman
Remnants of campgrounds may be visible around the base of the Boxcar Rocks. Be forewarned, however, that camping is prohibited in this area.
Flickr/Jason
Wear sturdy shoes, particularly if you plan to climb the rocks themselves, which can sometimes get quite slippery.
Flickr/Jason
Leave the Boxcar Rocks as you found them – untouched. Graffiti, as you’ll see in the videos below, has become a very real problem.
Flickr/Jason
Click on the video below to see the Boxcar Rocks from high above.
YouTube Screenshot/Ground Pilot Images
YouTube Screenshot/The Wandering Woodsman
Flickr/Jason
Join the Wandering Woodsman for a hike up to the Boxcar Rocks. Click below.
Boxcar Rocks, a spectacularly unique attraction in Pennsylvania, is only one of the wonders spread across our beautiful state. Click here to read more about the unspoiled bluffs in Pennsylvania that will leave you speechless.
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