Exploring Bilger’s Rocks

Located in Clearfield County, Bilger’s Rocks is an amazing location. You may be wondering why some rocks in a forest are worth a trip. Well, they are more than just some rocks. Read on and check out the photos.

Creation

Once upon a time, when the Earth was younger, two large continents collided together. This created a ‘super-continent’ known as Pangea. When this meeting occurred, mountains were created. Some of those mountains were the Appalachian Mountains.

During the Carboniferous Period (354-290 million years ago), the sandstone rocks that make up Bilger’s Rocks were created. They were originally covered by limestone and shale. These are softer rocks and eventually, over time eroded away. Fun fact: near Bilger’s Rocks can be found the remaining sandstone bed and it measures over 50 feet thick!

For any amateur geologists reading this, the Bilger’s Rocks are part of the Homewood Formation of the Pottsville Group.

Visitors will notice openings, crawlspaces, arches, and passageways throughout the rock formation. These spaces were created by the jointing within the rock itself. A joint is caused by tectonic forces. Tectonic forces are the “mountain-building” forces that move and place stress on rocks. This movement and stress causes them to fracture. These fractures, tiny at first, cause small cracks. Small cracks allow water and ice in. Water works at slowly dissolving the rocks, while ice will push rocks apart. After a while, trees and plants grow amongst the rocks causing larger gaps.

Over millions of years and an Ice Age we have finally arrived at the rock formation that can be seen today.

Things to Do

Exploring Bilger’s Rocks

Obviously exploring the rocks themselves and the passages is a must when visiting the site. A word of warning, please wear appropriate foot ware and keep an eye out. If you are taking small children, it is a good idea to keep them close and not let them wander too far.

It is easy to loose your footing amongst fallen leaves, roots and damp rocks. When visitors are on top of the rocks, cracks may be hidden. The fall from some of the rocks would lead to serious injuries.

Hiking Trails

There are over ten miles of trails to be hiked. There is a very short piece that winds through the massive rocks. After that they wind through the forest and along streams. Maps are available online.

Rentals

There is a pavilion and stage that are available for rent. Picnic tables are spread throughout the area. They are available to anyone, however they can be reserved. Guided hiking tours may also be arranged. Camping is also available. For information on rentals and the Bilger’s Rocks Association please visit their site here.

Old Saw Mill

Just down the road from the rocks can be found the site of an 1851 Water Powered Saw Mill and a stone dam. There isn’t too much here, but it is still interesting.

In Conclusion

Bilger’s Rocks is an amazing place to visit. There are other things in the area to do if you are looking for more. Clearfield is a great place to visit and isn’t far away. If you are interested in other outdoor activities, you can read about trails to visit in Cambria County here.