Pennsylvania · Hiking

Sams Rocks

Sams RocksPhoto: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, photographer not specified or unknown, Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)
3.6 mi
round trip
932 ft
climb
2,027 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jul–Sep
best months

Is Sams Rocks open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Allegheny National Forest. It doesn't name Sams Rocks, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Allegheny National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Sams Rocks is a moderate, 3.6-mile out-and-back hike in Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest, within the Bradford Ranger District. The trail climbs from about 1,600 feet to a high point of 2,027 feet, with a total elevation gain of 932 feet over the full trip. The steepest stretch comes right at the start, with a 25% grade at the first 0.1 mile. The route is a natural-surface trail, and bikes are allowed. Horses are not. The Forest Service manages the land, and the hike is open year-round. Late spring and early fall tend to be the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show May highs around 68°F and September highs around 71°F, while July peaks near 79°F and January highs sit around 31°F. Rimrock Overlook lies just 0.2 miles away, and the Rim Rock climbing area is about 0.7 miles off. Old State Road Campground is roughly a mile from the trail, and Allegheny Reservoir is about 3 miles away for fishing.

  • Best time to go · Jul–Sep

    Best time to visit Sams Rocks

    Best months: July–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      31° / 13°

      16 wet

    2. Feb

      33° / 13°

      13 wet

    3. Mar

      42° / 21°

      13 wet

    4. Apr

      56° / 32°

      13 wet

    5. May

      68° / 42°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      75° / 51°

      13 wet

    7. Jul

      79° / 55°

      12 wet

    8. Aug

      78° / 54°

      12 wet

    9. Sep

      71° / 47°

      12 wet

    10. Oct

      59° / 37°

      14 wet

    11. Nov

      46° / 28°

      15 wet

    12. Dec

      35° / 20°

      16 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Bradford 4sw Rsch 5, PA, 12.7 mi away at 1,660 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.