What stands out most about Panama Rocks is the overwhelming greenery that envelops the rock formations. Exploring the intricate nooks and crannies of this place was not just an adventure, but a sense of exclusivity and exploration that made us feel both adventurous and privileged.
Panama Rocks Scenic Park was our first major stop on our first major tour of the USA. We were headed to West Virginia to explore that state and its natural beauty, but we first had to stop at this location near the border of New York and Pennsylvania.
At this point, we had already embraced the spirit of travel. Our primary exploration area had been the province of Ontario, with some parts of Quebec. However, with our newly acquired passports and the easing of COVID restrictions, we were thrilled to broaden our horizons and start exploring the USA. It was a decision that we have wholeheartedly enjoyed.
However, what was different about Panama Rocks Scenic Park was that it was privately owned. This unique ownership structure, in place since 1885, allows the park to maintain its natural beauty and unique features. All the other parks and hiking trails we have visited up to this point have all been publicly owned. This was our first time at a business that offered natural beauty. We would pay the admission fee, which we had done at publicly owned places when we noticed that others were pouring into this location. Many locals would repeatedly return to this place, and we would soon understand why when we started our journey into the rocks.
Panama Rocks takes pride in its private ownership since 1885, offering visitors a chance to experience its unique 300 million-year-old quartz conglomerate sedimentary rock formations. These formations, unlike any other we’ve seen, are a testament to the park’s rich geological history. The park is also home to a variety of trees, some of which are believed to be 800 years old. Walking in this area is a truly unique experience, unmatched by any other place we’ve explored.
First off, the rock is conglomerate. It looks like concrete. When we are out exploring, we often run into what I thought was discarded concrete at various trails and scenic spots. When we visited here, I now realized that the discarded concrete was, in fact, naturally occurring sedimentary rock that naturally cemented itself together. I initially thought it was fragile and would be easy to break apart. This was not the case. The conglomerate is hard, very hard. It was impossible to break off a piece to take as a souvenir. Believe me, because we tried hard. The rock is also abrasive, something we would experience firsthand when we toured the trails. The unique nature of these rock formations left us intrigued and fascinated.
The area is not overly large; if someone were to march through it, it could be completed relatively quickly. However, the true beauty of the park lies in its details. What is needed is to stop and admire the moss and lichen, how the roots of trees embrace and penetrate the rock, the tunnels, holes, and formations of rock, and the sheer majesty of all there. Even though there was a small crowd waiting to enter, because of the diversity of the trails and places to explore, we rarely encountered anybody else. The park’s trails offer a variety of experiences, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
- Take your time here. You may miss a lot if you only hike through it. Notice the greenery, check out the formations, and enjoy the views.
- There is an admission fee. It is reasonable. Panama Rocks Scenic Park receives no government funding, and they proudly claim that they operate their park at one-tenth the cost of a state-run park.
- Bring water, bug spray and good hiking shoes. The rocks provide amazing grip but are also abrasive to the skin.
- Check out All The Places We Have Been To to see what other places are good to explore.
