Blue Rock

Swatara Water Trail

On the right bank, Blue Rock is a magnificent limestone outcrop.  In early spring, wildflowers of may colors appear on the face.  On the 2003 Swatara Sojourn, William Kochanov, a PA geologist, used a carpet to show how Africa pushed and folded rocks on our continent. His visuals also included items like a sea shell and piece of limestone upon which he placed a drop of acid. It bubbled. He explained that this is a way geologists identify limestone in the field. At any rate, the next outstanding feature we encountered on the Swatara was Blue Rock. We learned that Blue Rock was a piece of pushed rock that flipped on end and slightly past center. William questioned its stability, and recommends not climbing this rock.

For the complete DCNR Trail Guide, click here: http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Fish_Boat/watertrails/swatara/trailguide.htm

For the official DCNR Trail Map, click here: http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Fish_Boat/watertrails/swatara/trailmap.htm 

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