Continuously flowing glacial meltwater gouged a line of smooth tubs in gritty sandstone over 12,000 years ago.

Glacial melting produced large volumes of flowing water for many years, contributing to formations in the different types of rock common to the area.

Common geological rock classifications in the area are limestone, shale, and coal, but the tubs are formed mainly out of gritty sandstone.

"About 60 kinds of wildflowers have been observed, including pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea), wild lettuce (Prenanthes alba), jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), closed gentian (Gentiana andrewsii), pink lady's slipper (Cypripedium acaule), self-heal (Prunella vulgaris), small round-leaved orchis (Orchis rotundifolia), and harebell (Campanula rotundifolia).

The vegetation surrounding the tubs includes hemlock and yellow, grey, and black birch trees, as well as white and red chestnuts.

Deer, long-tailed weasel, red and gray foxes, opossum, and brown bat are all creatures that may be encountered through a visit to the tubs.

Also, the shade brought about by the foliage as well as the coolness of the water and its flow, all contribute to a drop in temperature in close proximity to the tubs.

Although many of the parks of the northeast Pennsylvania region have similar overall characteristics, each also has individual features that can provide a different nature experience.