Buchanan's Birthplace State Park
Buchanan's Birthplace State Park is a small, historic Pennsylvania state park that preserves the birthplace of James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States. Nestled in a quiet, forested valley along Buck Run in Franklin County, the park centers around a large granite pyramid monument that marks the site of Buchanan’s birth. The surrounding landscape features mature hardwoods, a cold-water stream, and open grassy areas that create a peaceful setting for reflection and relaxation. Though modest in size, the park offers a tranquil escape for history enthusiasts, families, and travelers exploring the scenic Cumberland Valley region. Visitors can enjoy picnicking by the stream, walking the grounds around the monument, and learning about Buchanan’s early life from interpretive signs. The park’s shaded picnic areas, simple amenities, and serene atmosphere make it an appealing stop for those touring nearby state parks, Civil War sites, and the Appalachian foothills.
Free
Visiting with Dogs
Leashed dogs allowed outdoors; 6-foot leash, no buildings or swim areas. Always clean up waste and control behavior.
Visitor Tips & Reviews
What Visitors Say
A quiet, well-kept historic park with a stream, picnic spots, and a monument, perfect for a peaceful, short family stop.
Tips from Visitors
- Bring sturdy footwear; the park has uneven terrain and unpaved paths around the monument and along the creek.
- Pack water and snacks; on-site services are minimal and there are no concessions in the park.
- Check weather and stream conditions before visiting if you plan to wade or fish in Buck Run.
- Use restrooms before arriving or at nearby facilities; restroom availability in the park can be limited or seasonal.
- Respect the historic monument by not climbing on it and by keeping a safe distance for photos.
- In warmer months, bring insect repellent and sunscreen, as shade is partial and bugs can be active near the water.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Explore these attractions near Buchanan's Birthplace State Park:
- Historic MercersburgThe nearby borough of Mercersburg features historic architecture, local shops, dining, and connections to James Buchanan’s early life and other regional history.4 miles away
- Tuscarora State ForestExtensive state forest lands surrounding the region provide opportunities for hiking, hunting in season, wildlife viewing, and exploring remote forest roads and vistas.5 miles away
- Whitetail ResortA four-season resort offering downhill skiing and snowboarding in winter, plus golf and other outdoor activities in warmer months.10 miles away
- Cowans Gap State ParkA larger state park about 20 minutes away, Cowans Gap offers a 42-acre lake, swimming beach, hiking trails, camping, and year-round recreation in a scenic mountain setting.12 miles away
- Fort Loudon Historic SiteA reconstructed 18th-century frontier fort that interprets the French and Indian War era and early frontier life in Pennsylvania.18 miles away
Things to Do at Buchanan's Birthplace State Park
Camping at Buchanan's Birthplace State Park
No camping in the park; use nearby state parks or private campgrounds for tent and RV camping.
Hiking Trails
Buchanan's Birthplace State Park offers a short, easy day hike ideal for families and casual walkers. Trails follow a peaceful creek and loop around the granite monument to President James Buchanan. Expect mostly flat paths, shaded picnic areas, and opportunities for birdwatching and wading. It’s more of a relaxing stroll and historic stop than a challenging hike, perfect for a quiet, low-key outing.
Buchanan’s Birthplace Loop Trail
easyA short loop circling the central monument area and Toms Creek, offering views of the granite pyramid marking James Buchanan’s birthplace and gentle forest scenery.
Toms Creek Riverside Trail
easyAn out-and-back path that follows Toms Creek through shaded woods with several creek access points and picnic spots, suitable for families and casual walkers.
Monument–Woodland Connector Trail
easyA short connector linking the monument area to the park’s upper woodland, passing through mixed hardwood forest and quiet, less-traveled sections of the park.
Upper Woodland Loop
easy-moderateA slightly longer forested loop on the hillside above the monument, with mild climbs, seasonal wildflowers, and occasional views through the trees toward the valley.
Park Perimeter Figure-8 Route
moderateA combined figure-8 route linking the loop, riverside, connector, and upper woodland paths to explore nearly the entire small park, including creekside and hillside terrain.
Directions
From Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, follow PA-16 West (Buchanan Trail) for approximately 3 miles. Turn right onto PA-456 North (Ft. Loudon Road) and continue for about 2 miles. Turn left onto Stoney Batter Road and follow the signs for Buchanan's Birthplace State Park; the park entrance will be on the left after roughly 1 mile. From Interstate 81, take Exit 5 (Greencastle/Waynesboro) and follow PA-16 West through Greencastle and Mercersburg, then proceed as above. The park is well signed from nearby state routes, but GPS users should enter the full street address to avoid being routed onto unpaved forest roads.
Contact & Info
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Buchanan's Birthplace State Park located, and how do I get there?
Buchanan's Birthplace State Park is in Franklin County, south‑central Pennsylvania, near the village of Cove Gap and about 9 miles west of Mercersburg. Most visitors reach it by taking PA Route 16 to Mercersburg, then following local roads (often signed for Cove Gap or the park) into the narrow valley. GPS directions work for most people, but reviews note that cell service can be spotty in the last few miles, so it’s wise to check your route in advance or download offline maps.
What is there to see and do at Buchanan's Birthplace State Park?
The park is small and quiet, focused on history and nature rather than attractions. The main feature is a large granite monument marking the birthplace of James Buchanan, the 15th U.S. president. Visitors typically walk the short paths around the monument, enjoy the creek that runs through the park, have a picnic at one of the tables or pavilions, and relax in the wooded setting. Many reviews describe it as a peaceful stop for a short walk, photography, and learning a bit of presidential history rather than an all‑day destination.
Is Buchanan's Birthplace State Park good for hiking or longer outdoor activities?
The park itself is quite small and does not offer extensive hiking trails. There are short, easy paths and open grassy areas suitable for strolling, but most visitors report spending 30 minutes to an hour exploring the monument and grounds. If you’re looking for longer hikes, people often pair a visit here with nearby state forests, state game lands, or other parks in the region that have more developed trail systems.
Are there restrooms, picnic areas, and other basic facilities at the park?
Yes. The park typically provides picnic tables, small pavilions or shelters, grills, and basic restroom facilities. Reviews often mention that the grounds are well‑kept and that the picnic areas are pleasant for a quiet lunch or family outing. However, amenities are limited compared with larger state parks: there is no visitor center, no concessions, and no large playground. It’s best to bring your own food, water, and any supplies you might need.
How long do people usually spend at Buchanan's Birthplace State Park?
Most visitors report spending between 30 minutes and 2 hours at the park. Many stop briefly to see the monument, read the historical markers, walk along the creek, and take photos. Families or groups using the picnic facilities may stay longer, especially on pleasant days. Because of its small size and limited trail network, it’s commonly visited as a side trip or a quick historical stop rather than a full‑day outing.
Is the park suitable for kids and educational visits?
Yes. The park is generally considered very family‑friendly. The grounds are open and easy to walk, and the monument and interpretive signs provide a simple introduction to James Buchanan and early 19th‑century history. Many visitors mention bringing children for a short history lesson, a picnic, and time by the creek. Supervision is still important near the water and along the narrow access roads, but overall the setting is quiet, low‑traffic, and well‑suited to low‑key educational visits.