Cowans Gap State Park
Cowans Gap State Park is a 1,085-acre Pennsylvania state park in Fulton County nestled in the beautiful Allens Valley of Buchanan State Forest. The park features the scenic 42-acre Cowans Gap Lake surrounded by mountains, and serves as a gateway to extensive trail systems including the Tuscarora Trail. The park showcases rustic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) structures from the 1930s, including distinctive stone cabins and pavilions. As part of Buchanan State Forest, visitors have access to vast wilderness areas perfect for backpacking and mountain exploration.
Free
Visiting with Dogs
Leashed dogs welcome on trails and campground; no dogs at swimming beach. Lakeside 1.45mi; Tuscarora steeper. Bring water; clean up.
Visitor Tips & Reviews
What Visitors Say
Visitors love Cowans Gap’s peaceful mountain setting: rustic CCC cabins, Big Mountain Overlook, family Lakeside Trail, good fishing; bring supplies.
Tips from Visitors
- Lakeside Trail at 1.45 miles is the most popular, offering scenic lake views and CCC pavilions
- Tuscarora Trail section through the park features Big Mountain Overlook with stunning views
- CCC cabins are rustic and historic - book early for unique overnight experience
- Swimming beach is pleasant but smaller than major parks - perfect for families seeking quiet
- Buchanan State Forest surrounding the park offers extensive additional hiking opportunities
- Fall foliage is spectacular in the mountain setting - October weekends book fast
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Explore these attractions near Cowans Gap State Park:
- Buchanan State Forest75,000-acre state forest surrounding the park with extensive wilderness trailsWithin the park
- Tuscarora Trail250-mile long-distance trail with sections passing through the park offering mountain vistasWithin the park
- Colonel Denning State ParkNearby state park with additional lake and trail recreation25 miles away
Things to Do at Cowans Gap State Park
Hiking Trails
Lakeside Trail
EasyMost popular trail providing scenic lake views, wildlife viewing, and views of unique CCC pavilions and spillway. Easy terrain suitable for all ages.
Tuscarora Trail: Cowans Gap to Tower Road
StrenuousSection of the 250-mile Tuscarora Trail through the park climbing Tuscarora Mountain with variety of terrain, multiple vistas, and unusual rock formations.
Tuscarora Trail: Cowans Gap Lake to Buchanan Trail
StrenuousPoint-to-point section featuring Big Mountain Overlook with stunning valley views. Covers 1,919 feet elevation gain through remote forest.
Directions
Cowans Gap State Park is located in Fulton County in south-central Pennsylvania. From the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76), take Exit 180 (Fort Littleton) and follow PA Route 522 south approximately 5 miles to Richmond Furnace Road. Turn left and follow signs to the park. From I-81, take Exit 3 (Greencastle) and follow PA Route 16 east to Fort Loudon, then Aughwick Road north to the park. GPS coordinates: 39.99478°N, 77.9249°W.