Little Buffalo State Park
Little Buffalo State Park is a 923-acre Pennsylvania state park in Perry County featuring the scenic 88-acre Holman Lake and the fully restored historic Shoaff's Mill, a working grist mill from the 1840s. The park offers 8 miles of hiking trails through diverse habitats including mature hemlock forests, and provides excellent fishing on Holman Lake. The mill offers live demonstrations on summer weekends, attracting over 12,000 visitors annually. The park successfully blends historical interpretation with outdoor recreation, making it both an educational destination and a peaceful natural retreat.
Free
Visiting with Dogs
Leashed dogs welcome on all trails and campground; 8 miles of varied trails; no dogs in pavilions or historic mill.
Visitor Tips & Reviews
What Visitors Say
Historic grist mill, tranquil hemlock trails, excellent bass fishing on Holman Lake, family picnic/playground, small campground, close to Harrisburg.
Tips from Visitors
- Shoaff's Mill operates on weekend afternoons from May to October - time visits for demonstrations
- Holman Lake is excellent for bass and panfish - electric motors only keeps it peaceful
- Fisherman's Trail passes through mature hemlocks with beautiful lake overlooks
- Middle Ridge Trail is most challenging with steep climbs but offers the best workout
- Winter ice skating and ice fishing are popular when lake freezes safely
- Mill Race Trail is easiest and family-friendly, following the old mill race
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Explore these attractions near Little Buffalo State Park:
- Shoaff's MillFully restored 1840s grist mill with live grinding demonstrations on summer weekendsWithin the park
- Tuscarora State ForestNearby state forest with additional hiking and mountain biking opportunities5 miles away
- Colonel Denning State ParkSmall park with lake and trails in the mountains north of Little Buffalo15 miles away
Things to Do at Little Buffalo State Park
Camping at Little Buffalo State Park
No overnight camping at Little Buffalo State Park; day-use only. Picnic areas, grills, reservable pavilions, seasonal restrooms/pool; alcohol prohibited.
Hiking Trails
Fisherman's Trail
EasyYellow-blazed trail passing through mature hemlock forest with eastern end overlooking Holman Lake and dam. Easy terrain and very scenic.
Mill Race Trail
EasyOrange-blazed easy trail following Furnace Run and the historic mill race from Shoaff's Mill era. Family-friendly and educational.
Middle Ridge Trail
StrenuousRed-blazed difficult trail with several short, steep climbs passing through variety of habitats with views of the lake. Most challenging in park.
Buffalo Ridge Trail
ModerateBlue-blazed moderate trail exploring ridge habitats with moderate elevation changes and forest variety.
Directions
Little Buffalo State Park is located about 1 mile southwest of Newport off PA Route 34. From the east, take US Route 322/22 west through Duncannon to Newport, then PA Route 34 north. Turn left onto Clay's Ferry Road, then right onto State Park Road. From I-81, take Exit 61 (PA Route 274) east to Newport, then PA Route 34 north. From Harrisburg, take US Route 11/15 north to Duncannon, then US Route 322/22 west to Newport. GPS coordinates: State Park Road, Newport, PA 17074.