Sinnemahoning State Park
Sinnemahoning State Park is a 1,910-acre Pennsylvania state park in Cameron and Potter counties, offering a unique combination of outdoor recreation and exceptional elk viewing opportunities. Located in the heart of Pennsylvania's elk country and surrounded by Elk State Forest, the park provides visitors with excellent chances to observe the state's growing elk herd. The park features 6 miles of trails including the 5-mile ADA-accessible Lowlands Trail with a dedicated wildlife viewing platform. The mountainous terrain with deep valleys creates diverse habitats supporting abundant wildlife including elk, white-tailed deer, black bears, and over 200 bird species.
Free
Visiting with Dogs
Leashed dogs (6 ft) allowed trails/campground; Lowlands 5 miles (first 2 ADA). Keep control; avoid dawn/dusk elk viewing.
Visitor Tips & Reviews
What Visitors Say
Visitors praise dawn and dusk elk sightings; photographers love viewing platform; accessible Lowlands Trail; bring patience, expect no cell service.
Tips from Visitors
- Best elk viewing is dawn and dusk - arrive early and be patient at the wildlife platform
- Lowlands Trail's first 2 miles are ADA accessible and lead to the prime viewing platform
- Bring binoculars or telephoto lens - maintain safe distance from elk (at least 50 yards)
- September-October is elk rut season with bugling bulls - the most dramatic viewing period
- Cell service is very limited - download maps and information before arrival
- The park is truly remote - fill gas tank and bring supplies from larger towns
Amenities
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Nearby Attractions
Explore these attractions near Sinnemahoning State Park:
- Elk State ForestVast state forest surrounding the park with primitive camping and extensive trailsWithin the park
- Bucktail State Park Natural AreaScenic drive along PA Route 120 through elk country with pulloffs and views15 miles away
- Elk Country Visitor CenterInterpretive center dedicated to Pennsylvania elk with exhibits and viewing opportunities20 miles away
Things to Do at Sinnemahoning State Park
Hiking Trails
Lowlands Trail
EasyEasy out-and-back trail with first 2 miles ADA accessible. Leads to wildlife viewing platform. Open to hiking, biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Red Spruce Trail
EasyEasy out-and-back trail with yellow blazes running from campground to 40 Maples Day Use Area. Skirts exceptional wetland habitat.
Directions
Sinnemahoning State Park is located in Cameron and Potter counties along First Fork Road. From the south via I-80, take Exit 111 (Penfield) and follow PA Route 153 north through Penfield to Sinnemahoning, then follow First Fork Road north to the park. From Emporium, take PA Route 155 west to Sinnemahoning, then First Fork Road north. From the north, take PA Route 872 south from Coudersport. The park is remote - GPS coordinates are helpful: 41.3686°N, 78.1033°W. Cell service is limited.