Pennsylvania State Parks Near Bellefonte

Located in the heart of Pennsylvania, Bald Eagle State Park provides visitors with a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. The park’s centerpiece is the Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir, ideal for boating and fishing. With modern campgrounds, picnic areas, and an environmental learning center, the park is a popular destination for families and nature lovers. Its trails and observation areas offer ample opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and photography.

Penn-Roosevelt State Park provides a rustic outdoor experience in central Pennsylvania. The park features a small campground, a scenic picnic area, and a trout-stocked stream, all set within a remote section of Rothrock State Forest. Visitors can explore miles of nearby hiking and equestrian trails, observe wildlife, and enjoy the quiet beauty of the Seven Mountains region.

Whipple Dam State Park provides a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife observation. The park's facilities include a sandy beach, picnic pavilions, boat rentals, and a playground. Its proximity to State College and the Rothrock State Forest makes it a popular destination for families, students, and nature lovers.

Located in Centre County, Poe Valley State Park encompasses 620 acres of forested land centered around the 25-acre Poe Lake. The park provides year-round recreational opportunities, including a modern campground, a sandy beach, picnic areas, and a boat launch. Surrounded by Bald Eagle State Forest, visitors can explore miles of trails and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. The park is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, boating (electric motors only), and wildlife observation.

Poe Paddy State Park offers a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring rustic campsites, access to the scenic Penns Creek, and proximity to extensive forest lands. The park is a favorite destination for anglers, hikers, and campers seeking solitude and natural beauty. Its location along the Mid State Trail makes it a popular stop for backpackers, while the nearby Poe Paddy Tunnel adds a unique historical feature.

Black Moshannon is renowned for its distinctive bog ecosystem and the dark, tea-colored lake that gives the park its name. The 1,992-acre protected bog natural area showcases rare plant species and unique wildlife. The park's trail system includes two boardwalk sections through the Moss-Hanne Trail, allowing visitors to experience the bog ecosystem up close without damage. The 41.5-mile Allegheny Front Trail encircles the park, offering exceptional backpacking opportunities.

Greenwood Furnace State Park offers a blend of history and outdoor adventure in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Rothrock State Forest. The park preserves the site of a 19th-century ironmaking village and provides opportunities for swimming, boating, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. With its rich heritage and natural beauty, Greenwood Furnace is a popular destination for families, history buffs, and nature lovers.

Located in Mifflin County, Reeds Gap State Park is a small but picturesque park that provides visitors with opportunities for picnicking, fishing, wildlife watching, and hiking. The park is surrounded by state forest land, making it a popular spot for those seeking a quiet retreat or a base for exploring the surrounding wilderness.

Located atop a mountain in Clinton County, Hyner View State Park provides one of the most iconic vistas in Pennsylvania. The park’s 6-acre area is centered around a stone overlook built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Visitors enjoy picnicking, hiking, and watching hang gliders launch from the overlook. The park is also a gateway to the larger Sproul State Forest, offering access to extensive outdoor recreation opportunities.

Hyner Run State Park serves as a gateway to backcountry adventure in the Pennsylvania Wilds region. While the park itself is small, it provides excellent camping facilities and connections to vast trail networks in surrounding state forests. The nearby Hyner View overlook offers spectacular scenery and is one of the premier hang gliding sites on the East Coast, making this area a destination for both ground-based and aerial outdoor enthusiasts.

Located in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds, Kettle Creek State Park spans over 1,793 acres and is surrounded by the vast Sproul State Forest. The park’s centerpiece is the Kettle Creek Reservoir, which provides ample opportunities for water-based recreation. With modern and rustic camping options, scenic picnic areas, and miles of hiking trails, the park is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The remote setting makes it ideal for those seeking peace and solitude.

A hidden gem in Huntingdon County featuring spectacular natural rock formations and waterfalls. Challenging trails through a scenic gorge reward hikers with unique geological features and beautiful creek views.