List of Pennsylvania state parks

There are 121 state parks in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, as of 2016.[1] The Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks, a division of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), is the governing body for all these parks, and directly operates 113 of them. The remaining eight are operated in cooperation with other public and private organizations.[a]

Map of state parks of Pennsylvania
(Each dot is linked to the corresponding park article)

The first Pennsylvania state park, at Valley Forge, opened in 1893 and was given to the National Park Service (NPS) for America's bicentennial in 1976. There are a total of seventeen former Pennsylvania state parks: four former parks have been transferred to the NPS, four to the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission, two to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, one to both the Corps and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, five to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, and one has ceased to exist. Nine current and two former state parks have had major name changes or have been known under alternate names.

The list gives an overview of Pennsylvania state parks and a brief history of their development since the first park opened in 1893. State parks range in size from 3 acres (1.2 ha) to 21,122 acres (8,548 ha), with nearly one percent (0.96%) of Pennsylvania's land as state park land. According to Dan Cupper (1993), "Pennsylvania is the thirty-third largest state, but only Alaska and California have more park land".[2][3]

Overview

There are state parks in 61 of Pennsylvania's 67 counties,[b] which nearly reaches Pennsylvania's goal of having a state park within 25 miles (40 km) of every resident in the Commonwealth.[4][c] Eleven of the 121 parks do not have "State Park" in their name. Three are "Conservation Areas": Boyd Big Tree Preserve, Joseph E. Ibberson, and Varden; four are "Environmental Education Centers": Jacobsburg, Jennings, Kings Gap (also a "Training Center") and Nolde Forest; White Clay Creek is a "Preserve"; Norristown is a "Farm Park"; and Big Spring is a "State Forest Picnic Area".[1]

Seven parks are undeveloped with no facilities: Allegheny Islands, Benjamin Rush, Bucktail, Erie Bluffs, Prompton, Swatara, and Varden; the last four of these are in the process of being developed. Five state parks are small picnic areas: Laurel Summit, Patterson, Prouty Place, Sand Bridge, and Upper Pine Bottom. Five state parks have major U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dams and/or lakes: Bald Eagle, Beltzville, Elk, Kettle Creek, and Sinnemahoning. Three former parks now belong, at least partly, to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Seven parks preserve the industrial past: Canoe Creek is the site of a former lime kiln, and Caledonia, French Creek, Greenwood Furnace, Kings Gap, Mont Alto, and Pine Grove Furnace (plus one former park) are all former iron furnace sites.[1][3] Eight current parks and one former park contain at least part of eight different National Natural Landmarks.[5][d]

According to the DCNR, the 121 state parks in Pennsylvania are on more than 283,000 acres (115,000 ha) with some 606 full-time and more than 1,600 part-time employees serving approximately 36 million visitors each year. Admission to all Pennsylvania state parks is free, although there are fees charged for use of cabins, marinas, etc. Pennsylvania's 121 state parks offer "over 7,000 family campsites, 286 cabins, nearly 30,000 picnic tables, 56 major recreational lakes, 10 marinas, 61 beaches for swimming, 17 swimming pools" and over 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of trails.[6]

History

Pennsylvania's first state park was Valley Forge State Park, purchased by the Commonwealth on May 30, 1893 to preserve Valley Forge. It was transferred to the National Park Service (NPS) on the Bicentennial of the United States, July 4, 1976.[7] Many state parks still preserve history: as of 2012, forty-two Pennsylvania state park sites are on the National Register of Historic Places, including two National Historic Landmarks (Delaware Canal and Point), twenty-eight Civilian Conservation Corps sites in nineteen parks, and twelve other parks' historic sites and districts.[8] Eight of the former state parks were also chiefly historic.[3]

In addition to preserving historic sites, Pennsylvania also sought to preserve natural beauty and offer opportunities for recreation in its state parks. In 1902 Mont Alto State Forest Park was the second park established, a year after the state "Bureau of Forestry" was set up to purchase, preserve, and restore Pennsylvania's forests, which had been ravaged by lumbering, charcoal production, and wild fires. Parks were added sporadically until the 1930s, some mere camping and picnic areas in state forests, while others preserved unique sites.[9] The 1930s saw a great expansion of parks and their facilities under Governor Gifford Pinchot, who cooperated with President Franklin Roosevelt, despite their being of different political parties. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) established 113 CCC camps in Pennsylvania (second only to California). Using CCC and Works Progress Administration (WPA) labor, the NPS built five Recreation Demonstration Areas, which became Pennsylvania state parks in 1945 and 1946: Blue Knob, French Creek, Hickory Run, Laurel Hill, and Raccoon Creek. The CCC also "fought forest fires, planted trees, built roads, buildings, picnic areas, swimming areas, campgrounds and created many state parks".[e][10]

In 1956, there were forty-four state parks in Pennsylvania, mostly in rural areas. Forty-five parks had been added by 1979, mostly near urban areas, and the system had increased by 130,000 acres (53,000 ha). This was thanks largely to the efforts of Maurice K. Goddard, who served as director of the precursors to the DCNR for twenty-four years under six administrations. The number of visitors to parks more than tripled in this time and two voter approved bond issues (Projects 70 and 500) raised millions of dollars for park expansions and improvements.[4] All this expansion was not without costs and by 1988 there was an estimated $90 million in deferred maintenance. In 1993, as the park system celebrated its one-hundredth anniversary, new tax and bond revenues were earmarked for the parks.[2] Since 2000, parks are being improved through the state's Growing Greener and Growing Greener II and bond programs.[11]

Current parks

Current Pennsylvania state parks
Park name County or counties Area in acres (ha) Date
founded
Stream(s) and / or lake(s) Remarks Image
Allegheny Islands State Park Allegheny County43 acres
(17 ha)
1980Allegheny RiverThree alluvial islands near Pittsburgh with no facilities, and accessible only by boat
Category:Allegheny Islands State Park on Wikimedia Commons
Archbald Pothole State Park Lackawanna County150 acres (61 ha)1964NoneOne of world's largest potholes, 38 ft (12 m) deep, largest diameter 42 feet (13 m) by 24 feet (7 m)
Category:Archbald Pothole State Park on Wikimedia Commons
Bald Eagle State Park Centre County5,900 acres (2,388 ha)1971Bald Eagle Creek, Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir1,730 acre (700 ha) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir named for Medal of Honor recipient
Category:Bald Eagle State Park on Wikimedia Commons
Beltzville State Park Carbon County2,973 acres (1,203 ha)1972Pohopoco Creek, Beltzville LakeU.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake is 949 acres (384 ha) with 19.8 miles (31.9 km) of shoreline.
Category:Beltzville State Park on Wikimedia Commons
Bendigo State Park Elk County100 acres (40 ha)1959East Branch Clarion RiverOnly 20 acres (8.1 ha) developed, name a corruption of Abednego
Category:Bendigo State Park on Wikimedia Commons
Benjamin Rush State Park Philadelphia County275 acres (111 ha)1975NoneSite of one of the world's largest community gardens, otherwise undeveloped
Category:Benjamin Rush State Park on Wikimedia Commons
Big Pocono State Park Monroe County1,306 acres (529 ha)1954NoneOn Camelback Mountain, site of Camelback Ski Area and Waterpark
Category:Big Pocono State Park on Wikimedia Commons
Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area Perry County45 acres
(18 ha)
1936Big Spring RunPark has trail to partially completed railroad tunnel in Conococheague Mountain.
Category:Big Spring State Park on Wikimedia Commons
Black Moshannon State Park Centre County3,394 acres (1,374 ha)1937Black Moshannon Creek, Black Moshannon LakePark has bog with three carnivorous plant species and 17 orchid varieties.[f][g]
Category:Black Moshannon State Park on Wikimedia Commons
Blue Knob State Park Bedford County5,874 acres (2,377 ha)1945NoneThis former Recreation Demonstration Area on the state's second highest mountain has Blue Knob All Seasons Resort (skiing).
Category:Blue Knob State Park on Wikimedia Commons
Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area Dauphin County914 acres (370 ha)1999Unnamed tributary of Fishing CreekOn Blue Mountain, one of three Conservation Areas, named for donor Alex Boyd
Category:Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area on Wikimedia Commons
Buchanan's Birthplace State Park Franklin County18.5 acres
(7 ha)
1911Buck RunStone pyramid marks the birthplace of James Buchanan, 15th President of the United States.
Category:Buchanan's Birthplace State Park on Wikimedia Commons
Bucktail State Park Natural Area Cameron and Clinton Counties21,039 acres (8,514 ha)1933Sinnemahoning Creek, West Branch Susquehanna RiverPark, named for the Bucktail Regiment, is a 75-mile (121 km) undeveloped scenic drive on PA 120.
Category:Bucktail State Park on Wikimedia Commons
Caledonia State Park Adams and Franklin Counties1,125 acres (455 ha)1903Rocky Mountain Creek, Carbaugh Run, East Branch Conococheague CreekPark, named for Thaddeus Stevens' iron furnace, is home to summer stock Totem Pole Playhouse.
Category:Caledonia State Park on Wikimedia Commons
Canoe Creek State Park Blair County658 acres (266 ha)1979Canoe Creek (tributary of Raystown Branch Juniata River), Canoe Creek LakeHome of largest nursery colony of little brown bats in the state.
Category:Canoe Creek State Park on Wikimedia Commons
Chapman State Park Warren County805 acres (326 ha)1951Farnsworth Run, West Branch Tionesta Creek, Chapman LakeTrailhead for trail system in surrounding Allegheny National Forest
Category:Chapman State Park on Wikimedia Commons
Cherry Springs State Park Potter County48 acres
(19 ha)
1922NonePark known for some of the clearest, darkest night skies in the state and eastern US.[f][g]
Category:Cherry Springs State Park on Wikimedia Commons
Clear Creek State Park Jefferson County1,676 acres (678 ha)1922Clear Creek, Clarion RiverStart of popular canoe trip on 10 miles (6 km) of Clarion River to Cook Forest State Park[g]
Category:Clear Creek State Park on Wikimedia Commons
Codorus State Park York County3,329 acres (1,347 ha)1966Codorus Creek, Lake MarburgMan-made lake is 1,275 acres (516 ha), named for former village of Marburg now flooded by it.
Category:Codorus State Park on Wikimedia Commons
Colonel Denning State Park Cumberland County273 acres (110 ha)1936Doubling Gap Creek, Doubling Gap LakePark named for William Denning, an American Revolutionary War veteran who was never a colonel.
Category:Colonel Denning State Park on Wikimedia Commons
Colton Point State Park Tioga County368 acres (149 ha)1936Pine CreekOn west rim of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, 800 feet (244 m) deep here[d][f][g]
Category:Colton Point State Park on Wikimedia Commons
Cook Forest State Park Clarion, Forest, and Jefferson Counties8,500 acres (3,440 ha)1927Toms Run, Clarion RiverNational Natural Landmark, one of America's top-50 state parks (National Geographic Traveler)[d][f][g]
Category:Cook Forest State Park on Wikimedia Commons
Cowans Gap State Park Franklin and Fulton Counties1,085 acres (439 ha)1937Little Aughwick Creek, Cowans Gap LakeSite of French and Indian War road, pioneer homestead, lumbering, and CCC camp[g]
Category:Cowans Gap State Park on Wikimedia Commons
Delaware Canal State Park Bucks and Northampton Counties830 acres (336 ha)1931Delaware RiverPark runs 60 miles (97 km) along Delaware Canal, the only 19th century U.S. towpath canal left continuously intact.[f][g]
Denton Hill State Park Potter County700 acres (283 ha)1951NoneSite of Ski Denton resort, also open for summer mountain biking
Elk State Park Elk and McKean Counties3,192 acres (1,292 ha)1963East Branch Clarion River, East Branch LakeU.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake is 1,160 acres (470 ha).
Erie Bluffs State Park Erie County540 acres (219 ha)2004Lake EriePark has 1.0 mile (0.6 km) of lake coastline and bluffs 90 feet (27 m) tall, and is being developed.
Evansburg State Park Montgomery County3,349 acres (1,355 ha)1979Skippack CreekPark has 18 hole Skippack Golf Course and many outdoor recreational opportunities.[g]
Fort Washington State Park Montgomery County493 acres (200 ha)1953Wissahickon CreekGeorge Washington camped here in the American Revolutionary War's Philadelphia campaign.
Fowlers Hollow State Park Perry County104 acres (42 ha)1936Fowlers Hollow RunTrailhead for the trail system of the surrounding Tuscarora State Forest
Frances Slocum State Park Luzerne County1,035 acres (419 ha)1968Abrahams Creek, Frances Slocum LakePark named for a girl kidnapped by the Lenape who lived the rest of her life with the Miami in Indiana.
French Creek State Park Berks and Chester Counties7,339 acres (2,970 ha)1946French CreekFormer Recreation Demonstration Area, adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site[f][g]
Gifford Pinchot State Park York County2,338 acres (946 ha)1961Beaver Creek (tributary of Conewago Creek), Pinchot LakeGifford Pinchot was a Pennsylvania governor, conservationist, and first US Forest Service Chief.
Gouldsboro State Park Monroe and Wayne Counties2,880 acres (1,165 ha)1958Gouldsboro LakePark named for village named for Jay Gould, next to Tobyhanna Army Depot.
Greenwood Furnace State Park Huntingdon County423 acres (171 ha)1924Standing Stone Creek, Greenwood LakeIncludes ghost town of Greenwood, former ironworks and charcoal hearths[f][g]
Hickory Run State Park Carbon County15,550 acres (6,293 ha)1945Hickory Run, Lehigh River, Sand Spring LakeFormer Recreation Demonstration Area with a large boulder field that is a National Natural Landmark.[d][f]
Hillman State Park Washington County3,600 acres (1,456 ha)1960sRaccoon CreekManaged for hunting by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and largely undeveloped
Hills Creek State Park Tioga County407 acres (165 ha)1953Hills Creek, Hills Creek LakeLand previously used as a pigment mine for the paint industry
Hyner Run State Park Clinton County180 acres (73 ha)1958Hyner RunOn the site of Civilian Conservation Corps Camp S-75-PA
Hyner View State Park Clinton County6 acres
(2 ha)
1965NoneScenic view of the West Branch Susquehanna River and launching point for hang gliding[f]
Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center Northampton County1,168 acres (473 ha)1959Bushkill CreekPark surrounds Jacobsburg National Historic District, where rifles were manufactured during the American Revolution.[g]
Jennings Environmental Education Center Butler County300 acres (121 ha)1979Big RunPark contains the only publicly protected relict prairie ecosystem in Pennsylvania, 20 acres (8.1 ha).[f]
Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area Dauphin County350 acres (142 ha)2000NoneOn Peters Mountain, one of three Conservation Areas, named for donor Joseph E. Ibberson
Kettle Creek State Park Clinton County1,793 acres (726 ha)1954Kettle Creek, Kettle Creek ReservoirU.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir is 160 acres (65 ha), park has many recreational facilities built by CCC.
Keystone State Park Westmoreland County1,200 acres (486 ha)1945Keystone Run, Keystone LakePark is named for the Keystone Coal and Coke Company that once owned the land and created the lake.
Kings Gap Environmental Education and Training Center Cumberland County1,454 acres (588 ha)1973some vernal pools, Kings Gap Hollow Run, Irish Gap RunTraining center for park rangers of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Kinzua Bridge State Park McKean County329 acres (133 ha)1970Kinzua CreekHad 1882 Historic Civil Engineering Landmark railway bridge, once the world's highest and longest, destroyed by a tornado in 2003.[f][g]
Kooser State Park Somerset County250 acres (101 ha)1922Kooser Run, Kooser LakeSite of battles between Native American tribes, part of Whiskey Rebellion [g]
Lackawanna State Park Lackawanna County1,411 acres (571 ha)1972South Branch Tunkhannock Creek, Lake LackawannaOn site of a Turn of the Century era community fair
Laurel Hill State Park Somerset County3,935 acres (1,592 ha)1945Laurel Hill Creek, Laurel Hill LakeFormer Recreation Demonstration Area with the largest CCC architecture collection of any Pennsylvania state park[g]
Laurel Mountain State Park Somerset and Westmoreland Counties493 acres (200 ha)1964NoneOpened in 1939 by Richard K. Mellon and Rolling Rock brewery as one of the state's first ski areas, donated to the state in 1964
Laurel Ridge State Park Cambria, Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland Counties13,625 acres (5,514 ha)1967Conemaugh River, Youghiogheny River and tributariesThe park surrounds the 70 mile (113 km) long Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.
Laurel Summit State Park Westmoreland County6 acres
(2 ha)
1964NoneDay use picnic area and trailhead, 2,739 feet (835 m) above sea level
Lehigh Gorge State Park Carbon and Luzerne Counties4,548 acres (1,841 ha)1980Lehigh RiverThe Lehigh Gorge Trail follows the river through the park for 26 miles (42 km).
Leonard Harrison State Park Tioga County585 acres (237 ha)1922Pine CreekOn east rim of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, 800 feet (244 m) deep here[d][f]
Linn Run State Park Westmoreland County612 acres (248 ha)1924Grove, Rock and Linn Runs and Adams FallsOnce a barren wasteland, now a thriving second growth forest with an excellent trout stream[g]
Little Buffalo State Park Perry County923 acres (374 ha)1972Little Buffalo Creek, Holman LakePark named for the bison that are believed to have once roamed the ridge and valley region of Pennsylvania.[g]
Little Pine State Park Lycoming County2,158 acres (873 ha)1937Little Pine CreekHistorians believe a Shawnee village and burial ground were just north of the park.
Locust Lake State Park Schuylkill County1,089 acres (441 ha)1966Locust Creek, Locust LakeIn a thriving second growth forest on the side of Locust Mountain
Lyman Run State Park Potter County595 acres (241 ha)1951Lyman Run, Lyman Run LakeSite of a Prisoner of War Camp during World War II
Marsh Creek State Park Chester County1,705 acres (690 ha)1974Marsh Creek, Marsh Creek LakeThe village of Milford Mills was flooded by the creation of the lake, last Project 70 / 500 park.[g]
Maurice K. Goddard State Park Mercer County2,856 acres (1,156 ha)1972Sandy Creek, Lake WilhelmPark named for Maurice K. Goddard, who led the creation of 45 state parks in 24 years of service.
McCalls Dam State Park Centre County8 acres
(3 ha)
1933White Deer CreekIn a remote location on a dirt road between
R. B. Winter State Park and Eastville.
McConnells Mill State Park Lawrence County2,546 acres (1,030 ha)1957Slippery Rock CreekFeatures a deep scenic gorge with a restored watermill and a covered bridge[d][f][g]
Memorial Lake State Park Lebanon County230 acres (93 ha)1945Indiantown Run, Memorial LakeSurrounded by Fort Indiantown Gap, headquarters of the Pennsylvania National Guard
Milton State Park Northumberland County82 acres
(33 ha)
1966West Branch Susquehanna RiverOn an island in the river, destroyed by Hurricane Agnes in 1972 and rebuilt
Mont Alto State Park Franklin County24 acres
(10 ha)
1902West Branch Antietam CreekPennsylvania's current oldest state park and first State Forest Park, former iron works
Moraine State Park Butler County16,725 acres (6,768 ha)1970Muddy Creek, Lake ArthurPark served as the location of the 1973 and 1977 National Scout Jamborees.[f]
Mt. Pisgah State Park Bradford County1,302 acres (527 ha)1979Pisgah Creek, Mill Creek, Stephen Foster LakeLake named for renowned American composer Stephen Foster.
Nescopeck State Park Luzerne County3,550 acres (1,437 ha)2005Nescopeck CreekOne of the newest state parks in Pennsylvania
Neshaminy State Park Bucks County330 acres (134 ha)1956Delaware RiverPark, on an estuary, donated by descendant of James Logan, colonial secretary to William Penn
Nockamixon State Park Bucks County5,283 acres (2,138 ha)1973Tohickon Creek, Lake NockamixonNockamixon means "place of soft soil" in the Lenape language.
Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center Berks County665 acres (269 ha)1970Wyomissing CreekOnce a forest privately owned by Jacob Nolde
Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County690 acres (279 ha)1995Stony CreekManaged by the Montgomery County Department of Parks
Ohiopyle State Park Fayette County19,052 acres (7,710 ha)1965Youghiogheny River and tributariesOne of the most popular white-water rafting destinations on the East Coast[d][f]
Oil Creek State Park Venango County6,250 acres (2,529 ha)1931Oil CreekEdwin Drake drilled the first successful oil well in the world here in 1859.[f]
Ole Bull State Park Potter County132 acres (53 ha)1925Ole Bull Run, Kettle CreekLocation of a Norwegian colony established by renowned violinist Ole Bull
Parker Dam State Park Clearfield County968 acres (392 ha)1936Laurel Run, Parker LakeA herd of elk lives in and near the park.[g]
Patterson State Park Potter County10 acres
(4 ha)
1925NoneDay use picnic area on PA 44, surrounded by Susquehannock State Forest
Penn-Roosevelt State Park Centre County41 acres
(17 ha)
1983Sassafras Run, Standing Stone CreekOnce a segregated black Civilian Conservation Corps camp during the Great Depression
Pine Grove Furnace State Park Cumberland County696 acres (282 ha)1913Mountain Creek, Fuller Lake, Laurel LakeThe furnaces at Pine Grove could consume an acre of trees a day.[f][g]
Category:Pine Grove Furnace State Park on Wikimedia Commons
Poe Paddy State Park Centre County23 acres
(9 ha)
1938Big Poe Creek, Penns CreekNoted by anglers for the shadfly hatch that occurs in late spring
Poe Valley State Park Centre County620 acres (251 ha)1938Big Poe Creek, Poe LakeBuilt during the Great Depression by the CCC
Point State Park Allegheny County36 acres
(15 ha)
1974Allegheny, Monongahela, Ohio riversIn downtown Pittsburgh at meeting of three rivers, site of Fort Pitt[g]
Presque Isle State Park Erie County3,200 acres (1,295 ha)1921Lake ErieThe most visited state park in Pennsylvania, on a peninsula in lake with many beaches[d][f][g]
Prince Gallitzin State Park Cambria County6,249 acres (2,529 ha)1965Beaverdam Run, Glendale LakePark named for Demetrius Gallitzin, Russian nobleman turned Roman Catholic priest.
Promised Land State Park Pike County3,000 acres (1,214 ha)1905Wallenpaupack Creek, Promised Land Lake, Lower LakeName is an ironic commentary created by immigrant residents, once owned by the Shakers.[f][g]
Prompton State Park Wayne County2,000 acres (809 ha)1962Lackawaxen River, Prompton LakeBeing developed with the help of Friends of Prompton
Prouty Place State Park Potter County5 acres
(2 ha)
1925Prouty RunDay use picnic area on Long Toe Road
Pymatuning State Park Crawford County21,122 acres (8,548 ha)1934Shenango River, Pymatuning LakeThis is the largest state park in Pennsylvania, with one of the largest lakes.[f]
R. B. Winter State Park Union County695 acres (281 ha)1933Halfway Creek, Halfway LakePark has first cement and stone dam ever built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.[g]
Raccoon Creek State Park Beaver County7,572 acres (3,064 ha)1945Little Traverse Creek, Raccoon LakePark was built by the CCC and WPA as one of five National Park Service Recreation Demonstration Areas in state.[f][g]
Ralph Stover State Park Bucks County45 acres
(18 ha)
1931Tohickon CreekHigh Rocks portion of the park was donated to Pennsylvania by James Michener in 1956.
Ravensburg State Park Clinton County78 acres
(32 ha)
1933Rauchtown RunPark named for the ravens that flock near the gorge.[g]
Reeds Gap State Park Mifflin County220 acres (89 ha)1938Honey CreekOnce a gathering place for the locals to hold picnics and listen to travelling evangelists
Ricketts Glen State Park Columbia, Luzerne, and Sullivan Counties13,050 acres (5,281 ha)1942Kitchen CreekKnown for its many waterfalls, it was slated to become a National Park, but did not due to redirection of funds during World War II.[d][f]
Ridley Creek State Park Delaware County2,606 acres (1,055 ha)1972Ridley CreekAdjacent to the John J. Tyler Arboretum[g]
Ryerson Station State Park Greene County1,164 acres (471 ha)1967North Fork of the Dunkard Fork of Wheeling Creek, Ronald J. Duke Lake52 acre (21 ha) man-made lake, 38 miles (61 km) from next nearest Pennsylvania state park (Hillman)
S. B. Elliott State Park Clearfield County318 acres (129 ha)1933Stony RunPark named for Simon B. Elliott, a noted Pennsylvania conservationist and legislator.[g]
Salt Springs State Park Susquehanna County405 acres (164 ha)1973Fall BrookPark has three waterfalls and its hemlocks are over 500 years old and some of the largest trees in the state.
Samuel S. Lewis State Park York County85 acres
(34 ha)
1954NonePark named for its donor, a Secretary of the Department of Forests and Waters; now popular for star gazing.
Sand Bridge State Park Union County3 acres
(1 ha)
1978Rapid RunThis is the smallest state park in Pennsylvania, a day use picnic area on PA 192.
Shawnee State Park Bedford County3,983 acres (1,612 ha)1951Lake ShawneeRental lodge on an island in the lake
Shikellamy State Park Northumberland and Union Counties132 acres (53 ha)1960West Branch and North Branch Susquehanna RiverPark overlook is at confluence of West Branch and North Branch Susquehanna River, marina added in 1972.
Sinnemahoning State Park Cameron and Potter Counties1,910 acres (773 ha)1962Sinnemahoning Creek, George B. Stevenson ReservoirU.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir is 142 acres (57 ha), park home to rare elk and bald eagle.
Sizerville State Park Cameron and Potter Counties386 acres (156 ha)1924Cowley RunPark named for the nearby ghost town of Sizerville.
Susquehanna State Park Lycoming County20 acres
(8 ha)
1961West Branch Susquehanna RiverPark operated by the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, home to paddlewheeler Hiawatha.
Susquehannock State Park Lancaster County224 acres (91 ha)1965Susquehanna RiverPark named for the Susquehannock, whose chief village was nearby.
Swatara State Park Lebanon and Schuylkill Counties3,515 acres (1,422 ha)1987Swatara CreekRail trail is on the former Lebanon & Tremont Branch of Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, park being developed.[g]
Tobyhanna State Park Monroe and Wayne Counties5,440 acres (2,201 ha)1949Tobyhanna Creek, Tobyhanna LakeOnce part of an artillery range for Tobyhanna Army Depot
Trough Creek State Park Huntingdon County554 acres (224 ha)1936Great Trough Creek, Raystown LakeBald eagles have migrated here naturally since the early 1990s.[f][g]
Tuscarora State Park Schuylkill County1,618 acres (655 ha)1971Locust Creek, Tuscarora LakeThe Tuscarora moved to the area after the Tuscarora War in North Carolina, were later forced out by colonial settlement.
Tyler State Park Bucks County1,711 acres (692 ha)1974Neshaminy CreekOld original stone dwellings in park are fine examples of early farm dwellings of rural Pennsylvania.
Upper Pine Bottom State Park Lycoming County5 acres
(2 ha)
1924Upper Pine Bottom RunA roadside park and picnic area for day use only, on PA 44
Varden Conservation Area Wayne County343 acres (139 ha)2001Middle CreekOne of three Conservation Areas, donated by Dr. Mead Shaffer, being developed
Warriors Path State Park Bedford County349 acres (141 ha)1965Raystown Branch Juniata RiverPark named for the Great Indian Warpath used by the Iroquois in war raids on the Cherokee and other tribes.
Washington Crossing Historic Park Bucks County500 acres (202 ha)2016Delaware RiverSite of George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River. Transferred from the Historical and Museum Commission in 2016.[12]
Whipple Dam State Park Huntingdon County256 acres (104 ha)1928Whipple LakeThere was a camp for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Campfire Girls on the north side of lake from 1928 to 1941.[g]
White Clay Creek Preserve Chester County1,255 acres (508 ha)1984White Clay CreekPark was donated by DuPont to preserve "diverse and unique plant and animal species, and the rich cultural heritage of the area".
Worlds End State Park Sullivan County780 acres (316 ha)1932Loyalsock CreekA "Must See Park" known for trout fishing, white-water kayaking, camping, and hiking on the Loyalsock Trail.[f][g]
Yellow Creek State Park Indiana County3,140 acres (1,271 ha)1963Yellow Creek, Yellow Creek LakeCrossed by the Kittanning Path, a major east–west Native American trail during the 18th century

Other names of current parks

The following are significantly different former or alternate names for nine current Pennsylvania state parks. Note that many parks were originally "State Forest Parks" or were state public camping or picnic areas in Pennsylvania state forests. In modern times, some "State Parks" have become "Environmental Education Centers", while other parks have dropped one word from their name ("Cherry Springs Drive" is now Cherry Springs, "Codorus Creek" is now Codorus, "Kooser Lake" is now Kooser, "Laurel Hill Summit" is now Laurel Summit, and "Promised Land Lake" is now Promised Land). Such minor name changes are not included in this table.

Former or alternate names of current Pennsylvania state parks
Former or alternate Name County or counties Date name changed Current park name Remarks
Adams Falls Class A Campground[3] Westmoreland CountyunknownLinn Run State ParkAdams Falls is a waterfall on Linn Run within Linn Run State Park (which has both an "Adams Falls Picnic Area" and "Adams Falls Trail").
Halfway State Park[13] Union County1955R. B. Winter State ParkPark was renamed for Raymond B. Winter, a Forest Ranger who established it and worked there 45 years; also known as "Halfway Dam State Park".
High Rocks State Park[14] Bucks CountyunknownRalph Stover State Park"High Rocks" refers to part of park added in 1956; this name is listed in the USGS GNIS, but was never an official DCNR name or separate park.
Pennsylvania State Park at Erie[2] Erie CountyunknownPresque Isle State ParkThis was only the second "State Park" by name in the state when established in 1921; also known unofficially as "Peninsula State Park".
Sandy Creek State Park[3] Mercer County1969Maurice K. Goddard State ParkProposed as "Sandy Creek" (on Sandy Creek), but the name was changed (despite the objections of Dr. Goddard) before park officially opened in 1972.
Theodore Roosevelt State Park[15] Bucks and Northampton Counties1989Delaware Canal State ParkPark was originally named for Theodore Roosevelt, who had no connection to it; renamed for its focus, the Delaware Canal.
Tohickon State Park[16] Bucks County1965Nockamixon State ParkPark was proposed in 1958 as "Tohickon" (on Tohickon Creek), but the name was changed before the park officially opened in 1973.
Whirl's End State Park[17] Sullivan County1936 and 1943Worlds End State Park"Whirl's End" 1936–1943 (for whirlpool in Loyalsock Creek); "Worlds End" 1932–1936 and 1943 to present (for remote location); also known as "Whirl's Glen"
Valhalla State Forest Park[3] Potter County1920sOle Bull State Park"Valhalla" was a settlement in Ole Bull's failed Norwegian colony, now within the boundaries of Ole Bull State Park.

Former parks

The following eighteen were once Pennsylvania state parks, but have been transferred to federal (National Park Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) or state (Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry) agencies, or ceased to exist.[h]

Former Pennsylvania state parks
Former state park County or counties Date jurisdiction changed Current name Remarks
Allegheny River State Park[3] Venango County1980[18]Kennerdell (or Allegheny River) tract[19]Now part of Clear Creek State Forest (Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry)
Blue Marsh State Park[2][3] Berks County1978Blue Marsh Lake and Pennsylvania State Game Lands Number 280[20][21]Park was completed, but without funds to operate it, so was given to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, now also partly a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site.
Brandywine Battlefield State Park[3][22] Delaware CountyunknownBrandywine Battlefield[23]Now a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission site
Bushy Run Battlefield State Park[3][24] Westmoreland CountyunknownBushy Run Battlefield[23]Now a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission site
Colerain State Park[3] Huntingdon CountyunknownColerain Picnic Area[25]Now part of Rothrock State Forest (Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry) although as of 2012 it is not shown on the official state forest web site or map;[26][27] also known historically as "Colerain Forge".
Conrad Weiser Memorial Park[3] Berks County1953Conrad Weiser Homestead[23]Now a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission site
Crooked Creek State Park[2][3][28] Armstrong CountyunknownCrooked Creek Lake Recreation Area[29]Now a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site
Curwensville State Park[2][3][30] Clearfield CountyunknownCurwensville Lake on the West Branch Susquehanna River[31]Now a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site, recreation area operated by Clearfield County
Drake Well State Park[3][32] Venango County1943Drake Well Museum[23]Now a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission site
Fort Necessity State Park[3][33] Fayette County1961Fort Necessity National Battlefield[34]Now part of a National Park Service site
George W. Childs State Park[3][9][35][36] Pike County1983George W. Childs Recreation Site[37]Now part of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, a National Park Service site; it was donated to the state for a park in 1912 by the widow of Dr. Childs.
Hemlock State Forest Park[38] Perry CountyunknownHemlocks Natural Area[39]Now part of Tuscarora State Forest (Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry)
Independence Mall State Park[3][4][40] Philadelphia County1975Independence National Historical Park[41]Now a National Park Service site
Moosic Lake State Park[3] Lackawanna County1930sNo longer in existenceThe Pennsylvania state legislature created park in early 1930s, but did not fund it, so it never came into existence.
Snyder-Middleswarth State Park[3][42][d] Snyder County1980sSnyder Middleswarth Natural Area and Picnic Area[43][44]Now part of Bald Eagle State Forest (Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry), established 1921
Valley Forge State Park[3][7] Montgomery County1976Valley Forge National Historical Park[45]Now a National Park Service site, it was established in 1893 as the first state park in Pennsylvania.
Voneida State Forest Park[3][46] Centre CountyunknownHairy Johns State Forest Picnic Area[44]Now part of Bald Eagle State Forest (Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry), it was established 1922 and named for "Hairy John" Voneida[3][38]

Other names of former parks

The following are significantly different former or alternate names for two former Pennsylvania state parks. One former park dropped one word from its name ("Colerain Forge" became "Colerain" sometime between 1924 and 1937). Such minor name changes are not included in this table.

Former or alternate names of former Pennsylvania state parks
Former or alternate name County or counties Date name changed Former park name Remarks
Braddock Grave State Park[47] Fayette County1961Part of Fort Necessity State ParkNow part of Fort Necessity National Battlefield (National Park Service)[34]
Hairy John's State Forest Park[3] Centre CountyunknownVoneida State Forest ParkNow a State Forest Picnic Area in Bald Eagle State Forest (Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry),[44] it was originally named for "Hairy John" Voneida, a 19th-century hermit who lived nearby.
Panoramic view of the Pine Creek Gorge from the main vista terrace in Leonard Harrison State Park

See also

Notes

a. ^ As of 2012, three Pennsylvania state parks are also the site of ski areas run by private contractors: Big Pocono (Ski Camelback), Blue Knob (Ski Blue Knob), and Denton Hill (Ski Denton).[1] (Two other state parks had commercial ski operations in the past Laurel Mountain (from 1939 to 2005)[48] and Black Moshannon (from 1965 to 1982).[3][49]) Two parks are operated by other governmental bodies: Hillman (managed for hunting by the Pennsylvania Game Commission) and Norristown Farm (operated by the Montgomery County Department of Parks). Three parks are operated by other organizations: Susquehanna (operated by the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce), Prompton (operated by non-profit "Friends of Prompton"), and Salt Springs (operated by non-profit "Friends of Salt Springs").[1]
b. ^ The Pennsylvania counties without state parks as of 2012 are: Armstrong, Juniata, Lehigh, Montour, Snyder, and Wyoming counties. Two of these counties are sites of former state parks: Crooked Creek in Armstrong County, and Snyder-Middleswarth in Snyder County.[1][3]
c. ^ The goal of having a state park within 25 miles (40 km) of every resident was set by Maurice K. Goddard (Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Forests and Waters, and then of the Department of Environmental Resources from 1955 to 1979).[4]
d. ^ The seven National Natural Landmarks at least partly within current state parks (with the park name in parentheses, if different) are: Cook Forest, Ferncliff Peninsula (Ohiopyle), the Glens Natural Area (Ricketts Glen), Hickory Run Boulder Field (Hickory Run), McConnells Mill, the Pine Creek Gorge (includes Colton Point and Leonard Harrison), and Presque Isle. One National Natural Landmark, Snyder Middleswarth Natural Area, is a former state park.[5]
e. ^ The date of establishment for many Pennsylvania state parks is not always clear, especially for parks developed from state forest property. As an example, consider Upper Pine Bottom, which, as of 2012, is a picnic area surrounded by Tiadaghton State Forest. These state forest lands were acquired by the state by the early 1900s, the site was "Upper Pine Bottom Class B Public Campground" by 1924, the CCC built a pavilion there in 1936 (which is no longer extant), but it was not officially transferred from the Bureau of Forests to State Parks until 1962.[3]
f. ^ This park was one of twenty-five chosen by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Parks for its "25 Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks" list.[50]
g. ^ This park has one or more historic sites or districts on the National Register of Historic Places.[8]
h. ^ There have been a considerable number of changes in Pennsylvania's categorization of its state parks and other protected areas over the years, so that what can be called a former state park is not always clear. This can be seen by comparing the following three lists from 1923, 1924, and 1937.
In 1923, the Pennsylvania Department of Forests and Waters listed seven "State Forest Parks": Caledonia, Childs (now part of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area), Hairy John's (now a picnic area in Bald Eagle State Forest), James Buchanan, Leonard Harrison, Mont Alto, and Valhalla (now Ole Bull). Note this does not include Snyder-Middleswarth State Forest Park, established in 1921.[3]
One year later the state listed twenty-six public campgrounds in state forests, which included three of the previous year's state forest parks, plus twelve sites that later became state parks. The ten Class A Public Campgrounds (with space for cars and tents, on main highways) were: Adams Falls (now Linn Run), Big Spring, Caledonia, Childs, Colerain Forge, Darling Run, Laurel Run Park, Ole Bull, Promised Land, and Tea Springs. The sixteen Class B Public Campgrounds (lean-to shelter, on secondary roads) were: Baldwin, Bear Valley, Cherry Springs Drive, Clear Creek, Donnelly, Joyce Kilmer, Kansas, Kooser, Laurel Hill Summit (now Laurel Summit), Laurel Lake Park, Locusts, McCall's Dam, Ravensburg, Sizerville, Sulphur Springs, and Upper Pine Bottom.[3]
In 1937, the state published a brochure listing the following forty-nine protected areas: six State Parks (Caledonia, Childs, Cook Forest, Presque Isle, Pymatuning, and Ralph Stover); eight State Monuments (Bushy Run, Conrad Weiser, Drake Well, Fort Necessity, Fort Washington, James Buchanan, Valley Forge, and Washington Crossing); ten Forest Recreational Reserves (Clear Creek, Colton Point, Cowans Gap, Kooser Lake, Parker Dam, Pecks Pond, Promised Land Lake, Snow Hill, Whipple Dam, Whirl's End); sixteen Wayside Areas (Big Spring, Black Moshannon, Cherry Spring, Colerain, Greenwood Furnace, Halfway (now R.B. Winter), Joyce Kilmer, Kettle Creek, Mont Alto, Pine Grove Furnace, Reeds Gap, S.B. Elliott, Sideling Hill, Sizerville, and Tea Spring); seven Forest Monuments (Alan Seeger, Bear Meadows, Ole Bull, Detweiler Run, McConnell Narrows, Mount Logan, and Snyder-Middleswarth); and three State Forest Lookouts (Leonard Harrison, Martins Hill, and Mount Riansares).[51]
Only twelve of the twenty-six public campgrounds from 1924 are on the 1937 list. Of the forty-nine areas on the 1937 list, twenty-eight are state parks as of 2012, while nine are former state parks, and twelve are in state forests (eight of these still retain their names as state forest picnic, natural or wild areas).

References

  1. "Find a Park: Alphabetical Listing of All 121 Pennsylvania State Parks". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2016-02-18. Note: this list of all 121 parks is the default reference for current individual Pennsylvania state parks.
  2. Dan Cupper (Winter 1994). "A Century of Conservation: The Story of Pennsylvania's State Parks". Pennsylvania Heritage Magazine. Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Retrieved 2012-05-10. Note: URL is to Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection reprint of article
  3. Cupper, Dan (1993). Our Priceless Heritage: Pennsylvania’s State Parks 1893-1993. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission for Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of State Parks. ISBN 0-89271-056-X.
  4. "The Goddard Era". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  5. "National Natural Landmarks: Pennsylvania". National Park Service. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  6. "Short Version of the History of Pennsylvania State Parks". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  7. "The First Park". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  8. "National Register of Historic Places". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  9. "The Early Years of Pennsylvania State Parks". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  10. "The CCC Years". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  11. "Growing Greener: What is Growing Greener?". Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  12. Novak, Christina. "Washington Crossing in Bucks County Added to Pennsylvania State Park System". Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  13. "Raymond B. Winter State Park: History: Halfway to Winter". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  14. "High Rocks State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  15. "Delaware Canal". National Canal Museum. Archived from the original on 2012-02-05. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  16. "Nockamixon State Park: History". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  17. "Worlds End State Park: History". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  18. "Clear Creek State Forest: History". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  19. "Kennerdell Tract, Venango County, Clear Creek State Forest (inset map title)" (PDF). map. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  20. "Welcome to Blue Marsh Lake". U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia District. Archived from the original on 2009-07-16. Retrieved 2012-05-22.CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  21. "Blue Marsh Lake Trail System" (PDF). map. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia District. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-05-23. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  22. "Brandywine Battlefield State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  23. "Pennsylvania Trails of History". Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  24. "Bushy Run Battlefield State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  25. "Colerain Picnic Area". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2012-05-27.
  26. "Rothrock State Forest: Recreation". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  27. "Rothrock State Forest Map" (PDF). Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  28. "Crooked Creek State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  29. "Crooked Creek Lake". U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District. Archived from the original on 2012-03-27. Retrieved 2012-05-27.CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  30. "Curwensville State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  31. "Corps Lakes Gateway: Curwensville Lake". U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Archived from the original on 2013-02-17. Retrieved 2012-05-27.
  32. "Drake Well State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  33. "Fort Necessity State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  34. "Fort Necessity National Battlefield". U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  35. "George W. Childs State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  36. "Guide to the Gap: Childs Park â€“ Renewing A Woodland Paradise" (PDF). National Park Service. Summer 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-05-26. Retrieved 2012-02-28.
  37. "Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area". U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Retrieved 2012-05-27.
  38. Godcharles, Frederic A. (1944). Chronicles of Central Pennsylvania (PDF). New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Co., Inc. Retrieved 2012-05-27.
  39. "Tuscarora State Forest: Natural & Wild Areas of the Tuscarora State Forest". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2012-05-27.
  40. "Independence Mall State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  41. "Independence National Historical Park". U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Retrieved 2012-05-27.
  42. "Snyder-Middleswarth State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  43. "Snyder-Middleswarth Natural Area, Tall Timbers Natural Area". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2012-05-27.
  44. "Bald Eagle State Forest (map)" (PDF). Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2012-05-27. Note: shows Snyder Middleswarth Natural Area, Hairy Johns Picnic Area
  45. "Valley Forge National Historical Park". U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Retrieved 2012-05-27.
  46. "Voneida State Forest Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  47. "Braddock Grave State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  48. Mike Faher (2009-11-11). "Seven Springs signs lease to operate Laurel Mountain". The Tribune-Democrat. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  49. "Reports on Skiing Conditions". The New York Times. 1965-03-20. p. 22.
  50. "Find A Park: 25 Must-See Parks". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2012-05-27.
  51. "Pennsylvania has everything!" (PDF). Brochure. Pennsylvania State Publicity Commission. 1937. Retrieved 2012-05-27.
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