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This 968-acre park sits in the heart of the Moshannon State Forest, where hardwoods have grown to replace the pines and hemlocks that attracted lumbermen in the late 1800s.
It can be hard to tell where the park ends and the forest begins, making this a wilderness experience for those who want to get away from it all.
This second-growth forest is home to white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, ruffed grouse, coyotes, foxes and beavers. Another draw for wildlife watchers is the large elk herd that roams an area within a half-hour of the park.
The park and forest provide more than 200 miles of dirt roads and 90 miles of hiking trails, all accessible from the park. Parker Dam is a trailhead for the Quehanna Trail System, whose 75-plus miles of trails allow backpackers to hike one- to five-day loops that end up back at the park.
Swimmers use the 20-acre lake formed by the "splash dam" built in the early logging days. Logs were skidded into the pool and then "splashed" downstream when the water was released. A reproduction of the log slide is included in an interpretive lumbering exhibit. The current dam was built by CCCs in the 1930s.
Boats are restricted to muscle and electric power. Paddleboats and rowboats are available for rent during the summer. Anglers fish for bluegill, crappie, catfish, bass and trout.
In winter, the park is open for ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and ice-skating.
Park facilities include a 110-site seasonal campground and 16 year-round rustic cabins. Eighty sites have electrical hookups and there is an RV dump station. Pets are permitted on designated sites.
Outdoor Activities |
