Explore the Area
Philipsburg is one of the closest towns near the state park, and is located approximately 20 miles from State College, home of Penn State University. Other towns in the area include Port Matilda, Winburne, and Unionville.
Learn about some of the area businesses and things to do from the Moshannon Valley Economic Development Partnership.
Nearby State Parks and Forests
Black Moshannon State Park is close to three state parks and two state forests, where visitors can enjoy recreation, education, and other activities.
Bald Eagle State Park
The 5,900-acre Bald Eagle State Park is in the broad Bald Eagle Valley of northcentral Pennsylvania. The park features a 1,730-acre lake that laps the flank of Bald Eagle Mountain, surrounded by forests, fields, and wetlands.
With two campgrounds, boating, fishing, swimming, the Nature Inn, and diverse habitats that are excellent for wildlife watching, Bald Eagle State Park is a great destination in the heart of Pennsylvania.
Bald Eagle State Forest
The 193,424-acre Bald Eagle State Forest lies in the beautiful ridge and valley section of the state and is adjacent to Bald Eagle State Park. The forest district is dominated by a series of sandstone ridges some of which reach heights of 2,300 feet above sea level.
Bald Eagle State Forest offers more than 200 miles of hiking trails, and opportunities for mountain biking, horseback riding, ATV riding, picnicking, fishing, camping, and cross-country skiing.
Moshannon State Forest
The nearly 190,031-acre Moshannon State Forest is located on the Allegheny Plateau.
The forest boasts an extensive 244-mile hiking trail system, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, and camping.
Cold and warm water fishing are available during the appropriate season in several creeks that wind through Moshannon State Forest, such as Mix Run, Medix Run, Six-Mile Run, Mosquito Creek, Laurel Run, and Black Moshannon Creek.
Prince Gallitzin State Park
At Prince Gallitzin State Park, the forested hills of the Allegheny Plateau cradle sprawling Glendale Lake. Vistas offer scenic views of the 1,635-acre lake with its 26 miles of shoreline, which is a favorite of anglers and boaters.
Campers flock to the large campground and also enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities such as biking, horseback riding, disc golfing, and orienteering.
Bucktail State Park Natural Area
Bucktail State Park Natural Area provides a beautiful 75-mile scenic drive along PA 120 from Emporium, through Renovo, to Lock Haven. It stretches through a narrow valley known as the Bucktail Trail. Recreational activities available are kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Other Nearby Outdoor Spaces and Natural Places
Several state game lands are near the state park, including 33, 103, and 176.
The Pennsylvania Wilds
Black Moshannon State Park is part of the Pennsylvania Wilds, which offers 2 million acres of public lands for hiking, biking, fishing, boating, hunting, and exploration in northcentral Pennsylvania.
Highlights of the area include:
- Elk watching at the Elk Country Visitor Center
- Scenic PA Route 6 in Pine Creek Gorge (PA Grand Canyon)
- The darkest skies in the east at Cherry Springs State Park
- Hundreds of miles of backpacking trails, bike paths, and trout fishing streams
Pennsylvania Heritage Area
Heritage Areas protect, enhance, and promote Pennsylvania’s historic, natural, cultural, and scenic resources.
In the Lumber Heritage Region, roughly 2 million acres of public lands give both wildlife and humans room to roam. Unsurpassed beauty, natural treasures, rich history, and outdoor adventure can be found here.