Explore the Area
The area around the park is known for its railroad history. In nearby Altoona, you can visit the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site, the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark, and the Altoona Railroaders Museum, among others. Other museums, parks, shopping, and dining can be found in Altoona and the smaller towns around the park, such as Hollidaysburg and Williamsburg.
Learn about some of the area businesses and things to do from the Altoona Area Chamber of Commerce and the Blair County Chamber of Commerce.
Nearby State Parks and Forests
Canoe Creek State Park is close to one state park and two state forests, where visitors can enjoy recreation, education, and other activities.
Blue Knob State Park
The 6,128-acre Blue Knob State Park is in the northwestern tip of Bedford County, west of I-99. Altoona, Johnstown, and Bedford are within 25 miles of this scenic park. The elevation of the park can cause air temperatures to be several degrees cooler than the surrounding cities. The annual snowfall averages about 12 feet.
Recreational activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, fishing, hunting, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and camping.
Gallitzin State Forest
The 24,370-acre Gallitzin State Forest is located in Somerset County, Bedford County, Cambria County, and Indiana County. Much of the park rests on the Allegheny Front and the Laurel Ridge.
Recreational opportunities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, fishing, hunting, camping, skiing, and snowmobiling.
Rothrock State Forest
The 96,975-acre Rothrock State Forest is named for Dr. Joseph Trimble Rothrock, a native of Mifflin County and the commonwealth’s first forestry commissioner. He is recognized as the “Father of Forestry” in Pennsylvania. Rothrock State Forest is spread across the rugged ridges of Huntingdon County, Centre County, and Mifflin County.
Recreational opportunities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, boating, kayaking, fishing, hunting, and camping.
Other Nearby Outdoor Spaces and Natural Places
Brush Mountain Woodlands and Lakemont Park can be found to the west of the park, offering additional recreational opportunities.
State Game Lands 166 also is located nearby.
Pennsylvania Heritage Areas
Heritage Areas protect, enhance, and promote Pennsylvania’s historic, natural, cultural, and scenic resources.
The Allegheny Ridge Heritage Area is a geographical phenomenon that rises steeply to 1200 feet above sea level, which in the early 19th century presented a nearly impassable transportation challenge. Those natural barriers of the past have turned into modern playgrounds for outdoor recreationalists.