Black Moshannon State Park is an outdoor lovers paradise
Black Moshannon State Park is located in central Pennsylvania near State College. The park surrounds Black Moshannon Lake.
The park is large and surrounded by the more than 43,000-acre Moshannon State Forest. This large tract of uninterrupted wildlands makes for a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.
Things to do at Black Moshannnon State Park
The lake is about 250 acres and is extremely popular for kayaks and canoes. If you don’t have one, that’s okay; you can rent one on-site during the summer season.
Mountain biking is permitted on more than 4 miles of the park trails, including the 2.1-mile Star Mill Trail, which loops through a thick pine, beech, and hemlock forest. Keep a lookout for wildlife and a balsam fir stand, which is uncommon in the area. The park also has more than 20 miles of other hiking trails that weave through a wide variety of environments. About a 3-mile section of the 41.8-mile Allegheny Front Trail goes through the park and provides visitors an opportunity to do some backpacking. Heads up, though, backcountry camping is only permitted in the Moshannon State Forest sections of the trail.
Black Moshannon Bog Natural Area
One of the most popular areas to visit in the park is the Black Moshannon Bog Natural Area. The bog area of the park is very unique and scenic. It serves as a critical wildlife habitat. For those looking to explore the bog, take a hike along the short but beautiful Bog Trail. Most of which is a boardwalk that explores the bog. Make sure to protect yourself from bugs; the mosquitos can be relentless. Keep an eye peeled for a variety of wildlife, including great blue herons, beavers, and a variety of ducks and shorebirds. But also make sure to watch out for carnivorous plants, such as the pitcher plant.
The Bog Trail is only a half-mile loop; for those looking for a longer adventure and exploring deeper into the more remote sections of the park, check out the Moss-Hanne Trail. At 7.7 miles, it’s the longest trail in the park and takes hikers through a wide variety of natural areas, including bogs, hardwood forests, grassy fields, and blueberry patches. Make sure to wear good shoes that are waterproof. Sections of the trail are likely to be wet.
Other things to do in the park
Birdwatching is a big deal in Black Moshannon State Park and is the primary reason for many visitors. The park is considered an “Important Bird Area” by the Audubon Society. One hundred seventy-five different species of birds have been observed in the park, which is quite a large number. The biggest reason for that is the wide variety of habitats. The lake and bogs attract many migratory bird species in spring and fall.
If you want to stay a night or two, the park has got you covered. There is a reservable campground. Some of the sites have electrical hookups. There are also some modern and rustic cabins available.
There is no bad time to visit Black Moshannon State Park, but the summer, with its kayaking and swimming in the lake, is probably the most popular. The fall is a close second. Fall foliage in the park is amazing each October. The spring brings a wide variety of wildflowers and migrating birds. And winter gives visitors a quietness blanketed by a layer of snow.
Things to do near State College and the natural area
The Alan Seeger Natural Area is located near State College in the Rothrock State Forest. The trails through the preserve take you through incredible old-growth forests.
