(Last Updated On: October 17, 2022)
clouds over Blue Knob State Park

Blue Knob, the northernmost 3,000 footer in the Allegheny Mountain Range. Photo: Calzarette, Wikimedia

Established in 1945, Blue Knob State Park enjoys an imperious position at the top of the stunning Blue Knob Mountains.

Set across 6,128-acres, it is renowned for its cool summers and snowy winters, which enable visitors to enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreational activities.

This includes the likes of fishing, hiking, biking, horse-riding, geocaching and picnicking. As well as cross country skiing and downhill skiing in the winter.

Located just a two hour drive from Pittsburgh and about 30 minutes from Altoona, it is a popular destination for those who want to escape the pressures of city life.

Furthermore, it also offers a decent range of camping accommodation for RVs and tent campers, which provides visitors with a great base in which to reconnect with nature.

Activities

This Pennsylvania state park provides many wonderful opportunities to enjoy a range of outdoor recreational pursuits.

These include the following activities.

Fishing at Blue Knob State Park

Fishing is a popular activity in the park and attracts anglers from all over the state with the opportunity of catching farm-raised trout.

This takes place at Bobโ€™s Creek and its associated tributaries, with the best time to hook them being between the end of April and the middle of June.

If you are over the age of 16, you will need to have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license, to fish at the park. You can choose to cast a line from the shore or alternatively take a boat out on to the water.

However, to do this you will also need to procure a boating permit and have the registration documents for your boat on hand too.

Hiking at Blue Knob State Park

Arguably the best way to experience the park is by exploring its 15 miles of trails.

Winding through the park, there are several trails you can tackle, which range from easy to challenging levels of difficulty.

All of these trails showcase some aspect of the park’s natural beauty. Whichever one you attempt, be sure to wear a very good pair of hiking boots, and take a map and plenty of water with you.

Biking at Blue Knob State Park

As many of the trails are multi-purpose, it’s worth bringing your mountain bike with you to the park.

For novice riders, the Homestead Trail is a good choice, as it only has a few inclines along its two mile course.

More experienced riders should tackle the Rock โ€˜Nโ€™ Ridge Trail, which is a predominantly uphill journey, that will take you to one of the park’s highest points.

Horse Riding at Blue Knob State Park

As well as hiking and biking, the orange diamond trails at the park are specifically designed for horse riding.

If you didn’t bring your own horse with you, one can be rented from some of the equine boarding houses that are located within the surrounding area.

Whilst riding, please be mindful that you are required to wear proper riding equipment and a helmet at all times.

Nature & Wildlife

One of the best things about Blue Knob State Park is that each season offers something different in terms of nature and wildlife.

During the fall and winter months for instance, you can marvel at the magnificent colors of the changing leaves, or spot deer foraging for food.

In the warmer months of spring and summer, the park is full of songbirds who are only too keen to serenade you. If you break out the binoculars, you should also see plenty of animals as well.

Geocaching at Blue Knob State Park

If you are into geocaching, the park is a popular place to partake in this pastime.

Before searching around the area, be sure to familiarize yourself with the cache logging rules.

Also, to keep the great treasure hunt alive for others, don’t forget to leave each area as undisturbed as you possibly can.

Winter Activities at Blue Knob State Park

Throughout the year, the park receives an average annual snowfall of 12 feet.

This provides fabulous opportunities in the winter for cross country and downhill skiing.

Cross country skiing takes place on the various trails throughout the park, which have varying degrees of difficulty. While downhill skiing happens at the Blue Knob All Seasons Resort.

Featuring a vertical drop of 1050 feet, this is the highest skiable mountain in Pennsylvania.

Pets at Blue Knob State Park

Pets are welcome at the park, although some restrictions do apply. To clarify what they are it is worth contacting the main office.

Camping at Blue Knob State Park

For those who want to stay at the park for a few nights, the campground here is open from the second Friday in April, until the middle of October.

Spread across wooded areas and open fields, it presents 50 tent and trailer sites overall, most of which come with electric service. Two of these sites are walk-in only.

Amenities at this campground include flush toilets and warm showers, as well as a sanitary dump station and playground equipment. During the peak summer months, a campground host is usually available.

As well as these tent and RV sites, the park also has three modern cabins available to rent, which between them can sleep between four and six people.

The cabins offer electric heat and air conditioning, a bathroom with shower, living room and kitchen facilities.

During the summer the minimum rental period is a week. At other times of the year it is two days.

For groups of up to 100 people, an organized group cabin camp is also available.

Park Location

Blue Knob State Park
Park Rd
Imler, PA 16655
Phone: 814.276.3576

Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Blue Knob State Park: