Tucked away in northern Pennsylvania, about an hour east of Wellsboro, Mount Pisgah State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature.
Located in the Endless Mountains region, the park boasts over 1,200 acres of lush forests, sparkling streams, and winding hiking trails. Visitors can explore it’s diverse landscape by foot or by car, with plenty of scenic vistas and hidden gems to discover along the way.
The park’s namesake, Mount Pisgah, towers over the surrounding countryside and offers a challenging yet rewarding hike to the summit. Once at the top, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Aside from hiking, Mount Pisgah State Park presents a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and picnicking. This Pennsylvania state park is also home to Stephen Foster Lake, a popular destination for anglers seeking trout, bass, and panfish, as well as boating for kayaks, canoes, and small motorized boats.
Activities
As mentioned, Mount Pisgah State Park provides visitors with a number of different ways to enjoy its spectacular scenery.
Showcased below is a summary of some of the most notable activities you can enjoy while you are there.
Water Activities at Mount Pisgah State Park
If you are partial to playing on the water then you will love the recreational activities available at Lake Arthur.
Boaters can take advantage of the park’s four boat launches and 42 miles of shoreline. They can also rent a variety of watercraft, including kayaks, canoes, and motorboats, from the park’s marina if they did not bring their own.
For those more into fishing, Lake Arthur is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, walleye, and musky.
The park also offers fishing programs for children and adults, as well as special angling events throughout the year.
Swimming is also a popular activity at Moraine State Park, with two sand beaches available for visitors to enjoy.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season, offering protection to those who venture into the water.
In addition to these activities, visitors can also enjoy paddling, water skiing, and wakeboarding.
Hiking at Mount Pisgah State Park
Boasting a diverse collection of scenic trails, Moraine State Park is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Very well-maintained, the trails in the park provide spectacular views of the surrounding hills, forests and lake.
One of the more popular paths is The North Country Trail, a national scenic trail, that passes through the park and provides hikers with a fabulous 200-mile trekking opportunity.
Other notable trails in the park include the Glacier Ridge Trail, a 12-mile loop that takes hikers through mature forests and meadows, and the Hillside Trail, a shorter 1.5-mile loop that offers breathtaking views of Lake Arthur.
For a more challenging hike, visitors can take on the Moraine Trail, a 6.7-mile loop that features steep climbs and descents through the park’s rugged terrain. The park also offers guided hikes and nature walks led by park rangers, providing an educational and informative experience for visitors of all ages.
Winter Activities at Mount Pisgah State Park
Moraine State Park is a beautiful destination to visit during the winter season, as it offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
The park’s trails are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, providing a unique opportunity to explore its snowy landscape. It also has a sledding hill which is perfect for families and children to enjoy a day out in the snow.
Those into ice fishing can also catch crappie, perch and bluegill when the lake freezes over. The park also offers a heated ice fishing hut rental program, making it a great activity even during the colder winter days.
Hunting at Mount Pisgah State Park
With over 16,000 acres of land dedicated to the practice, Moraine State Park is a popular spot for hunting.
Enthusiasts can enjoy both archery and firearms hunting for game such as white-tailed deer and turkey. The park also offers special hunting opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Hunters are required to follow all Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations, obtain proper licenses, and follow park-specific regulations. The park also has a zero-tolerance policy for unsafe hunting practices.
Prior to hunting, visitors can check for updates and closures on the park’s website or by contacting the park office.
Pets
Moraine State Park provides a beautiful and scenic environment for visitors to enjoy with their pets. However, if you want to bring your pooch with you, there are certain rules you will have to follow.
They include your pet being well behaved and restrained on a leash at all times. They also involve owners not taking them into parts of the park where they are prohibited and also cleaning up after them if they have made a mess.
For more detailed information about their pet policy, it is worth contacting the main office staff.
Camping
Sadly, camping is not available at Moraine State Park. However, for those who need a place to pitch their RV or tent there are several campgrounds available within easy driving distance.
This includes the likes of the Sugar Creek RV Park, the Meredith Colony RV Park, the Armenia Mountain Campground and the Jones RV Campground.
Between them, these campgrounds offer a range of different camping accommodations including RV sites that come with full hookups. They also present several cabins, lodges, yurts and cottages too.
All of them provide a very good standard of accommodation. Depending on which one you stay at you could enjoy amenities like a swimming pool, children’s playgrounds, hot showers, flush toilets and a camp store.
Park Location
Mount Pisgah State Park
28 Entrance Rd
Troy, PA 16947
Phone: 570.297.2734
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Mount Pisgah State Park:
