Flanked by both the Elk State Forest and Susquehannock State Forest, the Sinnemahoning State Park is one of several wonderful outdoor destinations you can visit in Potter County, Pennsylvania.
Known for its deep valleys and mountainous terrain, the 1,900 acre park is a wonderful place to explore on foot, with several hiking trails running throughout it.
Also featuring the picturesque 145-acre George B. Stevenson Reservoir, as well as the scenic First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek, the park is a haven for those who enjoy boating and fishing.
This PA state park is also renowned for being home to the rarely spotted bald eagle and elk. As well as having an excellent campground, which serves as a terrific base for anyone who wants to explore the Pennsylvania Wilds.
Activities
Visitors to the park get to enjoy some of the most incredible scenery Pennsylvania has to offer.
Whilst there, you can enjoy, and immerse yourself within it in several ways. These include the following.
Boating at Sinnemahoning State Park
Centered around George B. Stevenson Reservoir, which is located at the southern end of the park, boating is a very popular activity here.
The likes of canoeing, kayaking and SUP are regularly practiced, as is motor, paddle and rowboating.
At the lake, a mooring area and boat launch is available, including five designated spaces that are specifically reserved for campers. To use this, a mooring permit is required, which you can pick up from the wildlife center.
Please note, all motorboats should display a valid boat registration. While non-powered boats should display that too, or a relevant launch permit.
Fishing at Sinnemahoning State Park
If you enjoy fishing, you will love the opportunities to cast a line at Sinnemahoning. So make sure you bring your gear along with you.
The reservoir is home to several species of cold and warmwater fish. This includes the likes of brook, brown and rainbow trout, perch, crappie, sunfish, bluegill, catfish, pickerel and both largemouth and smallmouth bass.
You’ll find an ADA-accessible fishing pier close to the boat launch, or alternatively, you can choose to cast a line from a boat on the water, or at the shore.
If you would prefer, you might want to try your hand at fly fishing over at the First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek instead.
Hiking at Sinnemahoning State Park
Like with most state parks, Sinnemahoning is best explored on foot.
Offering 6 miles of trails, across two main sections, you will be able to take in its stunning landscape through a difficult, or more easier route.
Along the way you will get to see plenty of scenic views and resident flora and fauna.
The two trails at Sinnemahoning State Park are:
- trail 1 – Red Spruce Trail. Length: 1 mile Degree of Difficulty: easy
- trail 2 – Lowlands Trail. Length: 6 miles Degree of Difficulty: moderate
Birding at Sinnemahoning State Park
The park is home to several species of birdlife, with the star attraction being bald eagles.
Back in 2000, a pair of eagles set up a nest by the lake which they reside in all year round. Now several bald eagles can be seen in the area, although you will need plenty of patience and a good pair of binoculars if you want to get the best view of them.
Nature & Wildlife
The park is home to several species of wildlife including bears, bobcats, coyotes and elk.
Some of which can be spotted from a convenient viewing platform which you will find located at the wildlife center.
Picnicking at Sinnemahoning State Park
For those who want to picnic whilst at the park, there are two main areas in which they can do this.
The Eagle Watch Picnic Ground is situated near the reservoir in an open, grassland area. It contains charcoal grills and plenty of picnic tables.
Directly above the boat launch there is a pavilion which is suitable for larger groups.
Two more pavilions are located at the 40 Maples Day Use Area, along with several other picnic tables.
You will also find a volleyball net and half basketball court there too.
Hunting at Sinnemahoning State Park
During the established hunting season, around 1,400 acres of the park are open for this pastime.
Some of the common species of game you can catch include bear, deer, grouse, squirrel, turkey and waterfowl.
If you intend to hunt, trap or train dogs in this area, please note that you are not permitted to go after woodchucks.
You will also need to abide by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and DCNR regulations and laws.
Pets at Sinnemahoning State Park
You are welcome to bring your dog with you to the park, although it will need to be leashed, caged or kept in a vehicle at all times.
It is also your responsibility to clean up after them too, and you could risk fines if you don’t.
Camping at Sinnemahoning State Park
For those looking for overnight camping accommodation, the park offers a delightful 35-site campground, which is open from mid-April to mid-December.
Occupying a scenic location near woodland, about a mile to the south of the park’s main office, most of the sites at this campground feature 30-amp or 50-amp electrical hookups for RVs. There are also a handful of walk-in tent sites available too.
Suitable for large rigs, these sites come with fire rings, picnic tables and lantern hooks. Other amenities available at the campsite include flush toilets, warm showers and a dump station.
If you don’t have an RV, or fancy staying in a tent, you can always choose to hire a four bed room cabin, which can accommodate up to 12 people.
Park Location
Sinnemahoning State Park
Address: 4843 Park Drive
Austin, PA 16720
Phone: 814.647.8401
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Sinnemahoning State Park:
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