Blue Knob State Park
Pennsylvania

Blue Knob State Park

11 months in advance through the PA DCNR reservation system. Popular parks like Ricketts Glen and Ohiopyle fill quickly for summer weekends.Explore More Pennsylvania State Parks Blue Knob State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Pennsylvania. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Pennsylvania guide, or
Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Picnicking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Geocaching
  • RV
  • Winter Sports
  • Biking

🏆 Official Guide: Blue Knob State Park — Home to the highest skiable mountain in Pennsylvania (3,146 ft — PA’s 2nd-highest peak) in the Allegheny Mountains of Bedford County, Pennsylvania — featuring Blue Knob All Seasons Resort (1,050-ft vertical, skiing, snowboarding, tubing), the 26-mile Lost Turkey Trail (one of PA’s most challenging backpacking routes), Pavia Overlook (panoramic Allegheny views), extensive hiking + mountain biking trails, campground (electric + non-electric, mid-Apr–mid-Oct), a seasonal swimming pool, trout fishing in Bob’s Creek, cross-country skiing, and ~12 feet of average annual snowfall.

Blue Knob State Park sits atop Pennsylvania’s second-highest peak at 3,146 feet — a rugged Allegheny Mountain destination that’s dramatically different from the gentler rolling hills most people associate with Pennsylvania. The elevation creates a climate several degrees cooler than surrounding areas and dumps an average of 12 feet of snow annually, making this a four-season adventure park where you can ski in winter, mountain bike in summer, and hike the challenging 26-mile Lost Turkey Trail year-round.

Visitor Information

DetailInformation
LocationBedford County, PA — Allegheny Mountains
Elevation3,146 ft — PA’s 2nd-highest peak (after Mt. Davis)
Ski ResortBlue Knob All Seasons Resort — 1,050-ft vertical drop
Snowfall~12 ft average annually
PoolSeasonal — Memorial Day through Labor Day

Camping

TypeDetails
Electric SitesAvailable — mid-April through mid-October
Non-Electric SitesTent camping available
AmenitiesShowers, flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings

Activities

ActivityDetails
Skiing/SnowboardingBlue Knob Resort — highest skiable mountain in PA — 1,050-ft vertical
Snow TubingTubing lanes at resort
HikingExtensive network — Lost Turkey Trail (26 mi), Pavia Overlook Loop
Mountain BikingMulti-use trails — beginner to advanced technical terrain
FishingBob’s Creek — stocked trout
SwimmingSeasonal pool — Memorial Day–Labor Day
Cross-Country SkiingWinter trails throughout park
Scenic ViewsPavia Overlook — panoramic Allegheny Mountain views
💡 Pro Tip: The Pavia Overlook is the park’s best viewpoint — an easy loop trail near the summit with unobstructed views across the Allegheny Mountains. The Lost Turkey Trail (26 miles) is one of Pennsylvania’s most challenging backpacking routes — it traverses the park, Gallitzin State Forest, and beyond with significant elevation changes and rugged terrain. Bob’s Creek is stocked with trout by the PA Fish & Boat Commission. The ski resort offers some of the most challenging terrain in the state — steeper and more natural than the manicured resorts of the Poconos. Temperatures at 3,146 feet can be 10–15°F cooler than nearby valleys — bring layers even in summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Blue Knob really the highest skiable mountain in PA?

Yes — Blue Knob Mountain reaches 3,146 feet, making it the highest skiable mountain in Pennsylvania and the state’s second-highest peak overall (after Mt. Davis at 3,213 feet). The ski resort has a vertical drop of about 1,050 feet — more than most Pennsylvania ski areas — with challenging terrain and an average of 12 feet of natural snowfall annually.

How difficult is the Lost Turkey Trail?

The Lost Turkey Trail is considered one of Pennsylvania’s most challenging backpacking routes — 26 miles of rugged terrain with significant elevation changes through Blue Knob State Park and Gallitzin State Forest. It’s best suited for experienced hikers. Day-hikers can tackle shorter sections. The Pavia Overlook Loop is an easier alternative with excellent views.

Sarah Mitchell

About the Author

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

Last updated: May 20, 2026

Park Location

11 months in advance through the PA DCNR reservation system. Popular parks like Ricketts Glen and Ohiopyle fill quickly for summer weekends.Explore More Pennsylvania State Parks Blue Knob State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Pennsylvania. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Pennsylvania guide, or