Photo: Richard Steven Levine, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
🌤 Weather at Moshannon State Forest by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26–70 °F | 55–82 °F | 31–73 °F | 18–38 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Clearfield Lawrence Airport, 14 mi away, elevation 1,516 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Moshannon State Forest is located in Pennsylvania in Clearfield County and is managed by the DCNR Bureau of Forestry, not by Pennsylvania’s state park system. Spanning 190,031 acres and established in 1898, the forest offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Clearfield County |
| Park Size | 190,031 acres |
| Established | 1898 |
| Accessibility | Yes. See dcnr.pa.gov for specific accessibility details. |
Location & Getting There
Moshannon State Forest is located Pennsylvania. The park’s coordinates are 41.2083, -78.5756.
Things to Do
Moshannon totals 190,031 acres on the Allegheny Plateau, mostly in Clearfield, Elk and Centre counties, and is one of eight state forests in the Pennsylvania Wilds. Its name comes from “Moss-hanne,” or “moose stream.” The Bureau of Forestry lists hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and sightseeing, and Bilgers Rocks is one of its featured spots.
Best Time to Visit
The forest is open year-round, but some uses are seasonal. During spring wildfire season, from March 1 to May 25, primitive campers need the forest’s permission for a campfire. In winter, the Bureau of Forestry lists snowmobiling and cross-country skiing here.
Visitor Tips
Moshannon is a state forest of the DCNR Bureau of Forestry, not a Pennsylvania state park. Backpackers may camp in most areas without a permit if they stay no more than one night in one spot. Longer stays and all roadside (motorized) camping need a permit from the Pennsylvania State Park and Forest Reservation System, and roadside camping is allowed only at designated sites. State forests have no water, hookups or dump stations, so pack out your trash. For local questions, call the Moshannon District Office in Penfield (814-765-0821).
Explore More Pennsylvania State Parks
Looking for state parks in Pennsylvania? Discover them in our Best State Parks in Pennsylvania guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Moshannon SF — 190,000 acres in the Allegheny Plateau — encompasses the Quehanna Wild Area (50,000 acres). Elk roam the forest — Pennsylvania’s largest wild animal. Black bears, bobcats, and fishers inhabit the vast wilderness. Brook trout fill the mountain streams. Northern goshawks hunt the deep forest.
Nearby Attractions
Clearfield — nearby. Elk Country Visitor Center — 30 miles north. Parker Dam SP — 15 miles north. S.B. Elliott SP — within the forest. PA Wilds — surrounding.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbor is Simon B. Elliott State Park (a short drive away).
Park Map
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