🌤 Weather at Ole Bull State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26–72 °F | 56–83 °F | 32–75 °F | 19–39 °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 Renovo, 14 mi away, elevation 660 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Situated in the town of Cross Fork, which lies within Potter County, Ole Bull State Park (formerly Valhalla State Forest Park) is right next to Susquehannock State Forest.
Spread over 132-acres within the Kettle Creek Valley, the area is known as the Black Forest, due to it once being covered with a thick wilderness of trees and mountain terrain. It is home to a diverse range of native wildlife and is also a popular spot for those who want to reconnect with nature.
Offering a variety of recreational activities like hiking, fishing, swimming, hunting and mountain biking, as well as winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling for those who like to be active.
Given its remote location, visitors to this PA state park will want to stay overnight. Thankfully there is a very good modern campground onsite which has campsites with electric hookups, as well as a cabin that provides some of the comforts of home.
Activities
Those who visit the park are able to enjoy its tranquil, remote and serene landscape in several different ways.
Presented below is an overview of some of the main recreational activities you can take part in during your time there.
Swimming at ole bull state park
During the summer months the beach at Ole Bull State Park is a very popular spot to relax. Extending for 150 feet it provides a lovely place to sunbathe and swim.
You will find this area in Camping Area #1, which is not far from the main picnic area.
As the area is not lifeguarded, anyone who swims will do so at their own risk. Additionally, all children aged ten years or younger should be with someone who is at least 14 years old.
Fishing at Ole Bull State Park
Be sure to bring your fishing tackle with you to Ole Bull State Park as the Kettle Creek and Old Bull Run are terrific places to cast a line.
Within both you will find an abundance of brook, brown and rainbow trout. To catch them you will need a valid license, which you can pick up from a number of issuing agents within the towns that surround the park.
Anglers should be mindful that fishing is not allowed at the swimming area and in certain areas of the dam basin.
For children and those with disabilities, a special regulation area has been set up for them to fish at.
Hiking at Ole Bull State Park
One of the best ways to appreciate the true beauty of the park is to hike through it.
Overall, it has 5-miles of trails that wind through its beautiful landscape of forested mountains, offering scenic views of valleys, ridges and picturesque streams.
One of the easiest and most popular trails to traverse is the Hemlock Swamp Trail. It is only a mile long but it does take you through the park’s northern section which showcases many fine examples of the Eastern Hemlock, which is the state tree.
The Beaver Haven Nature Trail is another path many visitors take, guiding you past riparian wetlands, a CCC pine plantation and a scenic beaver pond.
Similarly, the Castle Vista Trail is worth checking out too. A fairly difficult one mile hike that starts near Campground 1, the steep trail takes you to an overlook that presents fabulous views of the park’s southern portion.
Winter Activities at Ole Bull State Park
When the snow hits, Ole Bull State Park turns into a fantastic destination for winter based recreational activities.
The likes of cross-country skiing trail and snowshoeing are particularly popular throughout the park’s trails. While snowmobiling can take place on specific, marked trails only.
Pets
At Ole Bull State Park, pets are permitted in campground Area #2 for a fee, but not in the rental log cabin (Ole Bull overnight page) or the beach area (swimming page).
Pennsylvania state park rules apply: keep your pet on a leash (no longer than any posted limit) or in a cage or crate, under your physical control, and pick up after it. Don’t leave it unattended, except briefly in your vehicle or camping unit, weather permitting, while you use a restroom or visit a park building. Pets are not allowed in swimming areas, inside buildings or in overnight areas not designated for pets, and dogs and cats need a current rabies vaccination (Pennsylvania DCNR pet rules, as of October 2026).
Camping
For those who want to stay a night or two whilst at Ole Bull State Park there are both campsites and cabins available.
Overall there are 43 sites that come with electric hookups split between two campgrounds. All of these sites come with their own level gravel pads, picnic tables and fire rings. These sites are located along Kettle Creek and are open all year round.
Providing both sunny and shaded sites to suit both preferences, amenities here include warm showers, flush toilets, water hydrants and a dump station.
In addition to these sites, the campground also offers a 1.5-story log cabin which you can rent all year round.
Enabling you to enjoy some of the comforts of home, it can sleep up to 12 people in three different bedrooms. It also has a contemporary and accessible kitchen, as well as two baths, one of which is also accessible.
To stay at either the campsites or cabin, it is advisable you make a reservation in advance of your visit.
Park Location
Ole Bull State Park
31 Valhalla Lane
Cross Fork, PA 17729
Phone: 814.435.5000
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Ole Bull State Park:
Explore More Pennsylvania State Parks
Ole Bull State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Pennsylvania. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Pennsylvania guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
More parks nearby: Cherry Springs State Park is a short drive away, while Denton Hill State Park lies a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Ole Bull State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in day-use areas of Pennsylvania state parks and in designated campground sites, but must be physically controlled, attended at all times and leashed, caged or crated.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required at all times; no universal maximum length — inquire at the park office (electronic fences/shock collars not accepted as control)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in swimming areas and designated beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs allowed in a limited number of designated cabins, cottages and yurts (pilot program); maximum two dogs per unit; dogs must be house-trained and current on rabies vaccination
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No standard statewide pet fee; fees may be assessed for damage in dog-friendly lodging
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Maximum two non-caged pets per campsite; pets prohibited in buildings; pet food may not be left outside camping units
Are dogs allowed at Ole Bull State Park?
Pets are allowed in day-use areas of Pennsylvania state parks and in designated campground sites, but must be physically controlled, attended at all times and leashed, caged or crated. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via pa.gov. More: Pennsylvania state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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