Poe Paddy State Park
🏆 Official Guide: Poe Paddy State Park — A remote 23-acre park in the Bald Eagle State Forest of Centre County, Pennsylvania — at the confluence of Big Poe Creek + Penns Creek (legendary Class A wild trout water) — famous for the Green Drake mayfly hatch (late May–early June, drawing fly anglers nationally) — featuring a rustic campground (34 tent/trailer sites + 5 Adirondack lean-tos, vault toilets, no electric), a section of the 327-mile Mid State Trail, the historic Paddy Mountain Railroad Tunnel (250 ft, with bat-friendly gates), and no cell service — reached only via unpaved forest roads.
Poe Paddy State Park is Pennsylvania’s reward for those willing to leave the pavement behind. Reached only by unpaved forest roads deep in the Bald Eagle State Forest, this 23-acre park sits at the confluence of Big Poe Creek and Penns Creek — one of the most celebrated wild trout streams in the eastern United States. When the Green Drake mayfly hatch erupts in late May or early June, fly anglers from across the country descend on these waters for some of the finest dry-fly fishing anywhere.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Centre County, PA — Bald Eagle State Forest |
| Size | 23 acres |
| Creek | Penns Creek — Class A wild trout water |
| Access | Unpaved forest roads only — no paved roads to park |
| Cell Service | ⚠️ NONE — plan accordingly |
| Season | Mid-April – early December |
Camping
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Tent/Trailer Sites | 34 sites — fire rings, picnic tables |
| Lean-tos | 5 Adirondack-style shelters |
| Facilities | Vault toilets, drinking water — NO electric/sewer hookups |
| Showers | Available at nearby Poe Valley SP (pay showers + dump station) |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Fly Fishing | Penns Creek — Class A wild trout — Green Drake hatch (late May–early June) |
| Hiking | Mid State Trail (327 mi) passes through park |
| Railroad Tunnel | Historic Paddy Mountain Tunnel — 250 ft — bat-friendly gates — easy hike |
| Swimming | Creek swimming in Penns Creek (informal) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Green Drake hatch?
The Green Drake (Ephemera guttulata) is a large mayfly whose annual emergence on Penns Creek — typically in late May or early June — creates one of the premier fly fishing events in the eastern US. The big, green-bodied insects trigger aggressive surface feeding by wild brown and brook trout. Fly anglers time their trips specifically for this hatch, and the campground fills up fast.
Can I drive an RV to Poe Paddy?
The park is accessible via unpaved forest roads, and while some trailers can make it, large RVs are not recommended. The roads are narrow, winding, and can be rough — especially after rain. There are no electric or sewer hookups at the campground. For a more RV-friendly option, try nearby Poe Valley State Park, which also has Penns Creek access.
