Voneida State Forest Park
Pennsylvania State Forest

Voneida State Forest Park

177 Stover Gap Road, Haines Township, Pennsylvania 16820
Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Hunting

🌤 Weather at Voneida State Forest Park by season

SpringSummerFallWinter
25–71 °F55–84 °F29–74 °F15–38 °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 Millheim, 10 mi away, elevation 1,120 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.

🏆 Ridge & Valley Forest — Small state forest park in the Ridge and Valley region — featuring dramatic folded rock formations visible from space

Voneida State Forest Park is a small forest park in the Ridge and Valley region of central Pennsylvania — one of the most visually dramatic geological landscapes in North America! The Ridge and Valley is visible from space — perfectly parallel ridges of resistant sandstone separated by valleys of softer limestone, all folded during the Appalachian orogeny (mountain-building event) 300 million years ago. Pennsylvania has more parallel ridges than any other state — the pattern extends from south-central PA to northeastern PA. The forest is dominated by oak, hickory, and the iconic eastern white pine.

Visitor Information

DetailInformation
LocationCentral PA (Ridge & Valley!)
Entry FeeFree
Geology300M year old folded ridges!
FeatureVisible from SPACE!

About Voneida

Voneida State Forest Park in Mifflin County provides recreation in the Juniata River watershed — one of Pennsylvania’s most scenic river valleys. The park sits in the Ridge and Valley landscape where the Juniata has carved a winding course through the Appalachian ridges. The Juniata Valley was the route of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal (1830s) and later the Pennsylvania Railroad, which made it one of the most important transportation corridors in American history.

Things to Do

Picnicking, hiking, fishing in mountain streams, hunting (seasonal), and exploring the historic Juniata Valley that served as Pennsylvania’s gateway to the west.

Insider Tips

Centre County forest: Voneida offers quiet forest recreation near State College — home of Penn State University. Pro tip: Penn State’s Beaver Stadium (106,572 capacity) is the second-largest stadium in the Western Hemisphere — on football Saturdays, it becomes Pennsylvania’s third-largest city. Mount Nittany: The iconic mountain rising above State College is a protected natural landmark.

Best Time to Visit

Fall: Football weekends and mountain foliage. Summer: Forest hiking and fishing. Spring: Wildflowers in the valley. Winter: Cross-country skiing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is Penn State?

Penn State University is one of the largest universities in the US — 46,000+ students at the main campus in State College, with 24 additional campuses statewide. The university generates $11+ billion annually for Pennsylvania’s economy. Beaver Stadium’s 106,572 seats make it a cultural phenomenon — “White Out” night games are considered one of the most intimidating atmospheres in college sports.

More parks nearby: Halfway State Park is a short drive away, while R. B. Winter State Park lies a short drive away.

🏔️ Visit Voneida SFP

300-million-year-old folded ridges — visible from space!

📍 PA DCNR

Wildlife & Nature

Voneida SFP — provides rustic recreation in the mountain forest. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and ruffed grouse are common. Brook trout fill the streams. Black bears roam the surrounding forest.

Nearby Attractions

Bald Eagle SF — surrounding. Central Pennsylvania communities — nearby.

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to the state parks of the United States. Our editorial team compiles and reviews each park profile from official state park agency sources and other primary references, and follows a published editorial and review methodology (see /editorial-review-methodology/). We update profiles and correct errors on an ongoing basis.

🐾 Dogs & Pets at Voneida State Forest 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 Voneida State Forest 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

Last updated: May 13, 2026

Park Location

177 Stover Gap Road, Haines Township, Pennsylvania 16820

Plan your gear for Voneida State Forest Park

From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities: