Black Moshannon State Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Black Moshannon State Park is a popular outdoor destination located in the state of Pennsylvania.


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Summary

There are plenty of reasons to visit the park, including its beautiful natural scenery, abundance of wildlife, and numerous recreational opportunities. The park is home to the Black Moshannon Lake, which is the largest lake in the area and offers fishing, boating, and swimming.

One of the main points of interest at the park is the Bog Trail, a wooden boardwalk that takes visitors through a unique bog ecosystem. This trail is especially popular for birdwatching and is home to a variety of bird species, including the rare osprey. The park also offers a variety of hiking trails, camping facilities, and picnic areas.

Interesting facts about the park include that it was originally established in 1936 as a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, and that it was once home to a thriving logging industry. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, beavers, and bald eagles.

The best time of year to visit Black Moshannon State Park depends on the visitor's interests. Summer is a popular time for swimming and boating, while spring and fall are great for hiking and birdwatching. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Overall, Black Moshannon State Park is a beautiful and diverse outdoor destination that offers something for everyone.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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