Cowans Gap State Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cowans Gap State Park is a popular outdoor recreational area located in the south-central region of Pennsylvania, United States.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park is surrounded by the Tuscarora Mountains and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

There are plenty of reasons to visit Cowans Gap State Park, including hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and bird watching. The park has over 20 miles of hiking trails that lead visitors through the forests, across streams, and up to scenic overlooks. There are also several campsites available for those who wish to stay overnight.

One of the main points of interest in Cowans Gap State Park is the 42-acre Cowans Gap Lake. The lake is perfect for fishing, swimming, and boating. There is a boat launch available for visitors who wish to bring their own boats, as well as rentals available for those who do not have their own.

Another interesting feature of the park is the historic Cold Spring House. The building was originally a tavern and stagecoach stop in the 1800s and has since been restored and turned into a museum.

Visitors to Cowans Gap State Park may be interested to know that the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and songbirds. The best time of year to visit the park is between late spring and early fall when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its most colorful.

In conclusion, Cowans Gap State Park is a beautiful outdoor recreation area with plenty to offer visitors. From hiking and camping to fishing and swimming, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a nature lover or history buff, Cowans Gap State Park is definitely worth a visit.

       

Weather Forecast

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.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks