Patterson State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Patterson State Park is located in Pennsylvania and is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including forests and streams.
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Summary
Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, picnicking, and fishing.
One of the main attractions of the park is the Tumbling Run stream, which flows through the park and provides a scenic backdrop for hiking and camping. There are also several hiking trails in the area, including the Patterson Run Trail and the Tumbling Run Trail, which offer stunning views of the park's natural landscape.
Other points of interest in the park include the Laurel Lake and the Laurel Lake Dam, which were constructed in the early 1900s to provide water for the nearby city of York. In addition, visitors can explore the remains of the old Patterson Mill, which was once a thriving hub of industry in the area.
The best time of year to visit Patterson State Park is during the spring and fall seasons, when the weather is mild and the park's natural beauty is at its peak. However, visitors can enjoy the park's various activities and attractions throughout the year.
Overall, Patterson State Park is a great destination for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to explore the natural beauty of Pennsylvania. With its scenic hiking trails, picturesque streams, and historic landmarks, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this popular state park.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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
Prouty Place State Park
Cherry Springs State Park
Denton Hill State Park
Lyman Run State Park
State Game Lands 059