List of Pennsylvania state parks explained

, there are 124 state parks in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.[1] The Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks, a division of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), is the governing body for all these parks, and directly operates 116 of them. The remaining parks are operated in cooperation with other public and private organizations.

The first Pennsylvania state park, at Valley Forge, opened in 1893 and was given to the National Park Service (NPS) for the United States Bicentennial in 1976. There are a total of seventeen former Pennsylvania state parks: four former parks have been transferred to the NPS, four to the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission, two to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, one to both the Corps and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, five to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, and one has ceased to exist. Nine current and two former state parks have had major name changes or have been known under alternate names.

The list gives an overview of Pennsylvania state parks and a brief history of their development since the first park opened in 1893. State parks range in size from 3acres to 21122acres and comprise one percent of Pennsylvania's total land area.[2] According to Dan Cupper (1993), "Pennsylvania is the thirty-third largest state, but only Alaska and California have more park land".[3] [4]

Overview

There are state parks in 62 of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, which nearly reaches Pennsylvania's goal of having a state park within 25 miles (40 km) of every resident in the Commonwealth.[5] Eleven parks do not have "State Park" in their name. Three are "Conservation Areas": Boyd Big Tree Preserve, Joseph E. Ibberson, and Varden; four are "Environmental Education Centers": Jacobsburg, Jennings, Kings Gap (also a "Training Center") and Nolde Forest; White Clay Creek is a "Preserve"; Norristown is a "Farm Park"; and Big Spring is a "State Forest Picnic Area".[6]

Seven parks are undeveloped with no facilities: Allegheny Islands, Benjamin Rush, Bucktail, Erie Bluffs, Prompton, Swatara, and Varden; the last four of these are in the process of being developed. Five state parks are small picnic areas: Laurel Summit, Patterson, Prouty Place, Sand Bridge, and Upper Pine Bottom. Five state parks have major U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dams and/or lakes: Bald Eagle, Beltzville, Elk, Kettle Creek, and Sinnemahoning. Three former parks now belong, at least partly, to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Seven parks preserve the industrial past: Canoe Creek is the site of a former lime kiln, and Caledonia, French Creek, Greenwood Furnace, Kings Gap, Mont Alto, and Pine Grove Furnace (plus one former park) are all former iron furnace sites.[6] [4] Eight current parks and one former park contain at least part of eight different National Natural Landmarks.[7]

According to the DCNR, the state parks in Pennsylvania are on more than 300000acres with some 606 full-time and more than 1,600 part-time employees serving approximately 36 million visitors each year. Admission to all Pennsylvania state parks is free, although there are fees charged for use of cabins, marinas, etc. Pennsylvania's state parks offer "over 7,000 family campsites, 286 cabins, nearly 30,000 picnic tables, 56 major recreational lakes, 10 marinas, 61 beaches for swimming, 17 swimming pools" and over 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of trails.[8]

History

Pennsylvania's first state park was Valley Forge State Park, purchased by the Commonwealth on May 30, 1893, to preserve Valley Forge. It was transferred to the National Park Service (NPS) on the Bicentennial of the United States, July 4, 1976.[9] Many state parks still preserve history: as of 2012, forty-two Pennsylvania state park sites are on the National Register of Historic Places, including two National Historic Landmarks (Delaware Canal and Point), twenty-eight Civilian Conservation Corps sites in nineteen parks, and twelve other parks' historic sites and districts.[10] Eight of the former state parks were also chiefly historic.[4]

In addition to preserving historic sites, Pennsylvania also sought to preserve natural beauty and offer opportunities for recreation in its state parks. In 1902 Mont Alto State Forest Park was the second park established, a year after the state "Bureau of Forestry" was set up to purchase, preserve, and restore Pennsylvania's forests, which had been ravaged by lumbering, charcoal production, and wild fires. Parks were added sporadically until the 1930s, some mere camping and picnic areas in state forests, while others preserved unique sites.[11] The 1930s saw a great expansion of parks and their facilities under Governor Gifford Pinchot, who cooperated with President Franklin Roosevelt, despite their being of different political parties. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) established 113 CCC camps in Pennsylvania (second only to California). Using CCC and Works Progress Administration (WPA) labor, the NPS built five Recreation Demonstration Areas, which became Pennsylvania state parks in 1945 and 1946: Blue Knob, French Creek, Hickory Run, Laurel Hill, and Raccoon Creek. The CCC also "fought forest fires, planted trees, built roads, buildings, picnic areas, swimming areas, campgrounds and created many state parks".[12]

In 1956, there were forty-four state parks in Pennsylvania, mostly in rural areas. Forty-five parks had been added by 1979, mostly near urban areas, and the system had increased by 130000acres. This was thanks largely to the efforts of Maurice K. Goddard, who served as director of the precursors to the DCNR for twenty-four years under six administrations. The number of visitors to parks more than tripled in this time and two voter approved bond issues (Projects 70 and 500) raised millions of dollars for park expansions and improvements.[5] All this expansion was not without costs and by 1988 there was an estimated $90 million in deferred maintenance. In 1993, as the park system celebrated its one-hundredth anniversary, new tax and bond revenues were earmarked for the parks.[3] Since 2000, parks are being improved through the state's Growing Greener and Growing Greener II and bond programs.[13]

Current parks

Park name! style="width:*;" scope="col"
County or countiesArea in acres (ha)Date
founded
Stream(s) and / or lake(s)RemarksImage
Allegheny Islands State Park acres
(17 ha)
1980 Three alluvial islands near Pittsburgh with no facilities, and accessible only by boat
Archbald Pothole State Park acres (61 ha) 1964 None One of world's largest potholes, 38 ft (12 m) deep, largest diameter 42 feet (13 m) by 24 feet (7 m)
Bald Eagle State Park acres (2,388 ha) 1971 Bald Eagle Creek, Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir 1,730 acre (700 ha) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir named for Medal of Honor recipient
Beltzville State Park acres (1,203 ha) 1972 Pohopoco Creek, Beltzville Lake U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake is 949acres with 19.8 miles (31.9 km) of shoreline.
Bendigo State Park acres (40 ha) 1959 Only 20acres developed, name a corruption of Abednego
Benjamin Rush State Park acres (111 ha) 1975 None Site of one of the world's largest community gardens, otherwise undeveloped
Big Elk Creek State Park acres
(693 ha)
2022 Big Elk Creek was an important transportation and natural resource corridor for indigenous people for thousands of years and an important area for freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad to the North.
Big Pocono State Park acres (529 ha) 1954 None On Camelback Mountain, site of Camelback Ski Area and Waterpark
Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area acres
(18 ha)
1936 Big Spring Run [14] (which forms Shermans Creek) Park has trail to partially completed railroad tunnel in Conococheague Mountain.
Black Moshannon State Park acres (1,374 ha) 1937 Black Moshannon Creek, Black Moshannon Lake Park has bog with three carnivorous plant species and 17 orchid varieties.
Blue Knob State Park acres (2,377 ha) 1945 None This former Recreation Demonstration Area on the state's second highest mountain has Blue Knob All Seasons Resort (skiing).
Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area acres (370 ha) 1999 On Blue Mountain, one of three Conservation Areas, named for donor Alex Boyd
 acres
(7 ha)
1911 Stone pyramid marks the birthplace of James Buchanan, 15th President of the United States.
Bucktail State Park Natural AreaCameron and Clinton Counties  acres (8,514 ha) 1933 Park, named for the Bucktail Regiment, is a 75-mile (121 km) undeveloped scenic drive on PA 120.
Caledonia State ParkAdams and Franklin Counties  acres (455 ha) 1903 Park, named for Thaddeus Stevens' iron furnace, is home to summer stock Totem Pole Playhouse.
Canoe Creek State Park acres (266 ha) 1979 Canoe Creek (tributary of Raystown Branch Juniata River), Canoe Creek Lake Home of largest nursery colony of little brown bats in the state.
Chapman State Park acres (326 ha) 1951 Farnsworth Run, West Branch Tionesta Creek, Chapman LakeTrailhead for trail system in surrounding Allegheny National Forest
Cherry Springs State Park acres
(19 ha)
1922 None Park known for some of the clearest, darkest night skies in the state and eastern US.
Clear Creek State Park acres (678 ha) 1922 Start of popular canoe trip on 10 miles (6 km) of Clarion River to Cook Forest State Park
Codorus State Park acres (1,347 ha) 1966 Codorus Creek, Lake Marburg Man-made lake is 1275acres, named for former village of Marburg now flooded by it.
Colonel Denning State Park acres (110 ha) 1936 Doubling Gap Creek, Doubling Gap Lake Park named for William Denning, an American Revolutionary War veteran who was never a colonel.
Colton Point State Park acres (149 ha) 1936 On west rim of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, 800 feet (244 m) deep here
Cook Forest State ParkClarion, Forest, and Jefferson Counties  acres (3,440 ha) 1927 National Natural Landmark, one of America's top-50 state parks (National Geographic Traveler)
Cowans Gap State ParkFranklin and Fulton Counties  acres (439 ha) 1937 Little Aughwick Creek, Cowans Gap Lake Site of French and Indian War road, pioneer homestead, lumbering, and CCC camp
Delaware Canal State ParkBucks and Northampton Counties acres (336 ha) 1931 Park runs 60 miles (97 km) along Delaware Canal, the only 19th century U.S. towpath canal left continuously intact.
Denton Hill State Park acres (283 ha) 1951 None Site of Ski Denton resort, also open for summer mountain biking
Elk State ParkElk and McKean Counties  acres (1,292 ha) 1963 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake is 1160acres.
Erie Bluffs State Park acres (219 ha) 2004 Park has 1.0 mile (0.6 km) of lake coastline and bluffs 90 feet (27 m) tall, and is being developed.
Evansburg State Park acres (1,355 ha) 1979 Park has 18 hole Skippack Golf Course and many outdoor recreational opportunities.
Fort Washington State Park acres (200 ha) 1953 George Washington camped here in the American Revolutionary War's Philadelphia campaign.
Fowlers Hollow State Park acres (42 ha) 1936 Fowlers Hollow Run Trailhead for the trail system of the surrounding Tuscarora State Forest
Frances Slocum State Park acres (419 ha) 1968 Abrahams Creek, Frances Slocum Lake Park named for a girl kidnapped by the Lenape who lived the rest of her life with the Miami in Indiana.
French Creek State ParkBerks and Chester Counties  acres (2,970 ha) 1946 Former Recreation Demonstration Area, adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
Gifford Pinchot State Park acres (946 ha) 1961 Beaver Creek (tributary of Conewago Creek), Pinchot Lake Gifford Pinchot was a Pennsylvania governor, conservationist, and first US Forest Service Chief.
Gouldsboro State ParkMonroe and Wayne Counties  acres (1,165 ha) 1958 Gouldsboro Lake Park named for village named for Jay Gould, next to Tobyhanna Army Depot.
Greenwood Furnace State Park acres (171 ha) 1924 Standing Stone Creek, Greenwood Lake Includes ghost town of Greenwood, former ironworks and charcoal hearths
Hickory Run State Park acres (6,293 ha) 1945 Hickory Run, Lehigh River, Sand Spring Lake Former Recreation Demonstration Area with a large boulder field that is a National Natural Landmark.
Hillman State Park acres (1,456 ha) 1960s Raccoon Creek Managed for hunting by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and largely undeveloped
Hills Creek State Park acres (165 ha) 1953 Hills Creek, Hills Creek Lake Land previously used as a pigment mine for the paint industry
Hyner Run State Park acres (73 ha) 1958 On the site of Civilian Conservation Corps Camp S-75-PA
Hyner View State Park acres
(2 ha)
1965 None Scenic view of the West Branch Susquehanna River and launching point for hang gliding
Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center acres (473 ha) 1959 Park surrounds Jacobsburg National Historic District, where rifles were manufactured during the American Revolution.
Jennings Environmental Education Center acres (121 ha) 1979 Big Run Park contains the only publicly protected relict prairie ecosystem in Pennsylvania, 20acres.
Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area acres (142 ha) 2000 None On Peters Mountain, one of three Conservation Areas, named for donor Joseph E. Ibberson
Kettle Creek State Park acres (726 ha) 1954 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir is 160acres, park has many recreational facilities built by CCC.
Keystone State Park acres (486 ha) 1945 Keystone Run, Keystone Lake Park is named for the Keystone Coal and Coke Company that once owned the land and created the lake.
Kings Gap Environmental Education and Training Center acres (588 ha) 1973 some vernal pools, Kings Gap Hollow Run, Irish Gap Run Training center for park rangers of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Kinzua Bridge State Park acres (133 ha) 1970 Had 1882 Historic Civil Engineering Landmark railway bridge, once the world's highest and longest, destroyed by a tornado in 2003.
Kooser State Park acres (101 ha) 1922 Kooser Run, Kooser Lake
Lackawanna State Park acres (571 ha) 1972 South Branch Tunkhannock Creek, Lake Lackawanna On site of a Turn of the Century era community fair
Laurel Hill State Park acres (1,592 ha) 1945 Laurel Hill Creek, Laurel Hill Lake Former Recreation Demonstration Area with the largest CCC architecture collection of any Pennsylvania state park
Laurel Mountain State ParkSomerset and Westmoreland Counties  acres (200 ha) 1964 None Opened in 1939 by Richard K. Mellon and Rolling Rock brewery as one of the state's first ski areas, donated to the state in 1964
Laurel Ridge State ParkCambria, Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland Counties  acres (5,514 ha) 1967 Conemaugh River, Youghiogheny River and tributaries The park surrounds the 70 mile (113 km) long Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.
Laurel Summit State Park acres
(2 ha)
1964 None Day use picnic area and trailhead, 2,739 feet (835 m) above sea level
Lehigh Gorge State ParkCarbon and Luzerne Counties  acres (1,841 ha) 1980 The Lehigh Gorge Trail follows the river through the park for 26 miles (42 km).
Leonard Harrison State Park acres (237 ha) 1922 On east rim of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, 800 feet (244 m) deep here
Linn Run State Park acres (248 ha) 1924 Grove, Rock and Linn Runs and Adams Falls Once a barren wasteland, now a thriving second growth forest with an excellent trout stream
Little Buffalo State Park acres (374 ha) 1972 Little Buffalo Creek, Holman Lake Park named for the bison that are believed to have once roamed the ridge and valley region of Pennsylvania.
Little Pine State Park acres (873 ha) 1937 Historians believe a Shawnee village and burial ground were just north of the park.
Locust Lake State Park acres (441 ha) 1966 Locust Creek, Locust Lake In a thriving second growth forest on the side of Locust Mountain
Lyman Run State Park acres (241 ha) 1951 Lyman Run, Lyman Run Lake Site of a Prisoner of War Camp during World War II
Marsh Creek State Park acres (690 ha) 1974 Marsh Creek, Marsh Creek Lake The village of Milford Mills was flooded by the creation of the lake, last Project 70 / 500 park.
Maurice K. Goddard State Park acres (1,156 ha) 1972 Sandy Creek, Lake Wilhelm Park named for Maurice K. Goddard, who led the creation of 45 state parks in 24 years of service.
McCalls Dam State Park acres
(3 ha)
1933 In a remote location on a dirt road between
R. B. Winter State Park and Eastville.
McConnells Mill State Park acres (1,030 ha) 1957 Features a deep scenic gorge with a restored watermill and a covered bridge
Memorial Lake State Park acres (93 ha) 1945 Indiantown Run, Memorial Lake Surrounded by Fort Indiantown Gap, headquarters of the Pennsylvania National Guard
Milton State Park acres
(33 ha)
1966 On an island in the river, destroyed by Hurricane Agnes in 1972 and rebuilt
Mont Alto State Park acres
(10 ha)
1902 Pennsylvania's current oldest state park and first State Forest Park, former iron works
Moraine State Park acres (6,768 ha) 1970 Muddy Creek, Lake Arthur Park served as the location of the 1973 and 1977 National Scout Jamborees.
Mt. Pisgah State Park acres (527 ha) 1979 Pisgah Creek, Mill Creek, Stephen Foster Lake Lake named for renowned American composer Stephen Foster.
Nescopeck State Park acres (1,437 ha) 2005 One of the newest state parks in Pennsylvania
Neshaminy State Park acres (134 ha) 1956 Park, on an estuary, donated by descendant of James Logan, colonial secretary to William Penn
Nockamixon State Park acres (2,138 ha) 1973 Nockamixon means "place of soft soil" in the Lenape language.
Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center acres (269 ha) 1970 Once a forest privately owned by Jacob Nolde
Norristown Farm Park acres (279 ha) 1995 Stony Creek Managed by the Montgomery County Department of Parks
Ohiopyle State Park acres (7,710 ha) 1965 Youghiogheny River and tributaries One of the most popular white-water rafting destinations on the East Coast
Oil Creek State Park acres (2,529 ha) 1931 Edwin Drake drilled the first successful oil well in the world here in 1859.
Ole Bull State Park acres (53 ha) 1925 Location of a Norwegian colony established by renowned violinist Ole Bull
Parker Dam State Park acres (392 ha) 1936 Laurel Run, Parker Lake A herd of elk lives in and near the park.
Patterson State Park acres
(4 ha)
1925 None Day use picnic area on PA 44, surrounded by Susquehannock State Forest
Penn-Roosevelt State Park acres
(17 ha)
1983 Once a segregated black Civilian Conservation Corps camp during the Great Depression
Pine Grove Furnace State Park acres (282 ha) 1913 Mountain Creek, Fuller Lake, Laurel Lake The furnaces at Pine Grove could consume an acre of trees a day.
Poe Paddy State Park acres
(9 ha)
1938 Noted by anglers for the shadfly hatch that occurs in late spring
Poe Valley State Park acres (251 ha) 1938 Big Poe Creek, Poe Lake Built during the Great Depression by the CCC
Point State Park acres
(15 ha)
1974 Allegheny, Monongahela, Ohio rivers In downtown Pittsburgh at meeting of three rivers, site of Fort Pitt
Presque Isle State Park acres (1,295 ha) 1921 The most visited state park in Pennsylvania, on a peninsula in lake with many beaches
Prince Gallitzin State Park acres (2,529 ha) 1965 Park named for Demetrius Gallitzin, Russian nobleman turned Roman Catholic priest.
Promised Land State Park acres (1,214 ha) 1905 Wallenpaupack Creek, Promised Land Lake, Lower Lake Name is an ironic commentary created by immigrant residents, once owned by the Shakers.
Prompton State Park acres (809 ha) 1962 Lackawaxen River, Prompton Lake Being developed with the help of Friends of Prompton
Prouty Place State Park acres
(2 ha)
1925 Prouty Run Day use picnic area on Long Toe Road
Pymatuning State Park acres (8,548 ha) 1934 This is the largest state park in Pennsylvania, with one of the largest lakes.
R. B. Winter State Park acres (281 ha) 1933 Halfway Creek, Halfway Lake Park has first cement and stone dam ever built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Raccoon Creek State Park acres (3,064 ha) 1945 Little Traverse Creek, Raccoon LakePark was built by the CCC and WPA as one of five National Park Service Recreation Demonstration Areas in state.
Ralph Stover State Park acres
(18 ha)
1931 High Rocks portion of the park was donated to Pennsylvania by James Michener in 1956.
Ravensburg State Park acres
(32 ha)
1933 Park named for the ravens that flock near the gorge.
Reeds Gap State Park acres (89 ha) 1938 Once a gathering place for the locals to hold picnics and listen to travelling evangelists
Ricketts Glen State ParkColumbia, Luzerne, and Sullivan Counties  acres (5,281 ha) 1942 Known for its many waterfalls, it was slated to become a National Park, but did not due to redirection of funds during World War II.
Ridley Creek State Park acres (1,055 ha) 1972 Adjacent to the John J. Tyler Arboretum
Ryerson Station State Park acres (471 ha) 1967 North Fork of the Dunkard Fork of Wheeling Creek, Ronald J. Duke Lake 52 acre (21 ha) man-made lake, 38 miles (61 km) from next nearest Pennsylvania state park (Hillman)
S. B. Elliott State Park acres (129 ha) 1933 Stony Run Park named for Simon B. Elliott, a noted Pennsylvania conservationist and legislator.
Salt Springs State Park acres (164 ha) 1973 Fall Brook Park has three waterfalls and its hemlocks are over 500 years old and some of the largest trees in the state.
Samuel S. Lewis State Park acres
(34 ha)
1954 None Park named for its donor, a Secretary of the Department of Forests and Waters; now popular for star gazing.
Sand Bridge State Park acres
(1 ha)
1978 Rapid Run This is the smallest state park in Pennsylvania, a day use picnic area on PA 192.
Shawnee State Park acres (1,612 ha) 1951 Lake Shawnee Rental lodge on an island in the lake
Shikellamy State ParkNorthumberland and Union Counties  acres (53 ha) 1960 Park overlook is at confluence of West Branch and North Branch Susquehanna River, marina added in 1972.
Sinnemahoning State ParkCameron and Potter Counties  acres (773 ha) 1962 Sinnemahoning Creek, George B. Stevenson Reservoir U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir is 142acres, park home to rare elk and bald eagle.
Sizerville State ParkCameron and Potter Counties  acres (156 ha) 1924 Cowley Run Park named for the nearby ghost town of Sizerville.
Susquehanna Riverlands State Park acres
(445 ha)
2022 The largely wooded tract, located where Codorus Creek flows into the Susquehanna River, protects critical water and forest resources.
Susquehanna State Park acres
(8 ha)
1961 Park operated by the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, home to paddlewheeler Hiawatha.
Susquehannock State Park acres (91 ha) 1965 Park named for the Susquehannock, whose chief village was nearby.
Swatara State ParkLebanon and Schuylkill Counties  acres (1,422 ha) 1987 Rail trail is on the former Lebanon & Tremont Branch of Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, park being developed.
Tobyhanna State ParkMonroe and Wayne Counties  acres (2,201 ha) 1949 Tobyhanna Creek, Tobyhanna Lake Once part of an artillery range for Tobyhanna Army Depot
Trough Creek State Park acres (224 ha) 1936 Great Trough Creek, Raystown LakeBald eagles have migrated here naturally since the early 1990s.
Tuscarora State Park acres (655 ha) 1971 Locust Creek, Tuscarora Lake The Tuscarora moved to the area after the Tuscarora War in North Carolina, were later forced out by colonial settlement.
Tyler State Park acres (692 ha) 1974 Old original stone dwellings in park are fine examples of early farm dwellings of rural Pennsylvania.
Upper Pine Bottom State Park acres
(2 ha)
1924 Upper Pine Bottom Run A roadside park and picnic area for day use only, on PA 44
Varden Conservation Area acres (139 ha) 2001 One of three Conservation Areas, donated by Dr. Mead Shaffer, being developed
Vosburg Neck State Park acres
(271 ha)
2022 Public access for water-based recreation to the North Branch of the Susquehanna River.
Warriors Path State Park acres (141 ha) 1965 Park named for the Great Indian Warpath used by the Iroquois in war raids on the Cherokee and other tribes.
Washington Crossing Historic Park acres (202 ha) 2016 Site of George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River. Transferred from the Historical and Museum Commission in 2016.[15]
Whipple Dam State Park acres (104 ha) 1928 Whipple Lake There was a camp for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Campfire Girls on the north side of lake from 1928 to 1941.
White Clay Creek Preserve acres (508 ha) 1984 Park was donated by DuPont to preserve "diverse and unique plant and animal species, and the rich cultural heritage of the area".
Worlds End State Park acres (316 ha) 1932 A "Must See Park" known for trout fishing, white-water kayaking, camping, and hiking on the Loyalsock Trail.
Yellow Creek State Park acres (1,271 ha) 1963 Yellow Creek, Yellow Creek Lake Crossed by the Kittanning Path, a major east–west Native American trail during the 18th century

Other names of current parks

The following are significantly different former or alternate names for nine current Pennsylvania state parks. Note that many parks were originally "State Forest Parks" or were state public camping or picnic areas in Pennsylvania state forests. In modern times, some "State Parks" have become "Environmental Education Centers", while other parks have dropped one word from their name ("Cherry Springs Drive" is now Cherry Springs, "Codorus Creek" is now Codorus, "Kooser Lake" is now Kooser, "Laurel Hill Summit" is now Laurel Summit, and "Promised Land Lake" is now Promised Land). Such minor name changes are not included in this table.

Former or alternate Name! style="width:14%;" scope="col"
County or countiesDate name changedCurrent park nameRemarks
Adams Falls Class A Campgroundunknown Adams Falls is a waterfall on Linn Run within Linn Run State Park (which has both an "Adams Falls Picnic Area" and "Adams Falls Trail").
Halfway State Park[16] 1955 Park was renamed for Raymond B. Winter, a Forest Ranger who established it and worked there 45 years; also known as "Halfway Dam State Park".
High Rocks State Park[17] unknown "High Rocks" refers to part of park added in 1956; this name is listed in the USGS GNIS, but was never an official DCNR name or separate park.
Pennsylvania State Park at Erieunknown This was only the second "State Park" by name in the state when established in 1921; also known unofficially as "Peninsula State Park".
Sandy Creek State Park1969 Proposed as "Sandy Creek" (on Sandy Creek), but the name was changed (despite the objections of Dr. Goddard) before park officially opened in 1972.
Theodore Roosevelt State Park[18] Bucks and Northampton Counties 1989 Park was originally named for Theodore Roosevelt, who had no connection to it; renamed for its focus, the Delaware Canal.
Tohickon State Park[19] 1965 Park was proposed in 1958 as "Tohickon" (on Tohickon Creek), but the name was changed before the park officially opened in 1973.
Whirl's End State Park[20] 1936 and 1943 "Whirl's End" 1936–1943 (for whirlpool in Loyalsock Creek); "Worlds End" 1932–1936 and 1943 to present (for remote location); also known as "Whirl's Glen"
Valhalla State Forest Park1920s "Valhalla" was a settlement in Ole Bull's failed Norwegian colony, now within the boundaries of Ole Bull State Park.

Former parks

The following eighteen were once Pennsylvania state parks, but have been transferred to federal (National Park Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) or state (Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry) agencies, or ceased to exist.

Former state park! style="width:14%;" scope="col"
County or countiesDate jurisdiction changedCurrent nameRemarks
Allegheny River State Park1980[21] Kennerdell (or Allegheny River) tract[22] Now part of Clear Creek State Forest (Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry)
Blue Marsh State Park1978 Blue Marsh Lake and Pennsylvania State Game Lands Number 280[23] [24] Park was completed, but without funds to operate it, so was given to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, now also partly a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site.
Brandywine Battlefield State Park[25] unknown Brandywine Battlefield[26] Now a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission site
Bushy Run Battlefield State Park[27] unknown Now a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission site
Colerain State Parkunknown Colerain Picnic Area[28] Now part of Rothrock State Forest (Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry) although as of 2012 it is not shown on the official state forest web site or map;[29] [30] also known historically as "Colerain Forge".
Conrad Weiser Memorial Park1953 Now a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission site
Crooked Creek State Park[31] unknown Crooked Creek Lake Recreation Area[32] Now a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site
Curwensville State Park[33] unknown Curwensville Lake on the West Branch Susquehanna River[34] Now a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site, recreation area operated by Clearfield County
Drake Well State Park[35] 1943 Now a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission site
Fort Necessity State Park[36] 1961 Fort Necessity National Battlefield[37] Now part of a National Park Service site
George W. Childs State Park[38] [39] 1983 George W. Childs Recreation Site[40] Now part of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, a National Park Service site; it was donated to the state for a park in 1912 by the widow of Dr. Childs.
Hemlock State Forest Parkunknown Hemlocks Natural Area[41] Now part of Tuscarora State Forest (Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry)
Independence Mall State Park[42] 1975 Independence National Historical Park[43] Now a National Park Service site
Moosic Lake State Park1930s No longer in existence The Pennsylvania state legislature created park in early 1930s, but did not fund it, so it never came into existence.
Snyder-Middleswarth State Park[44] 1980s Snyder Middleswarth Natural Area and Picnic Area[45] [46] Now part of Bald Eagle State Forest (Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry), established 1921
Valley Forge State Park1976 Valley Forge National Historical Park[47] Now a National Park Service site, it was established in 1893 as the first state park in Pennsylvania.
Voneida State Forest Park[48] unknown Hairy Johns State Forest Picnic Area Now part of Bald Eagle State Forest (Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry), it was established 1922 and named for "Hairy John" Voneida[49]

Other names of former parks

The following are significantly different former or alternate names for two former Pennsylvania state parks. One former park dropped one word from its name ("Colerain Forge" became "Colerain" sometime between 1924 and 1937). Such minor name changes are not included in this table.

Former or alternate name! style="width:14%;" scope="col"
County or countiesDate name changedFormer park nameRemarks
Braddock Grave State Park[50] 1961 Part of Fort Necessity State Park Now part of Fort Necessity National Battlefield (National Park Service)
Hairy John's State Forest Parkunknown Voneida State Forest Park Now a State Forest Picnic Area in Bald Eagle State Forest (Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry), it was originally named for "Hairy John" Voneida, a 19th-century hermit who lived nearby.

See also

Notes

a. As of 2012, three Pennsylvania state parks are also the site of ski areas run by private contractors: Big Pocono (Ski Camelback), Blue Knob (Ski Blue Knob), and Denton Hill (Ski Denton).[6] (Two other state parks had commercial ski operations in the past Laurel Mountain (from 1939 to 2005)[51] and Black Moshannon (from 1965 to 1982).[4] [52]) Two parks are operated by other governmental bodies: Hillman (managed for hunting by the Pennsylvania Game Commission) and Norristown Farm (operated by the Montgomery County Department of Parks). Three parks are operated by other organizations: Susquehanna (operated by the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce), Prompton (operated by non-profit "Friends of Prompton"), and Salt Springs (operated by non-profit "Friends of Salt Springs").[6]

b. The Pennsylvania counties without state parks as of 2023 are: Armstrong, Juniata, Lehigh, Montour, and Snyder counties. Two of these counties are sites of former state parks: Crooked Creek in Armstrong County, and Snyder-Middleswarth in Snyder County.[6] [4]

c. The goal of having a state park within 25 miles (40 km) of every resident was set by Maurice K. Goddard (Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Forests and Waters, and then of the Department of Environmental Resources from 1955 to 1979).[5]

d. The seven National Natural Landmarks at least partly within current state parks (with the park name in parentheses, if different) are: Cook Forest, Ferncliff Peninsula (Ohiopyle), the Glens Natural Area (Ricketts Glen), Hickory Run Boulder Field (Hickory Run), McConnells Mill, the Pine Creek Gorge (includes Colton Point and Leonard Harrison), and Presque Isle. One National Natural Landmark, Snyder Middleswarth Natural Area, is a former state park.[7]

e. The date of establishment for many Pennsylvania state parks is not always clear, especially for parks developed from state forest property. As an example, consider Upper Pine Bottom, which, as of 2012, is a picnic area surrounded by Tiadaghton State Forest. These state forest lands were acquired by the state by the early 1900s, the site was "Upper Pine Bottom Class B Public Campground" by 1924, the CCC built a pavilion there in 1936 (which is no longer extant), but it was not officially transferred from the Bureau of Forests to State Parks until 1962.[4]

f. This park was one of twenty-five chosen by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Parks for its "25 Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks" list.[53]

g. This park has one or more historic sites or districts on the National Register of Historic Places.[10]

h. There have been a considerable number of changes in Pennsylvania's categorization of its state parks and other protected areas over the years, so that what can be called a former state park is not always clear. This can be seen by comparing the following three lists from 1923, 1924, and 1937.
In 1923, the Pennsylvania Department of Forests and Waters listed seven "State Forest Parks": Caledonia, Childs (now part of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area), Hairy John's (now a picnic area in Bald Eagle State Forest), James Buchanan, Leonard Harrison, Mont Alto, and Valhalla (now Ole Bull). Note this does not include Snyder-Middleswarth State Forest Park, established in 1921.[4]
One year later the state listed twenty-six public campgrounds in state forests, which included three of the previous year's state forest parks, plus twelve sites that later became state parks. The ten Class A Public Campgrounds (with space for cars and tents, on main highways) were: Adams Falls (now Linn Run), Big Spring, Caledonia, Childs, Colerain Forge, Darling Run, Laurel Run Park, Ole Bull, Promised Land, and Tea Springs. The sixteen Class B Public Campgrounds (lean-to shelter, on secondary roads) were: Baldwin, Bear Valley, Cherry Springs Drive, Clear Creek, Donnelly, Joyce Kilmer, Kansas, Kooser, Laurel Hill Summit (now Laurel Summit), Laurel Lake Park, Locusts, McCall's Dam, Ravensburg, Sizerville, Sulphur Springs, and Upper Pine Bottom.[4]
In 1937, the state published a brochure listing the following forty-nine protected areas: six State Parks (Caledonia, Childs, Cook Forest, Presque Isle, Pymatuning, and Ralph Stover); eight State Monuments (Bushy Run, Conrad Weiser, Drake Well, Fort Necessity, Fort Washington, James Buchanan, Valley Forge, and Washington Crossing); ten Forest Recreational Reserves (Clear Creek, Colton Point, Cowans Gap, Kooser Lake, Parker Dam, Pecks Pond, Promised Land Lake, Snow Hill, Whipple Dam, Whirl's End); sixteen Wayside Areas (Big Spring, Black Moshannon, Cherry Spring, Colerain, Greenwood Furnace, Halfway (now R.B. Winter), Joyce Kilmer, Kettle Creek, Mont Alto, Pine Grove Furnace, Reeds Gap, S.B. Elliott, Sideling Hill, Sizerville, and Tea Spring); seven Forest Monuments (Alan Seeger, Bear Meadows, Ole Bull, Detweiler Run, McConnell Narrows, Mount Logan, and Snyder-Middleswarth); and three State Forest Lookouts (Leonard Harrison, Martins Hill, and Mount Riansares).[54]
Only twelve of the twenty-six public campgrounds from 1924 are on the 1937 list. Of the forty-nine areas on the 1937 list, twenty-eight are state parks as of 2012, while nine are former state parks, and twelve are in state forests (eight of these still retain their names as state forest picnic, natural or wild areas).

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: DCNR details . 2022-10-04 . Pennsylvania Pressroom . en-US . October 4, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221004035638/https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/DCNR_details.aspx?newsid=921 . live .
  2. Web site: State Parks . 2023-02-25 . Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources . en-US.
  3. Web site: A Century of Conservation: The Story of Pennsylvania's State Parks . 2012-05-10 . Dan Cupper . Winter 1994 . Pennsylvania Heritage Magazine . . May 2, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130502053105/http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/history_of_environmental_programs/13897/a_century_of_conservation/588471 . live . Note: URL is to Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection reprint of article
  4. Book: Cupper, Dan . Our Priceless Heritage: Pennsylvania's State Parks 1893-1993 . 1993 . Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission for Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of State Parks . . 0-89271-056-X.
  5. Web site: The Goddard Era . https://web.archive.org/web/20130502043414/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/thingstoknow/history/goddardera/index.htm . dead . May 2, 2013 . 2012-05-19. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
  6. Web site: Find a Park: Alphabetical Listing of All 121 Pennsylvania State Parks . https://web.archive.org/web/20110926163600/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/index.htm . dead . September 26, 2011 . 2016-02-18 . Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Note: this list of all 121 parks is the default reference for current individual Pennsylvania state parks.
  7. Web site: National Natural Landmarks: Pennsylvania . . 2012-05-19 . August 3, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120803183617/http://www.nature.nps.gov/nnl/state.cfm?State=PA . dead .
  8. Web site: Short Version of the History of Pennsylvania State Parks . https://web.archive.org/web/20170705065137/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/thingstoknow/history/shortversionofhistory/index.htm . dead . July 5, 2017 . 2012-05-19. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources .
  9. Web site: The First Park . https://web.archive.org/web/20150703225233/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/thingstoknow/history/thefirstpark/index.htm . dead . July 3, 2015 . 2012-05-19. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources .
  10. Web site: National Register of Historic Places . https://web.archive.org/web/20150520013907/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/thingstoknow/history/national-register/index.htm . dead . May 20, 2015 . 2012-05-19. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources .
  11. Web site: The Early Years of Pennsylvania State Parks . https://web.archive.org/web/20150414060637/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/thingstoknow/history/earlyyears/index.htm . dead . April 14, 2015 . 2012-05-19 . Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources .
  12. Web site: The CCC Years . https://web.archive.org/web/20121114031714/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/thingstoknow/history/cccyears/index.htm . dead . November 14, 2012 . 2012-05-19 . Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources .
  13. Web site: Growing Greener: What is Growing Greener? . 2012-05-19 . . September 29, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120929000756/http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/growing_greener/13958/what_is_growing_greener_/588899 . live .
  14. Web site: Big Spring State Park. www.dcnr.pa.gov. December 28, 2023. December 23, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231223194158/https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/BigSpringStatePark/Pages/default.aspx. live.
  15. Web site: Novak. Christina. Washington Crossing in Bucks County Added to Pennsylvania State Park System. 18 February 2016. March 26, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160326101543/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/washington-crossing-in-bucks-county-added-to-pennsylvania-state-park-system-300213776.html. live.
  16. Web site: Raymond B. Winter State Park: History: Halfway to Winter. https://web.archive.org/web/20111106011359/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/raymondbwinter/index.htm . dead . November 6, 2011 . 2012-05-19. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources .
  17. Web site: High Rocks State Park . . . 2012-05-19 . November 7, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231107001754/https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/1207751 . live .
  18. Web site: Delaware Canal . 2012-05-22 . National Canal Museum . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120205070937/http://www.canals.org/researchers/Canal_Profiles/United_States/Mid-Atlantic/Delaware_Canal . 2012-02-05 .
  19. Web site: Nockamixon State Park: History. https://web.archive.org/web/20111010044042/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/nockamixon/ . dead . October 10, 2011 . 2012-05-22. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources .
  20. Web site: Worlds End State Park: History. https://web.archive.org/web/20110927052747/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/worldsend/index.htm . dead . September 27, 2011 . 2012-05-22. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources .
  21. Web site: Clear Creek State Forest: History . https://web.archive.org/web/20110206155606/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforests/clearcreek/index.htm . dead . February 6, 2011 . 2012-05-19 . Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources .
  22. Web site: Kennerdell Tract, Venango County, Clear Creek State Forest (inset map title) . 2012-05-19 . map . Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources .
  23. Web site: Welcome to Blue Marsh Lake . 2012-05-22 . U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia District . bot: unknown . https://web.archive.org/web/20090716025134/http://www.nap.usace.army.mil/sb/bm_guide.htm . 2009-07-16 .
  24. Web site: Blue Marsh Lake Trail System . https://web.archive.org/web/20120206062931/http://www.nap.usace.army.mil/sb/docs/trail%20map.pdf . 2012-02-06 . 2012-05-22 . U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia District . map . dead .
  25. Web site: Brandywine Battlefield State Park . Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey . 2012-05-19 . November 5, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231105211458/https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/1170167 . live .
  26. Web site: Pennsylvania Trails of History . 2012-05-22 . Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission . April 27, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120427234600/http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/trails_of_history_sites/1800 . live .
  27. Web site: Bushy Run Battlefield State Park . Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey . 2012-05-19 . November 7, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231107001801/https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/1170178 . live .
  28. Web site: Colerain Picnic Area . Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey . 2012-05-27 . November 5, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231105214504/https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/1206547 . live .
  29. Web site: Rothrock State Forest: Recreation . https://web.archive.org/web/20110614133845/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforests/rothrock/index.htm . dead . June 14, 2011 . 2012-05-22 . Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources .
  30. Web site: Rothrock State Forest Map . https://web.archive.org/web/20150610214118/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ucmprd1/groups/public/documents/document/D_000870.pdf . dead . June 10, 2015 . 2012-05-22 . Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources .
  31. Web site: Crooked Creek State Park . Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey . 2012-05-19 . November 5, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231105011101/https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/1172721 . live .
  32. Web site: Crooked Creek Lake . 2012-05-27 . U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District . bot: unknown . https://web.archive.org/web/20120327031155/http://www.lrp.usace.army.mil/rec/lakes/crookedc.htm . 2012-03-27 .
  33. Web site: Curwensville State Park . Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey . 2012-05-19 . November 5, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231105004053/https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/1209244 . live .
  34. Web site: Corps Lakes Gateway: Curwensville Lake . 2012-05-27 . U.S. Army Corps of Engineers . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130217205838/http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/projects.cfm?Id=E104370 . 2013-02-17 .
  35. Web site: Drake Well State Park . Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey . 2012-05-19 . November 5, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231105211458/https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/1173451 . live .
  36. Web site: Fort Necessity State Park . Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey . 2012-05-19 . November 5, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231105004053/https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/1175016 . live .
  37. Web site: Fort Necessity National Battlefield. 2012-05-19. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. May 3, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120503013740/http://www.nps.gov/fone/index.htm. live.
  38. Web site: George W. Childs State Park . Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey . 2012-05-19 . November 7, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231107001749/https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/1206773 . live .
  39. Web site: Guide to the Gap: Childs Park – Renewing A Woodland Paradise . https://web.archive.org/web/20130721201339/http://www.nps.gov/dewa/parknews/upload/GUIDETOTHEGAP4.pdf . 2013-07-21 . 2012-02-28 . National Park Service . 1 . 1 . Summer 2011 . dead .
  40. Web site: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area . 2012-05-27 . U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service . May 20, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120520074657/http://www.nps.gov/dewa/index.htm . live .
  41. Web site: Tuscarora State Forest: Natural & Wild Areas of the Tuscarora State Forest . https://web.archive.org/web/20111011174444/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforests/tuscarora/index.htm. dead. October 11, 2011. 2012-05-27 . Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources .
  42. Web site: Independence Mall State Park . Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey . 2012-05-19 . November 7, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231107001807/https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/1177724 . live .
  43. Web site: Independence National Historical Park . 2012-05-27 . U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service . August 5, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110805133050/http://www.nps.gov/inde/index.htm . live .
  44. Web site: Snyder-Middleswarth State Park . Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey . 2012-05-19 . November 5, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231105214503/https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/1187962 . live .
  45. Web site: Snyder-Middleswarth Natural Area, Tall Timbers Natural Area . https://web.archive.org/web/20040302164219/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/oldgrowth/snydermiddleswarth.aspx . dead . March 2, 2004 . 2012-05-27 . Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources .
  46. Web site: Bald Eagle State Forest (map) . https://web.archive.org/web/20150610220006/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ucmprd2/groups/public/documents/document/D_000872.pdf . dead . June 10, 2015 . 2012-05-27 . Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources . Note: shows Snyder Middleswarth Natural Area, Hairy Johns Picnic Area
  47. Web site: Valley Forge National Historical Park . 2012-05-27 . U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service . June 8, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120608005319/http://www.nps.gov/vafo/index.htm . live .
  48. Web site: Voneida State Forest Park . Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey . 2012-05-19 . November 7, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231107001806/https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/1197675 . live .
  49. Book: Godcharles, Frederic A. . Frederic A. Godcharles . Chronicles of Central Pennsylvania . 1944 . PDF . 2012-05-27 . Lewis Historical Publishing Co., Inc. . New York.
  50. Web site: Braddock Grave State Park . Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey . 2012-05-19 . November 5, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231105004053/https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/1170123 . live .
  51. News: Seven Springs signs lease to operate Laurel Mountain . Mike Faher . 2009-11-11 . The Tribune-Democrat . 2012-05-20 . May 3, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120503115442/http://tribune-democrat.com/local/x546430867/Seven-Springs-signs-lease-to-operate-Laurel-Mountain . live .
  52. News: Reports on Skiing Conditions. The New York Times. 1965-03-20. 22.
  53. Web site: Find A Park: 25 Must-See Parks . https://web.archive.org/web/20110926163600/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/index.htm . dead . September 26, 2011 . 2012-05-27. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources .
  54. News: Pennsylvania has everything! . PDF . Brochure . Pennsylvania State Publicity Commission . 1937 . 2012-05-27 .