State Parks and Forests
Buchanan State Forest & State Game Lands
They cover much of Bedford County. (MAP F-2,3,4/ G-2,3,4 /
& C-5 & D-5.) Trails and picnic pavilions. Call for a map of this
large land area. 1-800-765-3331
Gallitzin State Forrest (MAP B-2)
Touching the north-western edge of Bedford County, this state
forest offeres trails for hiking, snowmobile, and equestrian
riding. See, perhaps, the most stunning views of the County on
the County Line Trail on the edge of the Allegheny Front. Call for a map of this
large land area. 1-800-765-3331
Blue Knob State Park (MAP A-2)
Usually a little cooler at the top, our big mountain park covers 5,600 acres and summits
at 3,146 ft. Hikers and horseback riders can enjoy 17 miles of trails, with a few open to
mountain biking. Weather permitting; the public pool is open from 11 to 7 from Memorial
Day to Labor Day. There are over 200 picnic locations throughout the park including
pavilions that are available on a first come first serve basis or reserved for a fee. From
mid-April through mid-October tent and trailer camp sites are available as well as 3 cabins
and 1 house open for rent. After hunting season, most trails are open to expert cross
country skiers with 8 miles of trail open to snowmobiles. Directions: Take I-99 N from Bedford
to Rt. 869 West (at Osterburg). Take 869 W to Pavia. Follow signs from Pavia to the park. Park
number: 814-276-3576. 1-888-727-2757.
Warrior’s Path State Park (MAP B-5)
This is a small park at the NE corner of the county. With 334 acres, good for picnicking
and short hikes. Pavilions available. Day use only. Park number: 814-658-3847
Shawnee State Park (MAP D-2)
Designated as the #1 State Park in Pa by DCNR in
2017, our small lake park is a 3,900 acre park
surrounding a beautiful 451 acre lake. Hikers
and bikers can enjoy 15 miles of trails. See “Lake
Activities” for boating and fishing info. Camping
from April through late-December is available
in 293 sites, 50 with electric hookup, with a fire
ring. Up to 8 visitors may also rent the lodge
that overlooks the lake. Many picnic locations
and pavilions are available on a first come first
serve basis. Pavilions may be reserved for a fee.
Winter activities include cross country skiing and snowmobiling on 11 miles of trail as well
as ice fishing when at least 4 inches thick. Directions: From Bedford, take Rt. 30 W toward
Schellsburg. At the stop light, turn south onto Rt. 96. The main office for the park is a mile south
on your left. Park number: 814-733-4218. Campsite reservations: 1-888-PA-PARKS.
There is no entrance fee at our State Parks. Maps available from the park offices or from the
Bedford County Visitors Bureau. Visit www.visitbedfordcounty.com/outdoors for more!
Canoe, Kayak, and Lake Activities
Koon Lake and Lake Gordon are two lakes in Cumberland
Valley Township. Koon Lake (268 acres) and Lake Gordon
(120 acres) are open to kayaks and electric motor boats.
Shore and pier fishing are also permitted.
Raytown Branch of the Juniata
River is a gentle river that can
provide a very pleasant day of
paddling. The river can be a long
river trip experience. One area of
the river that you might find quite
desirable is at Warrior’s Path
State Park.
Raystown Lake is the largest manmade
lake in PA and it starts in
the North-East corner of the County. It has 110 miles of
shoreline and 8,300 acres of water. The area surrounding
the lake is undeveloped, offering beautiful scenery. The
lake is created from the waters of the Raystown Branch
of the Juniata River. Call 1-888-RAYSTOWN for more
info when visiting this area.
Shawnee Lake: Swimming is permitted at
the beach area from May-Sept. Stocked
warm water game fish. With a State
Park launching permit, non-powered and
electric motor boats can be launched
from 3 launching areas with 183 mooring
spaces. Summer boat rentals and an ADA
accessible fishing pier are also available.
Call for our Fly Fishing brochure.
814-623-1771
Spend the day Kayaking on Shawnee
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