Blue Knob State Park in Pennsylvania, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-30. Check linked official notices before travel.

Blue Knob State Park is a Pennsylvania DCNR mountain park in Bedford County, west of I-99. Choose between a gentle field loop and steep woodland trails, and plan overnight stays by facility: the campground, cabins, and year-round Twin Fawn House have different seasons.

Highlights

The park's mountain terrain gives short outings as well as more demanding climbs a place here. Chappells Field Trail is the gentler loop choice; Mountain View Trail follows steep slopes and Beaverdam Creek and is recommended only for adults in good hiking condition.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Confirm facility dates and any posted changes with the park before traveling for a pool day or an overnight stay.

Safety information

Many trails are steep: a descent can leave a strenuous return climb. Mountain View Trail should not be used in inclement weather because fog can become dense and access points are limited. Review the official trail descriptions before choosing your route.

The park can be cooler than nearby cities, and cell service is unpredictable. Download the map in advance. Hunting is permitted in designated park areas during established seasons; consult the hunting-boundary map. Diving in the swimming pool is prohibited.

Visit responsibly

Observe wildlife without disturbing it. For a backpacking trip on Lost Turkey Trail, distinguish state park land from Gallitzin State Forest: overnight trail camping is permitted only in the state forest. Contact the forest for the applicable permit and route conditions before setting off.

Reservations and permits

Use the park’s linked reservation channel or call 888-727-2757. Cabin and house rentals are weekly in peak summer; the off-season minimum is two days. The unit overnight guide explains each facility, supplies to bring, and the separate June–August organized group cabin camp.

Cabin renters must bring linens, towels, dishes, cookware, and utensils. Twin Fawn House renters bring linens and towels; a limited supply of dishes and cookware is provided. A nonrefundable USD 6.50 transaction fee applies to reservations and registrations under DCNR's published fee policy.

Maps, location, and access

The park contact address is 124 Park Road, Imler, PA 16655-9207. From I-99 Exit 7, follow PA 869 west to Pavia and then park signs. From the north, DCNR directs drivers through Blue Knob village and along Blue Knob Road to the northern entrance. These are different approaches, so select one before entering the mountain roads.

Nearby parks

Canoe Creek State Park is a road-access alternative east of Hollidaysburg: its entrance is reached from US 22 via Turkey Valley Road. Prince Gallitzin State Park is farther north in Cambria County; the I-99 approach uses PA 36 and PA 53, with different turns for the campground and the Marina Road side.

Things to do

For an easier walk, choose the 2.5-mile Chappells Field loop, rated easiest and described as having little grade change. For a harder outing, the 4-mile Mountain View loop is rated most difficult. The 1-mile Pavia Lookout Loop starts near the resort and is rated more difficult.

In summer, the park pool provides a separate seasonal activity; its zero-to-five-foot depth and no-diving rule should shape expectations.

Facilities and accessibility

Most campground sites have electric service, with water, a dump station, modern restrooms, and playground equipment available. The three modern cabins sleep four or six; Twin Fawn House sleeps eight. Choose the accommodation and its operating season together.

The unit accessibility page identifies campsite 9 on Sassafras Lane, Fishers Haven cabin, accessible picnic tables at Burnt House and Mowery Hollow, and an accessible restroom at Burnt House. Campsite 9 has a 30-foot maximum vehicle length.

About the park

Blue Knob protects 6,128 acres of woodland in the northwestern tip of Bedford County. Its elevation and mix of open fields and forest give the park a different feel from the surrounding towns.

History

The National Park Service established a recreation demonstration area here in 1935. Local workers and the Civilian Conservation Corps helped build its facilities. On September 26, 1945, the property transferred to Pennsylvania and became Blue Knob State Park.

Wildlife and habitats

Oak, sugar maple, and red maple woodland supports deer, turkey, squirrels, and black bears. In spring, DCNR highlights forest birds such as warblers and vireos before the leaves fill out. Watch without approaching or disturbing animals.

Contact

Find maps, alerts, and contact details on the official Blue Knob State Park page. Call 814-608-3034 or email [email protected].