Sinnemahoning State Park

The lake might freeze once winter takes hold, but Sinnemahoning State Park is open year-round. Spend an afternoon watching the trees fade into fiery autumn hues on the banks of the George B. Stevenson Reservoir or book a winter weekend in the cozy Brooks Run Cabin. Amidst the growing herd of elk and the occasional bald eagle, this spot offers incredible outdoor landscapes.

Start your visit at the Sinnemahoning Wildlife Center to explore nature exhibits and find helpful park information to plan your weekend expedition. Make sure to check the list of upcoming events so you don’t miss opportunities like the spooky Halloween Haunted Trails hike or Winter Women in the Wilds, a ladies-only outdoor education and recreation program.

Observe local wildlife along the 5-mile Lowlands Trail and the 1.1-mile Red Spruce Trail. Don’t miss Rock City, an area of enormous rock formations on the 4 1/2-mile Fred Woods Trail, part of the surrounding Elk State Forest. (Look carefully and you might notice coyote and bobcat tracks along the way.) Check out popular kayaking routes as you pass over the Sinnemahoning Creek Bridge and watch your step as you cross the Bennett Branch wire footbridge. For those interested in more extreme cold-weather activities, the reservoir makes a perfect ice fishing spot. With the right conditions, you might hook a trout or bass.

No matter the season, Sinnemahoning State Park provides engaging opportunities to learn and interact with nature. With 1,910 acres to explore, it is easy to immerse yourself in the beauty of a Pennsylvania autumn or winter.  

4843 Park Dr., Austin, PA, 814/647-8401, dcnr.pa.gov