
Blue Knob State Park Pennsylvania
Secluded mountain park with stunning vistas, extensive trails for hiking & biking, and peaceful camping.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds, vibrant colors

Blue Knob State Park Pennsylvania
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds, vibrant colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Secluded mountain park with stunning vistas, extensive trails for hiking & biking, and peaceful camping.
"A beautiful and peaceful park with great trails and views, perfect for escaping into nature."

Pack for Elevation Changes
Trails can be steep! Wear good hiking boots and bring water. :athletic_shoe:
Check Park Office Hours
Park office and passport stamp availability can vary. Plan accordingly. :clock1:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pavia Overlook
Summit of Blue Knob
Panoramic views from PA's second-highest peak. Breathtaking vistas, especially on clear days.

Lost Turkey Trail
Various trailheads
A challenging 28-mile trail, famous for its annual marathon. Offers a true wilderness experience.

Mountain Biking Trails
Designated downhill trails
Experience the thrill of 'Rollercoaster' and 'CRIST Ridge' for fun, flowing downhill rides.

Chappell's View
Near campground
Offers lovely, peaceful views with easy access from the campground. Great for a relaxed stroll.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Embrace the Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for Elevation Changes
Trails can be steep! Wear good hiking boots and bring water. :athletic_shoe:
Check Park Office Hours
Park office and passport stamp availability can vary. Plan accordingly. :clock1:
Embrace the Serenity
Some sites have no service, perfect for disconnecting and enjoying nature. :iphone:
Dog-Friendly Sites Available
Designated dog-friendly campsites make it easy to bring your furry friends. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for Elevation Changes
Trails can be steep! Wear good hiking boots and bring water. :athletic_shoe:
Check Park Office Hours
Park office and passport stamp availability can vary. Plan accordingly. :clock1:
Embrace the Serenity
Some sites have no service, perfect for disconnecting and enjoying nature. :iphone:
Dog-Friendly Sites Available
Designated dog-friendly campsites make it easy to bring your furry friends. :dog:
Best Views Aren't Always Obvious
Pavia Overlook offers great views, but some vistas are hidden by growth. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Blue Knob State Park for its beautiful natural scenery, extensive trail system for hiking and mountain biking, and peaceful camping atmosphere. However, some note that certain park facilities could be better maintained or more accessible, and occasional issues with park management or visitor behavior have been reported.
"Great place to visit for a picnic and swim with the family. It has a very nice trail system for hiking and mountain biking. For Mt biking it has two great down hill trails that flow well and are fun to ride (Rollercoster and CRIST Ridge) The campground and picnic areas are also nice."
Todd Chverchko
"Blue Knob is well maintained, but I wish more vistas were opened up. The roads leading to the park have wonderful views but too much growth hides them at the park. I found the best view at the top of the ski lifts at Blue Knob Resort. In the distance, several gaps in the mountains make them look like they weave in and out among each other. I did not include a picture, as the fires in our western states made the air too milky to get a good picture.
Blue Knob lacks a boating area and is a somewhat disjointed park. for example, the swimming pool is a great distance from the camping.
There's about 50 tent and trailer sites in the camping area. However, some are very much in the sun. There's also three cabins and a house to rent. There is also a remote group camping area with its own pool (currently not filled).
There's 23 miles of hiking on 9 trails. Mountain bike on 19 miles of trails, house ride on 7 miles of trails, and 7 picnic pavilions including the ones right off route 869 to the west of the main park.
In winter enjoy cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and of course the 1050 foot downhill skiing at Blue Knob Lodge.
For events at this park visit: events dcnr pa
For more information: pa parks and forests
(diamond)"
Charles J
"Went on a dreary day. Noone around. Did see the Ranger up on top the mountain parked. Took foggy to see anything but the Lodge empty. Park Office not open to get passport stamp ..and none outside in holder."
Patricia covert
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Blue Knob State Park is located in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. The park is accessible via Route 869. Some visitors note that the roads leading to the park offer wonderful views, though some vistas within the park itself can be obscured by foliage.
Public transportation options directly to Blue Knob State Park are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Consider carpooling if traveling with others.
The park has a network of roads connecting different areas like the campground, picnic areas, and trailheads. Having a park map is recommended, as cell service can be spotty in some areas.
Yes, parking is available at various trailheads, picnic areas, and the campground. Some visitors have noted that more parking close to certain trails would be beneficial.
Yes, you can drive to the Pavia Overlook, which is located at the top of Blue Knob, the second-highest mountain in Pennsylvania. This offers excellent panoramic views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Blue Knob State Park generally does not have an entrance fee for day use. However, fees may apply for camping, cabin rentals, and use of specific facilities like the swimming pool.
Blue Knob State Park is typically open year-round from dawn to dusk for day-use activities. Specific facilities like the park office or swimming pool may have seasonal hours. It's advisable to check the official park website for current operating hours.
It is highly recommended to book camping sites in advance, especially during peak season or weekends, as availability can be limited. You can usually book through the Pennsylvania State Parks reservation system.
No specific passes or permits are generally required for hiking on the marked trails within Blue Knob State Park. However, if you plan on hunting or fishing, you will need the appropriate state licenses.
Some visitors have reported that the park office may not always be open to provide passport stamps, and holders outside might not always be available. It's best to inquire about this upon arrival or check the park's official information.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the challenging 28-mile Lost Turkey Trail, known for its marathon event, and the Chappell's Field trails, which are easier and accessible from the campground. The Pavia Overlook trail is a must for views.
Yes, the park offers excellent mountain biking opportunities with 19 miles of trails, including two popular downhill trails: 'Rollercoaster' and 'CRIST Ridge,' which are known for being fun and well-maintained.
Blue Knob State Park features a regional swimming pool, which is a great amenity during warmer months. However, some reviews mention it's a significant distance from the camping areas.
In winter, the park offers opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The nearby Blue Knob Lodge also provides downhill skiing.
Yes, the park has about 50 tent and trailer sites, some with electric hookups. There are also three cabins and a house available for rent, plus a remote group camping area.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly within Blue Knob State Park. Visitors typically bring their own food for picnics or prepare meals at their campsites.
The park offers seven picnic pavilions, including some conveniently located off Route 869. These are great spots for a family meal amidst nature.
Yes, campsites are equipped for cooking, and many visitors enjoy using fire pits for grilling. Bringing your own cooking gear and supplies is essential.
The nearest dining options will be in the surrounding towns. It's advisable to stock up on groceries before arriving at the park, as services are limited.
Pack non-perishable items, snacks, and ingredients for meals. Don't forget essentials like water, coolers, and cooking utensils.
📸 📸 Photography
The Pavia Overlook provides stunning panoramic views, especially during sunrise or sunset. The diverse hiking trails, particularly the Lost Turkey Trail, offer opportunities for capturing natural landscapes and wildlife.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best lighting conditions, with softer light and fewer harsh shadows. Fall foliage also provides vibrant colors for photographers.
Besides the Pavia Overlook, Chappell's View offers a more serene photographic subject. Keep an eye out for interesting natural formations and light patterns along the trails.
The park is ideal for landscape photography, nature photography, and wildlife photography. If you're visiting in the fall, capturing the autumn colors is a must.
While foggy days can create a moody atmosphere, they can also obscure distant views, as experienced by some visitors. However, fog can add a unique, ethereal quality to close-up nature shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏕️ Campers and RVers
🚵 Mountain Bikers and Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking and Trail Exploration
When exploring the trails, it's crucial to be prepared. Visitors often emphasize the importance of wearing sturdy hiking boots due to the significant elevation changes found throughout the park. Bringing ample water is also essential, especially on longer hikes or during warmer months. While the park offers a sense of seclusion, cell service can be unreliable in certain areas, so downloading offline maps or carrying a physical map is a wise precaution.
Beyond hiking, the park also accommodates horse riding on 7 miles of dedicated trails, and its mountain bike trails are highly praised. The park's natural beauty is a significant draw, with reviewers noting the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with nature.
Camping and Accommodations
Beyond traditional camping, the park provides more unique lodging choices, including three cabins and a house available for rent, offering a more comfortable and sheltered experience. For larger groups, a remote group camping area is also available. Some campers appreciate the lack of cell service at certain sites, viewing it as an opportunity to truly disconnect and enjoy the tranquility of the park.
However, campers should be aware of potential issues. One reviewer shared an unsettling experience involving an individual exhibiting concerning behavior near their campsite, highlighting the importance of park ranger presence and clear protocols for managing such situations. Despite this, the campground itself is described as beautiful, and many visitors have positive camping experiences.
Scenic Vistas and Photography
Photographers will find ample opportunities to capture the park's beauty. The fall colors are particularly vibrant, making autumn a prime season for landscape photography. Early mornings and late afternoons are recommended for the best lighting, offering softer hues and fewer harsh shadows. While some natural vistas within the park can be partially obscured by overgrowth, the drive to the park itself often presents scenic overlooks.
Beyond the sweeping panoramas, smaller, more intimate photographic subjects can be found along the numerous trails. The park's natural landscapes, from dense forests to flowing streams, provide a rich backdrop for nature and wildlife photography.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit