The Great Outdoors: Sinnemahoning State Park Has Something for Everyone

| May 6, 2017

sinnemahoning state park fishingSINNEMAHONING, Pa. (EYT) — It’s easy to see why Sinnemahoning State Park is one of the best in the Pennsylvania system. It’s a real wildlife viewer’s mecca in the Great Outdoors Region.

Bald eagles nest and raise their young there. Elk, black bears, white-tailed deer and wild turkeys roam the steep-sided hills and valleys.

Many species of song birds also make their homes there in fair weather to raise their young.

Those attributes and more make Sinnemahoning State Park a worthwhile and memorable destination.

My family and I have spent many enjoyable days there – fishing, nature watching and picnicking.

Often, we would do a little fishing before Mom would begin the charcoal to grill some hotdogs and fire up the old Coleman stove for fried potatoes.

The first mink and bald eagle I ever saw in the wild were both at Sinnemahoning.

The park, located near the center of the Pennsylvania Wilds’ scenic steep valleys region, encompasses 1,910 acres of beautiful scenery and outstanding wildlife habitat.

Situated in Cameron and Potter counties, the park is nestled between the ridges of Pennsylvania’s Elk and Susquehannock state forests.

The park is long and narrow and includes lands on both sides of First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek, a major tributary to the Sinnemahoning Creek.

The water features at the park are a somewhat limited right now as Stevenson Dam is being dredged, but park officials are hoping work will be completed by early July.

According to the park website, the Lake Day Use Area is closed until July 4. Dredging and realignment of the Brooks Run stream and modifications to the mooring and boat launch area are in process.

The anticipated opening of the Sinnemahoning/George B. Stevenson Dam Lake Day Use area is July 4.

The boat launch, mooring, and parking areas will be closed to the public as well as the roadway from the lake to Goss Road.

This area will be used as a staging area for dredge operations. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

For more details, call the park office at 814-647-8401 or visit their Facebook page at: Sinnemahoning-State-Park.

Picnicking

The park contains two main picnic areas.

The 40 Maples Day Use Area includes two ADA accessible pavilions, along with numerous individual picnic tables scattered throughout the area. It also contains a volleyball net, horseshoe pits, and a basketball half-court. Electricity is not available in this area.

The Eagle Watch Picnic Ground at the George B. Stevenson reservoir is located in an open grassy area, and includes picnic tables and charcoal grills. In addition, a pavilion with an adjoining checkers/chess table and grill is located at the Eagle Watch Area directly above the boat launch.

Pavilions can be reserved up to 11 months in advance and must be reserved at least two days in advance. Unreserved pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hook-ups

The 35-site campground is situated one mile south of the Wildlife Center along Route 872 and is open from the second weekend of April to mid-December. The camping area features a sanitary dump station and a modern restroom with flush toilets and showers.

The restroom and some campsites are ADA accessible. Electric hook-ups are available at most sites, which are sized to accommodate camping equipment from tents to large recreational vehicles and motor homes.

All are equipped with picnic tables, lantern hooks, and campfire rings. Pets are permitted on designated sites. Campsites can be reserved up to 11 months in advance and up to noon on the day of arrival.

Environmental Education and Interpretation

Sinnemahoning State Park offers year-round environmental education and interpretive programs. Interpretive programs are offered throughout the summer season at the centrally-located campground amphitheater.

Through hands-on activities, guided walks, and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding, and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources.

Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to schools and other youth groups.

Group programs must be arranged in advance and may be scheduled by calling the park office. Teacher workshops on a variety of subjects are also available.

Canoe and kayak programs are very popular from spring to fall.

The park has an inventory of kayaks and canoes and offers paddling programs that range from basic to competitive racing.

Wildlife watching pontoon boat tours of the George B. Stevenson reservoir are offered on most Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

In addition, specialty bird watching tours that feature a hot brunch served onboard are scheduled several times each summer, usually on major holiday weekends.

Wildlife watching programs and opportunities are available year-round.

Participants may search for amphibians in the spring, watch bald eagles snatch a fish from the lake, or observe black bear gorging on fall berries. Elk can often be seen grazing in open areas near 40 Maples Day Use Area.

Outdoor photography workshops are offered several times each year. The workshops focus on digital wildlife and landscape photography and are designed for the novice photographer.

More advanced workshops will be available in the future. Contact the park office for dates, times, and applicable fees.

Biking programs are offered on selected Saturdays from May to October. The park has 10 hybrid bikes in various adult sizes for use during the program or you may bring your own. Helmets are provided and must be worn.

Brooks Run Cabin

Brooks Run Cabin is nestled in a hemlock grove along Brooks Run stream at the southern end of the park.

The four-bedroom modern cabin has accommodations for twelve people and includes an updated, fully-outfitted kitchen and a living room with a stone fireplace.

Linens, washcloths, towels, cleaning supplies and food are not supplied. A secluded patio and campfire area provides convenient space for outdoor cooking and entertaining.

This popular cabin can be reserved up to 11 months in advance and must be reserved at least two days in advance. It is available by the week during the summer season and for a minimum of two days for off-season reservations.

For more information on Sinnemahoning State Park, go to visitpago.com or dcnr.state.pa.us.

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“The Great Outdoors,” sponsored by the Pennsylvania Great Outdoors, is a weekly blog by exploreClarion.com’s Scott Shindledecker. Plan your next outdoor adventure at VisitPAGO.com or call (814) 849-5197 for more information.


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