Long before I started this site, Cowans Gap State Park was the first state park I ever visited in PA, checking it out on a camping trip with friends when I was in college. Sadly, it took me roughly two decades to return, but I was excited to see the park again on a recent visit.
Cowans Gap State Park is located primarily in Fulton County, though a small portion of it does extend into Franklin County. The park is located in a gap in the Allegheny Mountains that was used by the British Army, including George Washington, on several occasions during the French and Indian War.
Cowans Gap opened in 1937 and is just over a 1,000 acres in size. The park’s focal point is the beautiful 42-acre Cowans Gap Lake, which was one of the projects created by the Civilian Conversation Corps in the 1930s.
While there are 10 miles of trails in the park, with connections to trails in Buchanan State Forest and the long-distance Standing Stone Trail and Tuscarora Trail, the most popular hike in the park is the 1.5 mile Lakeside Trail.
As the name implies, the Lakeside Trail runs around the lake, and makes for a fun and easy hike and a great way to explore the beauty of the park.
While you can pick up the trail in a variety of spots, I opted to start my hike at the park’s beach. This is always a convenient spot to cool off after your hike if you visit on a summer day when the swimming area is open.
I did my hike in a counterclockwise direction, which took me over the park’s dam before heading into the forested shoreline on the far side of the lake away from the roads and beach. As you walk this half of the trail, you pass between the lake and the park’s campground.
This part of the hike is definitely the most peaceful and beautiful because you are away from most of the park’s activity.
The Lakeside Trail, which is mostly composed of gravel, though portions are paved, is an easy walk, so don’t come expecting a challenging hike. The trail is not listed on the park’s map as handicap accessible, but it is certainly accessible to most because of its flat and even surface.
While it might not provide a challenge for those looking to get their heart pumping, there is a ton of beauty along this trail, especially as you look across the lake, but even in some of the more secluded parts of the trail.
The portion of the Lakeside Trail on the shore opposite the park’s beach is also the southernmost reaches of the 85-mile Standing Stone Trail. This is a popular backpacking trail that connects the Tuscarora Trail, which can also be found in the park, with the Mid State Trail.
These trails give you a myriad of hiking options throughout the park since you could conceivably hike from Cowans Gap State Park to the New York border on the Mid State Trail or into Georgia on the Appalachian Trail (which connects to the Tuscarora Trail).
Of course, those looking for a much shorter and easier hike are sure to enjoy the Lakeside Trail, but just wanted to note the additional options for those that are more ambitious.
Overall, I really enjoyed my time hiking the Lakeside Trail in Cowans Gap State Park. While the park doesn’t have any specific highlights like some other parks do, it’s a beautiful and peaceful spot to visit in Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains.
Definitely add this spot to your list of places to check out!
Find out more on the park’s website.
Looking for more places to visit nearby? Check out Big Mountain Overlook, Jarrett Falls, and the Abandoned PA Turnpike.
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