Parker Dam State Park

Tucked into the forested hills of Clearfield County, Parker Dam State Park covers 968 acres of some of the most rugged, heavily wooded terrain in north-central Pennsylvania. Established in 1936 as a Civilian Conservation Corps project, the park retains much of its original rustic character — stone structures, hand-built trails, and a quiet atmosphere that feels miles removed from modern life.

The centerpiece is the 20-acre Parker Dam lake, a reliable spot for warm-water fishing (bass, panfish, and stocked trout) and non-motorized boating. Canoes and rowboats are available for rent during summer months. Surrounding the lake, a well-maintained trail network winds through dense stands of oak, hemlock, and white pine, offering everything from easy lakeside strolls to more demanding ridge hikes. The Beaver Dam Trail is a local favorite, passing through wetlands where you can spot beaver lodges, great blue herons, and the occasional white-tailed deer at dusk.

Winter transforms the park into a cross-country skiing and snowshoeing destination, with groomed trails and cabin rentals that make cold-weather visits surprisingly comfortable. Speaking of cabins — the CCC-era log cabins here are among the most charming in the Pennsylvania state park system and book up fast, so plan well ahead for summer weekends.

The best time to visit is late May through October for full access to water activities and trails, though fall foliage in mid-October is particularly striking across these highlands. Come expecting solitude, dark skies, and the kind of deep-woods quiet that’s increasingly hard to find.

Explore Nearby

• McGees Mills Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
• Allegheny National Forest — National Forest in Pennsylvania
• Kintersburg Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
• Cherry Springs State Park — Dark Sky Site in Pennsylvania
• Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway — Scenic Byway in Iowa