Tucked into the rolling hills of Tioga County, Hills Creek State Park has been a quiet retreat for outdoor lovers since 1953. At 407 acres, it’s not the biggest park in Pennsylvania’s system, but what it delivers — a peaceful lakeside setting surrounded by northern hardwood forests — makes it a favorite among visitors who prefer solitude over spectacle.

The centerpiece is Hills Creek Lake, a 137-acre impoundment that draws anglers chasing warm-water species like bass, panfish, and the occasional muskie. A swimming beach opens in summer, giving families a welcome cool-down after a morning on the trails. Hiking paths wind through mixed oak and hemlock forests, where white-tailed deer sightings are common and wildflowers carpet the understory in spring.

Boating is popular here, though motors are limited to electric only — a restriction that keeps the lake calm and the atmosphere tranquil. Kayakers and canoeists will find the quiet water ideal for easy paddling.

The park offers a solid campground with both tent and RV-friendly sites, many of them wooded and well-spaced. Facilities are straightforward but well-maintained, making it a reliable base for exploring the broader Tioga County region, including nearby Pennsylvania Grand Canyon at Leonard Harrison and Colton Point state parks.

Visit between late May and early October for the best experience. Fall foliage season, typically mid-October in this part of the state, transforms the surrounding hills into a patchwork of amber, crimson, and gold that’s worth the drive alone.

Explore Nearby

• Buttonwood Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
• Cogan House Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
• Cherry Springs State Park — Dark Sky Site in Pennsylvania
• Gateway to Amish Country — Scenic Byway in Ohio
• Finger Lakes National Forest — National Forest in New York