Tucked into the forested highlands of Clearfield County, S. B. Elliott State Park offers 318 acres of quiet Appalachian woodland that feels miles removed from the bustle of everyday life. Established in 1933 during the Civilian Conservation Corps era, the park sits near the geographic center of Pennsylvania atop the Allegheny Plateau, surrounded by the vast Moshannon State Forest.

What makes S. B. Elliott special is its intimate scale and old-growth character. The park preserves stands of towering white pine and hemlock — remnants that survived the aggressive logging that stripped most of Pennsylvania bare in the late 1800s. Walking among these ancient trees gives visitors a rare glimpse of what the state’s original forests looked like.

Hiking trails wind through dense woodland and across ridgelines, offering peaceful walks rather than strenuous climbs. The park connects to a broader trail network within Moshannon State Forest for those seeking longer adventures. Birdwatching is rewarding here, particularly during spring and fall migration when warblers move through the canopy. Hunting is permitted in season on adjacent state forest land.

The park features rustic cabins and a small campground, making it an ideal base for a weekend of unplugging. Facilities are basic, which is part of the charm — this is a place for campfires and stargazing, not crowded pavilions.

Visit in late September through mid-October for spectacular fall foliage across the plateau, or come in late spring when wildflowers carpet the forest floor and the woods are alive with birdsong.

Explore Nearby

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