Black Moshannon Lake

General Description

Perched on the top of the Allegheny Plateau, Black Moshannon State Park features the Black Moshannon Bog Natural Area. Trails and a boardwalk help visitors explore the birds and plants of the bog and surrounding forests. An overnight stay provides the perfect opportunity to also have the time to hike the many trails that wind through the beautiful forests.

Black Moshannon State Park covers 3,394 acres of forests and wetlands that provide recreational opportunities for thousands of visitors. The park conserves unique, natural environments and is in Centre County on PA Route 504, nine miles east of Philipsburg. More than 43,000 acres of the Moshannon State Forest surround the park and help create a remote and wild setting.

According to local tradition, American Indians called this watershed "Moss-Hanne," meaning "moose stream," thus the origin of the park's name. Appropriately, the "black" in the park name describes the tea-colored waters of the region. The 250-acre Black Moshannon Lake is fed by clear springs and small streams which flow through the bogs that stretch in most directions from its shores. As the clear water flows through sphagnum moss and other wetland plants, it becomes colored by naturally occuring tannins. The lake provides habitat for warm water fishing. Black Moshannon Creek, below the lake, contains trout. Trout anglers can also enjoy their sport in several nearby streams including Six Mile and Black Bear runs.

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations apply.

Visit Website

Conditions

Click here to view. For further information call the State Park at 814-342-5960. Our email address is blackmoshannonsp@state.pa.us.

Launch Areas

Ninety mooring spaces and three boat launch areas are provided. Only electric powered boats are permitted.

Fees & Licenses

Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state.  Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks that are available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

All Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission rules and regulations apply. Fishing licenses are required.

Directions
Located in Centre County on PA Route 504, nine miles east of Philipsburg

Boat Rentals
Boat rentals are available in the summer season. They offer rowboats, paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes.

Average rating: 4.8/5
(4 votes)