Black Moshannon State Park
Park Pennsylvania park centered on bog and recreation lake
State park in central Pennsylvania centered on Black Moshannon Lake and a raised bog; visitors use boardwalks for birdwatching, canoeing, trout fishing and short nature walks.
How to Get to Black Moshannon State Park #
Black Moshannon State Park is reached by road in central Pennsylvania. The park is accessed from Pennsylvania Route 504 (park roads and parking areas connect off PA‑504); driving from State College is a common route (roughly a 25-40 minute drive depending on exact start point and traffic). There is parking at trailheads and the lake area.
The park is rural and not served by regular intercity rail; most visitors arrive by private car or taxi from nearby towns (Philipsburg/State College). Expect short walks (minutes) from the main parking areas to the lake and trails.
Tips for Visiting Black Moshannon State Park #
- Arrive early on weekdays for the best wildlife and birdwatching - the park's raised bog and boardwalk trails are most active at dawn and are quieter before weekend day visitors arrive.
- Use the park's main access from PA‑504 (the park road) and aim for the interpretive boardwalk/bog trail; many visitors miss the floating-peat bog habitat-take the short loop to see it up close.
- Avoid the busiest fall foliage weekends if you want solitude; also check seasonal park notices because some roads and facilities can close or be limited in winter.
Best Time to Visit Black Moshannon State Park #
Late spring through fall (May-October) is the best time at Black Moshannon State Park, with fall offering peak foliage and summer offering full access to outdoor activities.
Weather & Climate near Black Moshannon State Park #
Black Moshannon State Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 26°C. Abundant rainfall (1048 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (114 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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