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.
Black Moshannon State Park at a Glance#
Website: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/BlackMoshannonStatePark
Hours: Open year-round
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -9° - 0° | -10° | 67 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -9° - 1° | -9° | 69 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -4° - 7° | -3° | 87 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 1° - 14° | 5° | 82 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 7° - 20° | 13° | 101 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 11° - 24° | 18° | 114 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 14° - 26° | 20° | 101 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 14° - 25° | 19° | 90 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 10° - 21° | 15° | 95 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 4° - 15° | 8° | 77 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -1° - 9° | 1° | 89 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -6° - 2° | -7° | 76 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |