Colonel Denning State Park

Colonel Denning State Park hosts excellent modern amenities like full-service camping, rentable pavilions, and several free public events geared towards all ages. At 273-acres, its large enough to have something for everyone.

If you like to get out on the trails with your canine, there are five miles of trails to enjoy within Colonel Denning State Park. However, the real gem here is the Tuscarora Trail, a 105-mile stretch that offers gorgeous views of the Appalachian Trail. While the park itself only houses about six total miles, it is technically part of the broader park system. 

While all trailheads are marked, it's crucial that visitors pick up a copy of the trail map & guide available in PDF form on the Pennsylvania DNR website. Visitors with pets must keep them on a 6-foot leash or shorter, and make sure to clean up any messes that they might leave behind.

If you are looking to cool off, Doubling Gap lake offers great sandy beaches to wander around while enjoying the refreshing waters. Swimming is done at visitors' risks, as no safety staff exists for this particular park. Food concession stands open up yearly and are immediately adjacent to the lake. 

Canines can visit the shore, provided they stay leashed up and out of the water at all times. Doubling Gap Lake also hosts trout fishing throughout the warmer months, provided you come prepared with all equipment and licenses required. An unstaffed boat launch even exists for those looking to spend a day on the water.

As this park is geared more towards events, there are multiple picnic pavilions and grilling sites peppered throughout Colonel Denning State Park. Visitors are encouraged to register their activities with the Park offices before visiting, to ensure that a spot will be available. Canines are allowed in and around these pavilions, provided they stay on their leash at all times.