Black Moshannon State Park

Black Moshannon State Park is a state park and nature reserve covering roughly 3400 acres of forest and wetland in Centre County, Pennsylvania. At its center lies a lake of about 250 acres, surrounded by sprawling bog systems.

Pennsylvania established the park in 1937 following restoration efforts by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Before that, the area had been heavily altered by logging and coal mining operations.

The name originates from the Seneca Nation term Moss-Hanne, meaning moose stream, reflecting the indigenous presence in this region. Many trails today pass through wetland areas where visitors can observe rare plants and sphagnum moss colonies.

Multiple camping areas offer facilities with running water, showers, and accessible amenities in different sections of the grounds. Visitors will find trails of varying length and difficulty, accessible throughout the year.

The water in the lake shows a dark color because tannins from sphagnum moss filter through and dissolve into the water. This natural process gives the lake an amber tone that resembles black tea.

Location: Pennsylvania

Inception: 1937

Operator: Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks

Website: http://dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/blackmoshannon.aspx

GPS coordinates: 40.89830,-78.05640

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29