State Parks and National Parks

Gifford Pinchot State Park

Pinchot Lake is the big attraction at Gifford Pinchot State Park, named for the Pennsylvania governor who was President Theodore Roosevelt's chief advisor on conservation.

Swimmers cool off at Quaker Race beach, which is open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Sailboating is growing in popularity on Pinchot, where boating is restricted to non-powered and electric-powered craft. Canoes, kayaks, and rowboats can be rented in the park.

Anglers pursue largemouth, smallmouth and hybrid striper bass, crappie, catfish, carp, muskellunge, northern pike, walleye, pickerel and sunfish. Ice fishing is popular in the winter.

Seasonal hunting for small game, white-tailed deer and waterfowl is permitted. Birdwatchers enjoy the many varieties of birds that make their home here.

Ten trails totaling about 18 miles offer a variety of hikes in the 2,338-acre park. Most are short trails; however, Lakeside Trail stretches around the lake. Guided walks and other interpretive programs are offered in the summer.

Winter recreation includes cross-country skiing on the hiking trails.

The park has a 340-site seasonal campground and 10 year-round rental cabins.

Photo credits in order: Photo by Larry Adams, courtesy of Gifford Pinchot State Park. Photo by Burt Ellsworth, courtesy of Pennsylvania Bureau of