Cowans Gap

Cowans Gap https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/CowansGapStatePark/Pages/default.aspx https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowans_Gap_State_Park Cowans Gap State Park is located in Todd Township, Fulton County and Metal Township, Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The park is largely surrounded by Buchanan State Forest in Allens Valley just off Pennsylvania Route 75 near Fort Loudon. Cowans Gap State Park is open for year-round recreation. It has extensive picnic facilities that surround much of Cowans Gap Lake. The park is also open to hiking, cross country skiing, hunting, fishing, ice fishing, ice skating, and boating.

Cowans Gap Cowans Gap State Park A Pennsylvania Recreational Guide for Pennsylvania State Parks Mission The primary purpose of Pennsylvania state parks is to provide opportunities for enjoying healthful outdoor recreation and serve as outdoor classrooms for environmental education. In meeting these purposes, the conservation of the natural, scenic, aesthetic, and historical values of parks should be given first consideration. Stewardship responsibilities should be carried out in a way that protects the natural outdoor experience for the enjoyment of current and future generations. visitPAparks Printed on recycled paper LEARN, EXPERIENCE, CONNECT COWANS GAP STATE PARK Cowans Gap State Park is a 1,085-acre park in the beautiful Allens Valley of Fulton County. A 42-acre lake, two campgrounds, rustic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) cabins, and many trails are prime attractions. State forest land surrounds the park, providing additional options for recreation and natural beauty in all seasons. GPS DD: Lat. 39.99478 Long. -77.9249 FROM US 30: At Fort Loudon take PA 75 north to Richmond Furnace, and follow signs to the park. The park is north of US 30 and Fort Loudon. Reservations Directions FROM I-76 WEST: Take Exit 180, Fort Littleton, turn right onto US 522 north to Burnt Cabins, and follow signs to the park. FROM I-76 EAST: Take Exit 189, Willow Hill, then PA 75 south to Richmond Furnace, and follow signs to the park. Make online reservations at www.visitPAparks.com or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Saturday. Spend the Day SWIMMING: The 500-foot sand beach is open from late May through September, 8:00 AM to sunset. Please read and follow posted rules for swimming. Swim at your own risk. FOOD AND REFRESHMENT CONCESSION: The concession in the day use area serves many snacks and hot foods. It also has ice, charcoal, firewood, and other camping supplies. The concession is open Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. HORSEBACK RIDING: 3 miles Lot 7 on the west side of the lake has parking for horse trailers. Horse Trail begins there and leads to Knobsville Road Trail, which leads to additional trails in Buchanan State Forest. HUNTING AND FIREARMS: About 630 acres are open to hunting, trapping, and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, turkeys, and squirrels. The park borders Buchanan State Forest, which is open to hunting, trapping, and dog training. Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for ADA accessible hunting information. Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner’s vehicle or enclosed trailer. Exceptions include: law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms are authorized to carry a firearm concealed on their person while they are within a state park. HIKING: See reverse side. FISHING: Cowans Gap Lake offers excellent fishing for trouts, basses, perches, catfishes, and panfishes. There are two ADA accessible fishing piers. South Branch Little Aughwick Creek offers good trout fishing. The stream and lake are stocked periodically throughout the year. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and laws apply. BOATING: electric motors only There are two boat launches with reservable mooring areas on Cowans Gap Lake. A concession in the day use area rents rowboats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and paddle boats and is open daily in the summer. Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launch permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks, available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. BIKING: 1.5 miles Lakeside Trail is flat and excellent for casual bikers. MOUNTAIN BIKING: 2 miles North and South Logging Road trails are the primary mountain biking trails in the park. Knobsville Trail provides access to many miles of mountain biking trails in Buchanan State Forest. Stay the Night CABINS: Ten rustic cabins are open mid-April through mid-December. The three-room cabins have a four-person overnight capacity and contain a refrigerator, stove, microwave, fireplace, ceiling fan, and two single bunk beds. Up to two dogs are permitted in designated cabins for an additional fee. There is no indoor plumbing in the ca

Cowans Gap State Park The large camping area has modern campsites (electric, non-electric, walk-to, pull-thru, and pet-friendly), organized group tenting, and rustic cabins. The campground has a sanitary dump station and modern restrooms with warm showers. An overnight boat mooring area is provided for registered campers during their stay at the park. Rustic cabins have three rooms and sleep four people in two bunk beds. Cabins have a refrigerator, microwave, stove, fireplace, and water faucet outside. Centrally located restroom facilities have showers. CAMPING SEASON: Campground Area A and cabins open the second Friday of April and close after deer season in December. Sites 75–177 close after the third weekend in October. Area B opens the second Friday of April and closes after the third weekend in October. RESERVATIONS: Most campsites in Pennsylvania state parks can be reserved 11 months in advance to noon of the day of arrival. Campers without a reservation arriving after noon should check at the contact station or near the campground entrance for instructions. Reservations can be made using MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and Discover credit cards; personal, traveler’s, and cashier’s checks; or a Pennsylvania State Parks Gift Card. To receive a confirmed reservation, full payment must be received within ten days of making the reservation. For reservations, call the Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation Center at 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), Monday to Saturday,7:00 AM to 5:00 PM or visit http://pennsylvaniastateparks.reserveamerica.com. CAMPSITE ISSUING: Advance reservations are available for almost all campsites. Unreserved sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If an employee is not available, read posted instructions and check the site availability listing. The appropriate fee must be paid to a park employee or deposited in a supplied honor system envelope at the park office before setting up on a campsite. CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations, changes, or transfers to reservations will be assessed a fee and can be made prior to arrival by the Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation Center. Any cancellation, change, or transfer made upon arrival must be processed through the state park. For complete information on fees, cancellations, changes, transfers, and discount policies, view the Reservation Cancellation/Change Policy at the website above in the "Reservations" section. Campground Rules Protect and Preserve Our Parks CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT TIME: heck-in time is 3:00 PM. Campsites must be vacated by 3:00 PM. Cabins must be vacated by 10:00 AM. Please make your visit safe and enjoyable. Obey all posted rules and regulations and respect fellow visitors and the resources of the park. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all Pennsylvania state parks. • Be prepared and bring the proper equipment. Natural areas may possess hazards. Your personal safety and that of your family are your responsibility. Cellular service is limited throughout the park; emergency phones are available at the park office and beach area. PETS: Up to two are permitted at designated campsites and cabins in this campground. Please contact the park office or contact station for guidelines for pets. Pets are prohibited in swimming areas, buildings, and all overnight facilities not participating in the pet program. Guide dogs and service dogs are not considered pets. QUIET HOURS: Campers must not disturb the sleep of others between 9:00 PM and 8:00 AM. NOISE: Operation of electric generators that create excessive noise is prohibited. OCCUPANCY: Site occupancy is limited to one family unit (persons living under one household) or five unrelated people per site. Occupants must include at least one person 18 years of age or older at all times. MOTOR VEHICLES: Park only in designated areas. Only one vehicle is permitted at a campsite in addition to a camping unit. If permitted, additional vehicles can park on the camping spur for a fee or in the second car parking area at no charge. For the organized group tenting area, there is a maximum of 10 vehicles including any camping units. VISITORS: Visitors are welcome on campsites from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. MINIMUM/MAXIMUM CAMPING PERIOD: Campers may stay in a state park campground up to 14 consecutive nights from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If reserving a Saturday during the summer season, a two-night minimum stay is required. Campers may camp up to 21 consecutive nights during the remainder of the year. HUNTING: Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's vehicle or enclosed trailer. Exceptions include: law enforcement officers and individu

Pricing and Reservations PRICING: Lodging prices vary due to type of facility; number of guests the facility accommodates; Pennsylvania residency status; length of stay; day of the week; and season. For base pricing information, scan the code or visit the Pennsylvania state parks website at http://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/StateParkPrices Please note, base pricing information does not include fees or taxes. RESERVATIONS: Lodging in Pennsylvania state parks can be reserved 11 months to three days before the day of arrival. If it is two days or less before the arrival date, call the state park to inquire about availability. For reservations, call the Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation Center at 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), Monday through Saturday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, or visit http://pennsylvaniastateparks.reserveamerica.com. Reservations can be made using MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and Discover credit cards; personal, traveler’s, and cashier’s checks; or a Pennsylvania State Parks Gift Card. To receive a confirmed reservation, full payment must be received within ten days of making the reservation. FEES: A non-refundable transaction fee is charged for each reservation. Cabin, lodge, unique house, and inn prices incur additional state and/or county local tax(es). The county local hotel occupancy tax rate varies depending on the location in the Commonwealth. Designated dog-friendly facilities charge an additional fee per night. CANCELLATIONS AND CHANGES: Cancellations, changes, or transfers to reservations will be assessed a fee and can be made prior to arrival by the Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation Center. Any cancellation, change, or transfer made upon arrival must be processed through the state park. For complete information on fees, cancellations, changes, transfers, and discount policies, view the Reservation Cancellation/Change Policy at the website in the "Reservations" section above. Cabin Colony History Designed to boost the economy out of the Great Depression while addressing environmental issues facing the nation, Franklin D. Roosevelt developed the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Lodging Cowans Gap State Park At what is now Cowans Gap State Park, CCC Camp S-54 operated from 1933 to 1941 and housed 250 men. Young men stayed in tents until cabins were built to house them. The barracks cabins by the beach have been removed; however, the cabin colony along Little Aughwick Creek remains today. These buildings were built with wood and stone construction including hemlock siding and shingle roofs. All ten rustic cabins in the cabin colony are the original structures that were built by the CCC in the late 1930s. The cabins were placed on the National Registry of Historic Places on February 11, 1987, which ensures that they will be preserved for future generations. In addition to building the barracks, the young men planted thousands of acres of new trees, built 4 bridges, 30 miles of state roads, 32 miles of fire trails, and 11 miles of telephone lines. The CCC boys also cleared the forests and streams of brush, built pavilions, and constructed the dam that created Cowans Gap Lake. Cowans Gap State Park opened to the public in 1937. Improvements have continued at Cowans Gap, with additions like the campground and modern restrooms. Access for People with Disabilities This publication text is available in alternative formats. If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit. 9/20 Printed on Recycled Paper 6235 Aughwick Road Fort Loudon, PA 17224-9801 Cabin GPS DD: Lat. 39.9941 Long. -77.9258 Park Office: 717-485-3948 CowansGapSP@pa.gov Reservations: 888-PA-PARKS www.visitPAparks.com  5XVWLF&DELQ Information and Map 7KHFDELQDUHDKDVWHQUXVWLFFDELQVRSHQIURPPLG$SULOWRPLG'HFHPEHU$OO UXVWLFFDELQVVOHHSSHRSOHLQWZRVHWVRIWZLQVL]HEXQNEHGV&DELQVKDYHD NLWFKHQDUHDZLWKDIXOOVL]HUHIULJHUDWRUIUHH]HUVWRYHRYHQPLFURZDYH VWRUDJHSDQWU\WDEOHDQGIRXUFKDLUV7KH\DOVRKDYHOLJKWVRXWOHWVFHLOLQJIDQ ZRRGEXUQLQJILUHSODFHIRUKHDWWZRZRRGUHFOLQLQJFKDLUVPRSEXFNHWEURRP GXVWSDQFRYHUHGSRUFKSLFQLFWDEOHoutdoor water spigot, DQGILUHULQJZLWK JULOO5XVWLFFDELQVGRQRWKDYHLQGRRUSOXPELQJEXWVKRZHUKRXVHVDQGSRWDEOH ZDWHUDUHQHDUE\IRUFDELQJXHVWV8SWRWZRGRJVDUHSHUPLWWHGDW&DELQV$% DQG&Cabin G is ADA accessible, and it has one bedroom with two separate twin beds on the floor. 1HDUWKHFDELQDUHDLVWKHSDUNRIILFHFDPSJURXQG LQWHUSUHWLYHFHQWHUamphitheater, WUDLOVpicnicking, DQG&RZDQV*DS/DNHZLWK VZLPPLQJILVKLQJDQGERDWLQJ Lodging Rules CHECK-IN: Check-in time is 5:00 PM. Upon arrival, pick up the cabin key at the park office. Bedroom Bedroom Kitchen "Great" Room Cathedral-type Ceiling 2-bedroom Rustic Cabin Floor Plan :+$772%5,1**XHVWVVKRXOGEULQJWZLQVL]HEHGGLQJSLOORZVWRZHOVHWFDOOFRRNLQJVHUYLQ