Stay and Play in Black Moshannon State Park
Located 105 miles northwest of Harrisburg, Black Moshannon State Park (www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/BlackMoshannonStatePark/Pages/default.aspx) boasts almost 4,000 acres filled with forests, wetlands and the spring-fed namesake lake. The native people called this place “Moss-Hane” (moose stream), and “black” was subsequently added to the moniker to describe the tea-colored waters.
Today the park supports a diverse ecosystem, which includes a healthy avian population, as well as bog plants, frogs, salamanders and even water snakes. Add in some accessible recreation upgrades and a comfortable forest cabin, and you have a great Pennsylvania getaway for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Explore Black Moshannon State Park
You don’t have to venture far to enjoy Black Moshannon State Park, as most of the facilities are located off of State Highway 504, which bisects the park and crosses Black Moshannon Lake. There’s accessible parking on the northeast side of the lake, near some accessible restrooms, and a paved level path down to the beach. There’s an accessible picnic table near the restrooms, with a grill and a nice beach view. It should be noted that the beach is accessible in the summer months, but it’s closed in the fall as it’s usually flooded.
The food concession area is located on the west side of the lake. There’s accessible parking near the concession building, with ramp access up to the front door. And if you’d prefer to pack along your own lunch there are some accessible picnic tables nearby, in a level area under the trees. There’s also an accessible fishing pier on West Side Road just a short drive from the concession area. There’s accessible parking near the pier, which has lowered rails and an accessible picnic table.
The trailhead for the accessible Bog Trail is located south of the accessible fishing pier, near boat launch 3. Accessible parking is located near the trail, which starts out as a hard-packed dirt trail through the forest. The trail then transitions to a boardwalk through a peat covered bog that’s filled with sphagnum moss and pitcher plants. Interpretive plaques line the boardwalk, which ends at an overlook. This trail can be done as an out-and-back hike, or you can continue on through the forest for about 200 feet, connect to the park road and circle back to the trailhead. Either way, it’s a pleasant .7-mile saunter.
Stay a Spell
If you’d like to stay a night or two in Black Moshannon State Park, there are a few accessible cabin choices; however the most comfortable model is the newer Cranberry Cottage (#22).
There’s plenty of room to park an adapted van in the paved level driveway, with ramp access up to the large front porch. There’s also an accessible picnic table and a grill on an asphalt pad next to the cabin.
Access features inside the cabin include wide doorways, good pathway access, and wood floors for easy rolling. The kitchen is equipped with a full-size refrigerator, microwave and cooktop. There are no plates, cookware or utensils, but there are plenty of drawers and cabinets to stow your own. There’s also a dining table and four chairs in the kitchen area. There’s no water in this dry cabin, but there’s a spigot nearby. The cabin is equipped with electric outlets, lights and heating, so it’s comfy even on chilly fall nights.
The bedroom is furnished with two bunk beds. One set has a double bed on the bottom and a single on top, while the other is a traditional bunk with a single on top and bottom. Both of the bottom bunks are 19 inches high, and there’s a wheelchair access aisle between the two. This deluxe cabin can sleep up to five people.
The shower house is only 150 feet from the cabin; however if you’d prefer to drive there’s accessible parking in front. The accessible family restroom includes a toilet with grab bars on the back and left walls (as seated), and a roll-under sink. There’s also a transfer-type shower with grab bars, a handheld showerhead and a fold-down shower seat.
Cranberry Cottage is a comfortable and accessible spot to overnight in the woods.
