Things to See & Do at Tuscarora State Park

The 96-acre Tuscarora Lake is the centerpiece of Tuscarora State Park, offering fishing, boating and seasonal swimming in a scenic mountain setting. A sand beach with a designated swim area is open from late May through mid-September. The lake’s warm-water fishery includes bass, pickerel, catfish, perch and muskies. Kayaks, canoes and electric motor boats are allowed, with boat rentals available from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

At 4.5 miles, the Spirit of Tuscarora Trail is the longest and most scenic hike in Tuscarora State Park. This moderately difficult trail winds along Tuscarora Lake and through forests, thickets and wetlands with varied terrain. Along the way, hikers are rewarded with wildflowers, songbirds, butterflies, Locust Creek and the park’s iconic Spirit Tree. Bring your camera—this trail offers some of the park’s best photo opportunities.

The 2.3-mile Lake View Trail is an easy, out-and-back hike that follows the shoreline of Tuscarora Lake. The trail crosses two creeks and winds through rhododendron groves and a shaded hemlock forest. Hikers are treated to scenic lake views, especially while crossing the dam. The trail connects the day use area to Crow Trail and can be combined with other routes to create a 5.5-mile loop around the lake.

Fishing is a year-round favorite at Tuscarora State Park. The 96-acre Tuscarora Lake is a warm-water fishery offering bass, pickerel, catfish, perch and muskies.  The PA Fish and Boat Commission also stocks the lake with trout primarily in the fall and it remains a local favorite for trout ice fishing. The boat launch also includes an ADA-accessible fishing pier. During established seasons, 1,100 acres of the park are open for hunting, trapping and dog training. Common game species include deer, pheasant, rabbit, squirrel, turkey, grouse and dove.

Tuscarora Lake offers plenty of opportunities for swimming and boating in a scenic park setting. Electric motor boats are permitted, with 125 mooring spaces available by permit, and kayaking and canoeing are popular from late spring through fall. Daily boat rentals are offered from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swimmers can enjoy a sand beach with a designated swimming area, open from late May through mid-September.

Summer at Tuscarora State Park is perfect for outdoor adventure and relaxation. Cool off with swimming and boating on Tuscarora Lake, or enjoy scenic walks along the Lake View Trail. Hikers can explore forested terrain on the Spirit of Tuscarora Trail, while anglers will find excellent fishing throughout the season. With so many ways to enjoy the outdoors, summer is one of the best times to visit this Barnesville favorite.

Autumn is an ideal time to explore Tuscarora State Park on foot. With more than 9 miles of trails winding through dense forests, wetlands and along the lake, hikers are treated to stunning fall scenery. Late September through October brings peak foliage, painting the landscape in vibrant reds, golds and oranges. Every trail offers a new perspective on one of NEPA’s most colorful seasonal displays.

Tuscarora State Park’s peaceful lakeside meadows are ideal for family picnics. The park offers more than 250 picnic tables and two large, ADA-accessible pavilions. Modern restrooms are open from April through October. For overnight stays, the park offers 6 camping cottages and 4 yurts, open from April to mid-October. Both options sleep 5 and feature electric heat, porches, picnic tables and fire rings.

Wildlife is abundant throughout Tuscarora State Park, from the lakeshore to the forested trails. The park and surrounding mountains are home to black bear, white-tailed deer, turkey, grouse, squirrels and chipmunks. In wetland areas, you’ll also find frogs, snakes, turtles and more. Its mountainous location also makes it a frequent stop for migrating birds of prey.

Tuscarora State Park remains open year-round, offering peaceful winter recreation when conditions permit. Ice fishing and ice skating are popular activities on Tuscarora Lake. The park’s trails remain open for quiet winter hikes and snowshoeing through snow-covered forests. With serene scenery and smaller crowds, winter is an ideal time to experience the park’s calm, cold-weather beauty.