Sizerville State Park, a Pennsylvania State Park

SIZERVILLE STATE PARK

SIZERVILLE STATE PARK
199 E Cowley Run Road
Emporium, Pennsylvania 15834

Phone: 814-486-5605
Toll Free: 888-727-2757
Reservations: 888-727-2757

Email:

The 386-acre Sizerville State Park is nearly surrounded by Elk State Forest and is near the largest blocks of state forest in the state. Sizerville has many interesting recreational and natural opportunities and is a good base to explore the nearby public lands.

History of the Area

Sizerville State Park opened for public use in 1924 with the first facilities built in 1927. The name ?Sizerville? comes from a logging boomtown of the same name that flourished around the turn of the century. Sizerville itself was named for the Sizer family who were, according to local legend, the first settlers in the area.

Beautiful white pines and hemlocks grace Sizerville and bring to the visitor?s eye and mind a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. The pines were planted in the 1930s as a conservation effort by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Several thousand acres in and around the park were planted to replace the massive tracts of old growth timber logged at the turn of the century.

For more information on the CCC, visit the Civilian Conservation Corps Online Archive.

The East Branch of Cowley Run, located in the park, has historical significance in game management in Pennsylvania. In 1917, a pair of beavers was presented to the Pennsylvania Game Commission by the State of Wisconsin because beavers had become extirpated in Pennsylvania. This first pair was released on East Branch Cowley Run, and beavers are still found in the area. Elk once lived throughout the Common-wealth of Pennsylvania. Now through the efforts of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Bureau of Forestry, reintroduction of this majestic animal to the Commonwealth has succeeded. Pennsylvania?s only elk herd lives in the mountainous, mostly wooded area of Elk, Clinton and Cameron counties.

Camping

Camping: modern sites, some with elec.

The 23-site campground opens the second Friday in April and closes after deer season in December. Facilities include flush toilets, showers and a sanitary dump station. Eighteen campsites have electricity. Five walk-in tent sites offer a secluded streamside setting. The park also features a play area and outdoor amphitheater. The maximum stay in this camping area is fourteen days during the summer season and 21 days during the off-season. Campers must vacate the park for 48 hours before setting up again. Pets are not permitted in overnight areas.

Swimming

The 105-foot long concrete pool, with an adjacent wading pool, is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, unless otherwise posted. The maximum depth is five feet. There is a lift at the pool.

Location

Sizerville State Park is

Nearby Parks

Wayside Memorial State Forest Picnic Area

Susquehanna State Forest

Sinnemahoning State Park

Johnson Run State Forest Natural Area

Prouty Place State Park

Patterson State Park

Kettle Creek State Park

Picnicking

Six picnic pavilions and over 200 picnic tables are throughout the two picnic areas. These areas are mostly shaded with hardwoods, hemlock and white pine. Restrooms and playground facilities are available. Picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis. Horseshoe pits are nearby each pavilion. Accessible parking and picnic tables are throughout the day use areas.

Trails

Hiking: 5 miles of trailsThe hiking trail system offers a series of five loop trails. The Bottomlands, Campground and North Slope trails take the visitor through a variety of lowland habitats and are relatively easy to walk making them ideal for hikers of any age.

The Sizerville Nature Trail is a three-mile loop that nearly everyone can enjoy. It has educational stopping points. Maps are available in the park office.

Nady Hollow Trail is a 1.5-mile loop that ascends a 1,900-foot mountain. The ?Cutback? section takes the hiker halfway up the mountain and then, gradually runs down along the mountainside. Due to the slope of this trail, it is more challenging. Proper footwear is recommended for any hiking and is essential for the Nady Hollow Trail.

Sizerville State Park is also a trailhead for the Bucktail Path Trail, which is part of an extensive trail system throughout the northern tier region of central Pennsylvania.

For Your Safety: If you are planning to hike from the park onto the Elk State Forest trail system, be sure you have an Elk State Forest map and advise park personnel of your hiking plans.

Nature Programs

The park offers a wide variety of environmental education and interpretive programs. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources.

Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to schools and youth groups. Teacher workshops are available. Group programs must be arranged in advance and may be scheduled by calling the park office. For more detailed information contact the park office.

The Environmental Education Building provides exhibits and information on what to do and see while in the area. The plantings surrounding the visitor center include a butterfly garden and other examples of how homeowners can attract native wildlife to their backyard.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews

September 6 Family-Friendly Park!! by Alisha

We love Sizerville State Park. We come here every year. My kids love it here, and it is very clean and very family-oriented. This is our all time favorite camping spot. Definitely recommend.