Hidden Gems: 8 Parks Under and Hour from The Wilson House B&B

Most people already know all of the major state and national parks in Pennsylvania. And, because most people know about them, they can become crowded and congested, particularly during the peak summer season. Motorized vehicles -- four-wheelers, dirt bikes, motorboats -- tend to take over during this time, too. All this can turn typical outdoor activities -- hiking, biking, swimming, cross-country skiing, etc. – into a bit of a pain. Here’s a pro tip from The Wilson House - Small can be better, quieter and healthier, or at least less annoying. Here are some of the many state parks and even local parks in the area that are actually hidden gems filled with natural wonders and recreational opportunities galore. Some of these parks are four-season sites that boast outdoor activities spring, summer, fall and winter.

The best part: these natural treasures are all under an hour -- and many only a few minutes -- from The Wilson House. Let’s start at Reservoir Park, which is really close. It’s not a state park, but it is stately.

Reservoir Park
You can walk from The Wilson House to this one! Reservoir Park is a 33-acre treasure for the Tyrone community. It plays host to a lot of community, civic and church events. It’s also the perfect site for a small picnic with close kin or, if you want to invite the extended family, the large pavilions will host a full-blown family reunion. Just about a mile-and-a-half from The Wilson House, Reservoir Park is also a nice place to take a stroll and listen to the soft murmur of Sink Run, a stream that crosses through the park into the pond. In summer, you can take a swim in the nearby community pool. It’s about a 15-minute walk and about a 4-minute drive from The Wilson House. Click for directions to Reservoir Park.

Colerain Picnic Area at Rothrock State Park
Colerain Picnic Area is a quiet spot along Spruce Creek, a world-famous spot for anglers. The picnic area, itself, is located at the foot of Rothrock State Park and offers numerous hiking trails and majestic outlooks -- including Spruce Creek Vista and Indian Lookout. It’s part of the sprawling, majestic Rothrock State Forest. It’s about 20 minutes from The Wilson House. Click here for directions to Colerain Picnic Area.

Canoe Creek State Park
Canoe Creek State Park is a 958-acre park that is a little out of the way, but worth the trip. It offers a 155-acre lake for canoeing, boating and swimming. Hiking trails twist through the park and there are lots of picnic areas. It’s open for fishing year-round, too and is about 25 minutes from The Wilson House. Click for directions to Canoe Creek State Park.

Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center
Shaver's Creek Environmental Center is located in the Stone Valley Recreation Area, close to both State College and Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. The center operates on 7,000 acres and contains 72-acre, of freshwater Lake Perez. If you love birds and raptors, Shaver’s Creek is the place for you. Lots of these majestic creatures are cared for here. The center is just a little over a half hour from The Wilson House -- but also makes a nice stop after a trip to State College or Penn State. Click for directions to Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center.

Black Moshannon State Park
Black Moshannon State Park is a wonderful 3,480-acre park near Philipsburg. The park gets its name from Black Moshannon Creek, which runs through the park and forms Black Moshannon Lake. The lake is a great kayaking pond. Plus, there are several picnic spots. In winter, the park gets high marks from cross-country skiers. The park is about 33 minutes from The Wilson House. Click for directions to Black Moshannon State Park.

Prince Gallitzin State Park
Prince Gallitzin is a true gem in the mountains. It’s a relatively small park, but packs in a lot of fun. Boating, walking and hiking trails (like 32.65 miles of trails), camping, fishing, sailing… it’s all here. Prince Gallitzin is also a nice place to spend the morning or afternoon, taking in the sites, enjoying a picnic and breathing in the fresh mountain air. It’s about 35 minutes from The Wilson House. Click for directions to Prince Gallitzin State Park.

Bald Eagle State Park
Bald Eagle State Park is a terrific spot to spend an afternoon. It’s a 5,900-acre Pennsylvania state park in Centre County that also includes the Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir. The park is up at the top of the list for regional anglers and the calm surface of the lake makes boating and sailing -- here comes the pun -- a breeze. It’s about 45 minutes from The Wilson House. Click for directions to Bald Eagle State Park.

Trough Creek State Park
Most visitors to the area have at least heard of Lake Raystown. It’s one of the largest lakes in Pennsylvania, no offense to you Lake Erie. But Raystown is a sprawling recreational area. A lot of people aren’t aware of places along the lake, or near the lake. One of those gems is Trough Creek State Park. It’s 554 acres with gorgeous vistas and challenging, but worthwhile hiking trails. Here’s a bonus: The park has been visited by bald eagles. So keep your eagle eyes looking out for those eagle eyes. It’s just under an hour from The Wilson House. Click for directions to Trough Creek State Park.

So, there are plenty of options to visit these natural treasures in central Pennsylvania. It’s a healthy, convenient, scenic -- and, dare I say -- super cheap excursion during your stay at The Wilson House!