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Little Pine State Park wilderness guide
State Park · PA

Little Pine State Park

Located in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, Little Pine State Park offers outdoor enthusiasts a serene environment along Little Pine Lake, with hiking trails and ample opportunities for wildlife viewing.

State Park2,1584+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

2,158

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Little Pine State Park

Located in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, Little Pine State Park offers outdoor enthusiasts a serene environment along Little Pine Lake, with hiking trails and ample opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Little Pine State Park, situated in the picturesque valley of Little Pine Creek, is spread across the rugged hills of central Pennsylvania. With its 2,158 acres of protected land, the park is a natural gateway for exploring the scenic Pine Creek Gorge area. The park is home to various hardwood and coniferous forests, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife, including birds, deer, and the occasional black bear. The area has historical significance with its establishment in 1937 as part of the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) projects. The park features the impounded 94-acre Little Pine Lake, which serves as a central recreational hub for visitors. Offering a variety of activities, from fishing and boating to cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in winter, Little Pine State Park is a haven for those seeking outdoor adventure or a peaceful retreat in nature. The park's hiking trails offer panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys, inviting hikers to explore the lush landscape and discover its diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can also enjoy camping under the stars, with options ranging from modern campsites to more rustic settings.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Little Pine State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Cherry Springs State Park: A Stargazer’s Paradise★ 8.2⌖ 32 miStargazing
Cherry Springs State Park

Cherry Springs State Park: A Stargazer’s Paradise

Cherry Springs State Park in Coudersport, PA, is renowned for stargazing with one of the darkest skies in the U.S. Enjoy hiking through diverse flora along peaceful trails. Ideal for photographers and stargazers seeking a serene retreat.

StargazingView Details→
Ruins and Trails: Discovering Shingletown Gap★ 7.5⌖ 49 miHiking
Shingletown Gap

Ruins and Trails: Discovering Shingletown Gap

Explore the trails at Shingletown Gap near State College, PA, featuring historical ruins and lush forests. A prime spot for hiking and birdwatching, it offers pathways for all skill levels amidst beautiful landscapes.

Ricketts Glen State Park: Nature's Hidden Gem★ 8.8⌖ 57 miHiking
Ricketts Glen State Park

Ricketts Glen State Park: Nature's Hidden Gem

Explore Ricketts Glen State Park in Benton, PA. The park's Falls Trail is a challenging 7.2-mile loop with 21 waterfalls. Ideal for hiking, nature walks, and bird watching. Best visited in fall for stunning foliage, sturdy footwear recommended.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Little Pine Lake✦ Diverse Wildlife Viewing✦ White Deer Hole Creek✦ Pine Creek Rail Trail Access
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Little Pine State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Little Pine State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Little Pine State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Little Pine State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Little Pine State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Little Pine State Park
Park Recreation

Cross-Country Skiing

Available in Little Pine State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Little Pine State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Little Pine State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access, no permits or fees required.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Little Pine State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Little Pine Campground

Located near Little Pine Lake, offering modern amenities and easy access to hiking trails.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Little Pine State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Waterville
⌖ 4.49 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Waterville, Pennsylvania

A peaceful haven for nature lovers with easy access to outdoor adventures in the heart of Pennsylvania's wild landscapes.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Blackwell
⌖ 12.65 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Blackwell, Pennsylvania

A quiet rural escape offering easy access to river paddling, forest trails, and seasonal outdoor activities in Pennsylvania's scenic northern region.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Jersey Shore
⌖ 12.88 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania

A quiet riverside town offering easy access to natural areas with opportunities for paddling, hiking, and fishing along the West Branch Susquehanna River.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Lock Haven
⌖ 17.14 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lock Haven, Pennsylvania

A peaceful riverside town offering access to serene paddling, scenic hiking, and biking trails with nearby state parks and forests for diverse outdoor pursuits.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Williamsport
⌖ 20.25 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Williamsport, Pennsylvania

A historic riverside town offering accessible water adventures, gentle hiking, and biking trails with rich cultural charm along the Susquehanna River.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Renovo
⌖ 21.08 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Renovo, Pennsylvania

A small, historic town surrounded by vast state forests and rivers offering rugged outdoor adventures and tranquil nature escapes.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snowmobiling.Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Little Pine State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

An Evening with Henry Shoemaker at Woodward Cave — Underground Legends of Central PennsylvaniaWoodward, PA · 33.55 mi away
All Adventures· Woodward Cave

An Evening with Henry Shoemaker at Woodward Cave — Underground Legends of Central Pennsylvania

Join local historian Jeffrey R. Frazier at Woodward Cave for readings from Henry Shoemaker and a guided evening that pairs Central Pennsylvania folklore with the tactile, cool world beneath the hills. This intimate, place-based program reveals the stories that shaped the region while you explore the cave’s mineral formations.

1.5–2 hours

Explore this trip

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.