Cowans Gap State Park

This chilly December morning brought a few swirling snowflakes and a reminder that the 2020 camping season is drawing to a close on Saturday, 12/12. We will re-open the campground and cabin colony in mid-April 2021. Did you stay with us in 2020? If so, please post a photo of your trip below in the comments. We always love to see your vacation photos! Did you know that you can make camping reservations online at www.visitpaparks.com or via our call center at 888-727-2757 up to 11 months in advance? Sites and cabins book up quickly during the summer season, so start planning now! (Please note: the park office does not have the ability to book future reservations and will direct you to the website or call center).

The park office will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27. We will re-open Monday, November 30. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Pennsylvania Bear Hunters: Our state’s second-ever regulated big game Sunday Hunting opportunity takes place this Sunday, Nov. 22, for the statewide regular fir...earms bear season only! [Details: https://bit.ly/3lqtci8]. This is a historic time here in Penn’s Woods! Document your adventures and TAG US in your hunting photos on Sunday using #iHuntedSundayinPA. The third and final Sunday Hunting date for the 2020-21 license year takes place on Sunday, Nov. 29 for deer hunting during the firearms deer season. More details are online: https://bit.ly/2MSfLbf. Good luck, have fun and hunt safely!

This year will feature the first-ever regulated big-game SUNDAY hunting opportunities in Pennsylvania! Due to a change in state law, big game hunting will be pe...rmitted on the following dates: November 15 for archery deer hunting; November 22 for bear hunting; and November 29 for deer hunting during regular firearms season. In addition to deer rifle season opening on November 28, we hope Sunday hunting will provide more opportunities for hunters to get out this year. More information on the 2020-21 Hunting and Trapping Seasons can be found online here https://bit.ly/2MSfLbf.

Join the Pennsylvania Game Commission in recognizing a somber, but important, anniversary the agency will never forget. Ten years ago, on Nov. 11, 2010, Wildlif...e Conservation Officer David L. Grove, was shot and killed by a deer poacher during a vehicle stop along Schriver Road in Freedom Township, Adams County. WCO Grove, at the age of 31, was on patrol around 10:30 p.m., investigating reports of ongoing night-time shooting, and possible poaching activity, when he was shot and killed. David embodied the true spirit of wildlife conservation. He chose his profession because he cared deeply for wildlife and recognized the important role the enforcement of hunting and trapping laws plays in maintaining wildlife resources that are shared by all. David was a professional in every sense; serious about his work, but fair with those he encountered on the job, usually greeting them and sending them off with a smile. Pennsylvania’s wildlife and all who care about it lost a valuable ally that night in Adams County, a decade ago. But David’s sacrifice and lasting contribution to wildlife conservation always will be remembered. Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans WCO Grove’s death left a void that will never be filled within our agency and the entire Pennsylvania conservation community. We will forever remember him as a bright, young, talented, energetic officer who dedicated his life to wildlife and the Great Outdoors. He graduated from the 27th Class of the Game Commission’s Ross Leffler School of Conservation in Harrisburg in 2008. In addition to remembering WCO Grove’s meaningful service and the long-lasting impacts he made here in Pennsylvania, we ask you to remember his family, friends and fellow officers today, as well. We encourage you to read more about his life and story here in this month’s edition of Game News: https://bit.ly/3khjbT9 or online here: https://bit.ly/3p9zvZT. Grove was the third Pennsylvania game warden, and first in 95 years, to die by gunshot in the line of duty. Game Protector L. Seeley Houk was shot and killed by a hunter in 1906. Game Protector Joseph McHugh was shot and killed while searching the woods for poachers in 1915. While fatal incidents have been rare, Pennsylvania’s game wardens put their lives on the line day-in and day-out to benefit wildlife conservation and lawful hunting and trapping. Committed to these causes, they serve bravely in enforcing the state’s wildlife laws. The title Game Protector eventually was changed to Wildlife Conservation Officer, then to State Game Warden in 2018.

First Place Campsite: Site 180 (Scariest)

First place cabin: Cabin A ( I need to teach my photographer about photographing displays)

Sorry for the Delay. Last weekend's winners from the decorating contest!Sorry for the Delay. Last weekend's winners from the decorating contest!

This weekend looks like the peak weekend here at the park.

Some costumes from our Dress-up Day at the Nature Center. If the dinosaurs moved a little better, I would have taken the picture by the slide at the new play ground.

Quite a bit more color than last week here at the park, but still not at peak.

Not a lot of color here at the park, but we are seeing some. We usually see our best color here at the park around the end of October into the first week of November. Check out where you can find the best color in the state this weekend here.

As you hike along Plessinger Trail, you may notice a cage set off in the woods. What is in there? Come learn about a special plant here at the park, Glade Spurge. Join us for a hike as we learn about the plant and the efforts to save it in Pennsylvania. The hike starts at 1:00 pm from the amphitheater. This program is limited to 24 participants. Participants can pre-register by contacting the park office at 717-485-3948. All participants must wear masks during the program and they will need to maintain social distancing. Families that live under the same roof, may be closer, but should maintain social distance from others not in their group. It is suggested that you bring hand sanitizer along with you. https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/glade_spurge_hike

Did you ever wonder what daily life was like for the early European pioneers in western Pennsylvania? Join us for a look at the pioneer life on Saturday, October 3 beginning at 2:00 pm at the amphitheater. This program is limited to 24 participants. Participants can pre-register by contacting the park office at 717-485-3948. All participants must wear masks during the program and they will need to maintain social distancing. Families that live under the same roof, may be closer, but should maintain social distance from others not in their group. It is suggested that you bring hand sanitizer along with you. https://events.dcnr.pa.gov//a_day_in_the_life_of_a_early_e