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In the heart of the Laurel Highlands at an altitude of 2,600 feet, Kooser State Park attracts visitors year-round to its 250 acres of forest and the beautiful trout stream that flows the full length of the park. The park’s original design character was stamped by the Civilian Conservation Corps projects of the 1930s that established the existing lake and most of its use areas, its architecture and site details. The park’s basic appeal lies in its intimate areas which are best suited for family outings and small groups. Picnicking, fishing, hiking, camping, cross-country skiing and family cabins are the major park uses. |
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Alcoholic Beverages are Prohibited. The 1.5-mile Kooser Trail is very popular due to the heavy snowfalls in area. It is a well-marked trail and classified as easiest. There is also a 20-mile cross-country ski touring concession adjacent to the PA 653 parking area of nearby Laurel Ridge State Park. Fee required. The 51,000-acre Forbes State Forest provides hunting, fishing, hiking, general recreation and the highest point in Pennsylvania, Mount Davis 3,213 feet. Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail: This 70-mile backpacking trail goes from Ohiopyle State Park to Conemaugh River. The four-acre Kooser Lake provides good fishing for trout, bass and bluegill. No boating is permitted. Night fishing is not permitted. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission laws apply. Distance to nearest hospital from cabin area: 11 miles. Distance to nearest laundromat from cabin area: 7.9 miles. Distance to nearest pay phone from cabin area: 0.1 miles. Distance to nearest store from cabin area: 2.2 miles. Because of the park's small size, hunting is not permitted in the park. Hunters frequently camp in the park and walk to the Forbes State Forest lands that are adjacent to the park. Common game species are deer, turkey and grouse. Campground: No Reservation Stop by park office. When closed, check posting for available sites & pick up honor envelope for registration located at office. Choose open site, complete envelope & deposit in slot at office. Open 2nd Friday in April to 3rd Sunday in Oct. There are nine rustic rental cabins available for use year-round. Only 2 vehicles per Cabin. Please drop off cabin keys at the Park Office. During the winter months only, the park will provide each cabin reservation with one approximately 2 cubic foot bin of firewood. It will be the responsibility of the cabin renter to secure any additional firewood. Each cabin is equipped with a stove with oven, refrigerator, microwave, lights, outlets, a simple cupboard, table and benches/chairs, a wood burning fireplace insert, or gas heater and an outdoor table and grill or fire ring. Specific site reservations will be made but the PARK RESERVES THE RIGHT to make changes, such as reassignment of site if necessary. CANCELLATION FEES assessed on all reservations. Cabins have wood burning stove as primary heat, electric heat (set at 60), full-size refrigerator, stove & oven, microwave & kitchen sink w/hot & cold water. Heated bathroom/shower facility nearby. Outside fire ring, charcoal grill, garbage can, & picnic table. Renters bring all cooking & sleeping supplies. Only during winter months, Park will provide each cabin reservation w/ 1 bin of firewood (approx.2 cubic foot). It will be the responsibility of the cabin renter to secure any additional firewood. Contact a park employee or dial 911. For directions to the nearest hospital, look on bulletin boards or at the park office. For more information on the many nearby attractions contact: Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, 800-333-5661, www.laurelhighlands.org or the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, 814-445-6431, www.somersetcountychamber.com . If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks: 888-PA-PARKS (voice) 888-537-7294 (TTY) 711 (AT&T Relay Services). Please be aware that bringing firewood into PA is prohibited & could result in a citation. Moving firewood into parks spreads insects & diseases. The use of local firewood is strongly recommended. All firewood must be burned prior to your departure. More info is available at www.emeraldashborer.info . |