Colonel Denning

Colonel Denning SP https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/ColonelDenningStatePark/Pages/default.aspx https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonel_Denning_State_Park Colonel Denning State Park is located in the Doubling Gap of Blue Mountain on Pennsylvania Route 233 between Newville and Landisburg. Doubling Gap Lake is open for trout fishing during the trout season. There are 18 miles (29 km) of hiking trails at Colonel Denning State Park and the park serves as a trailhead for the Tuscarora Trail (105 miles (169 km)). Visitors are permitted to swim at their own risk in Doubling Gap Lake; lifeguards are not provided.

A Pennsylvania Recreational Guide for Colonel Denning State Park Colonel Denning State Park Colonel Denning State Park, in north-central Cumberland County, has 273 acres of woodland and a 3.5-acre lake. The park serves as a gateway to the 96,000-acre Tuscarora State Forest, which surrounds the park. These scenic and historic public lands are located in Doubling Gap, so named by the “S” turn where Blue Mountain doubles back on itself. playground equipment. Two picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee by calling 888-PA-PARKS. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis. Directions The park is nine miles north of Newville and eight miles south of Landisburg, along PA 233. CAMPING: The 49-site tent and trailer campground is open from the opening day of trout season to the day after deer season in December. Sites are near a showerhouse with flush toilets and a sanitary dump station. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Recreational Opportunities SWIMMING: The sand beach is open from late May to mid-September, 8:00 AM to sunset. Swim at your own risk. Please read and follow posted rules for swimming. A food concession near the beach may be open during the summer season. HIKING: 18 miles of trails The park is the trailhead for the 2.5-mile Flat Rock Trail which leads to the top of Blue Mountain in Tuscarora State Forest. This steep and rocky trail is worth the effort; it culminates at Flat Rock, a natural rock outcrop that provides a beautiful scenic vista of the Cumberland Valley. The one-mile Doubling Gap Nature Trail is self-guided on mostly level ground. Beginning and ending at Doubling Gap Lake, the trail has several interpretive waysides to explain the natural history found around a mountain stream. Rocky in places, the one-mile Rattlesnake Trail winds through a mixed oak forest on the foothills of Blue Mountain. Due to the park’s proximity to the Tuscarora State Forest, hikers will find several miles of additional trails, including access to the 105-mile Tuscarora Trail, which is the northern portion of a 220-mile bypass of the Appalachian Trail. For maps and detailed descriptions, consult the “Hiking and Nature Trail Guide” located at the park office. Tell us about your hike at: www.explorepatrails.com For More Information Contact: Colonel Denning State Park 1599 Doubling Gap Road Newville, PA 17241-9756 717-776-5272 email: coloneldenningsp@pa.gov GPS DD: Lat. 40.280743 Long. -77.418227 An Equal Opportunity Employer Information and Reservations Make online reservations at: www.visitPAparks.com or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations. www.visitPAparks.com Printed on recycled paper HORSEBACK RIDING: As a gateway to the Tuscarora State Forest, the park provides access to one horseback riding trail and a parking lot for horse trailers. Follow Old Doubling Gap Road to gain access to the state forest from the park. visitPAparks 2017 PICNICKING: Numerous picnic tables and charcoal grills are scattered throughout the park and located near Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner’s vehicle or enclosed trailer. Exceptions include: law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms are authorized to carry a firearm concealed on their person while they are within a state park. BOATING: Non-motorized canoes and kayaks may be used on Doubling Gap Lake except for the period of time between the opening day of trout season until the Friday before Memorial Day. Boats must be carried in from the nearby parking lot and launched in the designated area located at the west end of the beach. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launch permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks that are available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. ORIENTEERING: There are three courses to challenge your map and compass skills. Courses begin near Pavilion #1. Trail maps are available at the park office or the nature center. FISHING: The 3.5-acre Doubling Gap Lake has trout fishing. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and laws apply. HUNTING AND FIREARMS: Many acres are open to hunting, trapping, and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, squirrel, and turkey. Hunting is also permitted on the adjacent Tuscarora State Forest. Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through Mar

Colonel Denning State Park This small tent and trailer camping area is on a forested hillside. It has an organized group tenting site and modern campsites (electric, non-electric, walk-to, and pet-friendly) with warm showers and flush toilets. Near the campground there is a sanitary dump station, amphitheater, and environmental center. Walk-to and organized group tenting sites are a short hike away from the parking area. CAMPING SEASON: This campground opens in April and closes in December. RESERVATIONS: Most campsites in Pennsylvania state parks can be reserved 11 months in advance to noon of the day of arrival. Campers without a reservation arriving after noon should check near the campground entrance for instructions. Reservations can be made using MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and Discover credit cards; personal, traveler’s, and cashier’s checks; or a Pennsylvania State Parks Gift Card. To receive a confirmed reservation, full payment must be received within ten days of making the reservation. For reservations, call the Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation Center at 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), Monday to Saturday,7:00 AM to 5:00 PM or visit http://pennsylvaniastateparks.reserveamerica.com. CAMPSITE ISSUING: Advance reservations are available for almost all campsites. Unreserved sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If an employee is not available, read posted instructions and check the site availability listing. The appropriate fee must be paid to a park employee or deposited in a supplied honor system envelope before setting up on a campsite. CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations, changes, or transfers to reservations will be assessed a fee and can be made prior to arrival by the Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation Center. Any cancellation, change, or transfer made upon arrival must be processed through the state park. For complete information on fees, cancellations, changes, transfers, and discount policies, view the Reservation Cancellation/Change Policy at the website above in the "Reservations" section. Campground Rules CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT TIME: Check-in time is 3:00 PM. Campsites must be vacated by 3:00 PM. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all Pennsylvania state parks. PETS: Pets are permitted at designated campsites in this campground. Please contact the park office or contact station for pet guidelines. Pets are prohibited in swimming areas, buildings, and all overnight facilities not participating in the pet program. Guide dogs and service dogs are not considered pets. QUIET HOURS: Campers must not disturb the sleep of others between 9:00 PM and 8:00 AM. NOISE: Operation of electric generators that create excessive noise is prohibited. OCCUPANCY: Site occupancy is limited to one family unit (persons living under one household) or five unrelated people per site. Occupants must include at least one person 18 years of age or older at all times. MOTOR VEHICLES: Park only in designated areas. Only one vehicle is permitted at a campsite in addition to a camping unit. If permitted, additional vehicles can park on the camping spur for a fee or in the second car parking area at no charge. VISITORS: Visitors are welcome on campsites from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. MINIMUM/MAXIMUM CAMPING PERIOD: Campers may stay in a state park campground up to 14 consecutive nights from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If reserving a Saturday during the summer season, a two-night minimum stay is required. Campers may camp up to 21 consecutive nights during the remainder of the year. HUNTING: Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's vehicle or enclosed trailer. Exceptions include: law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms are authorized to carry a firearm concealed on their person while they are within a state park. Protect and Preserve Our Parks Please make your visit safe and enjoyable. Obey all posted rules and regulations and respect fellow visitors and the resources of the park. • Be prepared and bring the proper equipment. Natural areas may possess hazards. Your personal safety and that of your family are your responsibility. Modern Camping Colonel Denning State Park • Please camp only in designated areas and minimize your impact on the campsite. • Prevent wild fires. Fires are only permitted in fire rings or grills. Gas and propane camp stoves are permitted. Fires must be attended at all times and extinguished before leaving a campsite. Properly dispose of hot coals. • Firewood is not provided. Cutting live or standing trees and the operation of chainsaws are prohibited. • Firewood Advisory: Firewood may co