Poe Paddy State Park

Introduction of Poe Paddy State Park

Poe Paddy State Park is located at the confluence of Big Poe Creek and Penns Creek, and it is a trout angler’s paradise in June, with the nationally recognised green drake mayfly hatch. Poe Paddy was built on the site of Poe Mills, a prosperous but brief-lived lumbering town in the 1880s and 1890s. In 1890, Poe Mills had a population of over 300 people. The main railroad, built in 1879, ran very close to Poe Mills, and a spur track ran to the Poe Paddy area. Throughout the mountain valleys, many small, temporary timber railroads were built.Poe Creek was dammed in order to supply water to the steam-powered sawmill. A scenic excursion train ran a loop from Milroy to Poe Paddy and back in the early 1900s. The Civilian Conservation Corps established a camp in the valley in the mid-1930s and constructed Poe Paddy and Poe Valley state parks, as well as many of the roads in the area. Poe Mountain to the west and Paddy Mountain to the east inspired the park’s unusual name. Hiking the Mid State Trail through the 250-foot-long Paddy Mountain Railroad Tunnel, excellent fishing, and rustic camping are all available to visitors.

Poe Paddy State Park Camping

If RV camping at Poe Paddy State Park sounds like a fun way to spend your next vacation, look for a rental RV in Centre County and then book a spot in the park’s 34-site campground.

The campground, which is open from April to mid-December, has a peaceful, wooded setting along Penns Creek. The majority of sites can accommodate RVs, and vault toilets and drinking water are available. However, there are no hookups available for your camper rental, and campers looking for a dump station should visit nearby Poe Valley State Park.

Because this is a primitive campground, you must be willing to “rough it” a little if you stay here. This also means that the campground is wonderfully tranquil and relaxed, and Poe Paddy State Park campers can use the showers in Poe Valley State Park for a small fee.

Finally, for an additional fee, dogs are permitted on designated campsites in Poe Paddy State Park. You must also dispose of your dog’s waste responsibly and keep them on a leash at all times.

Poe Paddy State Park Activities

Fishing

Penns Creek, which flows by the Poe Paddy campground, has excellent trout fishing. Penns Creek produces spectacular fly hatches. The well-known Green Drake Hatch occurs in late May or early June.

Hiking

Poe Paddy is crossed by the Mid State Trail, which is marked with orange rectangular blazes. On the Mid State Trail, you can hike through the 250-foot-long Paddy Mountain Railroad Tunnel by following the trail upstream along Penns Creek, crossing a pedestrian bridge, and then going to the tunnel.

Picnicking

Picnic tables and two pavilions with four picnic tables each are open all year.

Poe Paddy State Park Location

Follow signs for Poe Valley State Park from US 322, near the top of Seven Mountains. Continue three miles on Big Poe Road past Poe Valley State Park to Poe Paddy State Park. From Millheim, take PA 45 west for 1.5 miles, then south for 12 miles to the park.

Parking

Parking is available

Public Transport

Public Transport is not available