PA State Parks

Exploring SB Elliott State Park in Clearfield County

Collage of four images from SB Elliott State Park in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, showcasing a large rustic log lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a peaceful fishing pond surrounded by forest, a wooden footbridge along a fern-filled trail, and the official park entrance sign set against colorful autumn foliage.

SB Elliott State Park in Clearfield County is a quiet retreat in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Surrounded by the vast Moshannon State Forest, the 318-acre park is filled with history, rustic charm, and natural beauty.

Picnic area at SB Elliott State Park in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, with a rustic pavilion, picnic tables, and fire rings surrounded by tall trees glowing with vibrant golden autumn foliage.

Named for Simon B. Elliott, a legislator and conservationist who championed replanting Pennsylvania’s forests, the park continues to reflect his vision of restoration and recreation.

Historic black-and-white portrait of Simon B. Elliott, namesake of SB Elliott State Park in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, remembered as a state legislator and conservationist who advocated for replanting forests to prevent erosion and fires.

HIstory of SB Elliott State Park

The park’s origins date back to 1933 when the Civilian Conservation Corps established Camp S-116-PA here.

Civilian Conservation Corps–built lodge at SB Elliott State Park in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, featuring a large rustic log structure with stone chimneys and surrounded by grassy picnic areas and tall shade trees.

The young men of the CCC built many of the enduring features visitors enjoy today, including cabins, trails, pavilions, and roads.

Rustic log cabin built by the Civilian Conservation Corps at SB Elliott State Park in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, with a red pickup truck parked in front and dense green forest in the background.

What You’ll See at SB Elliott State Park

A highlight of any visit is exploring the cabin colony, where rustic log cabins built by the CCC are still available to rent.

Rustic log rental cabin built by the Civilian Conservation Corps at SB Elliott State Park in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, with stone pillars, a covered porch, and a picnic table set against a backdrop of dense green forest.

These historic structures provide a glimpse into the craftsmanship and practicality of Depression-era conservation work.

Historic log cabin built by the Civilian Conservation Corps at SB Elliott State Park in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, framed by tall trees with golden-orange autumn leaves under a clear blue sky.

Another feature not to be missed is the Old Horse Trail, a scenic path that winds through the woods, crossing small footbridges and weaving past lush ferns.

Trailhead for the Old Horse Trail at SB Elliott State Park in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, marked by a wooden post and a fishing area sign, with a forested path leading into the trees.

For anglers and those who love peaceful water views, the fishing pond offers both relaxation and reflection, with its calm waters mirroring the surrounding trees.

Fishing pond surrounded by wildflowers and dense forest at SB Elliott State Park in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, with calm water reflecting the trees under a bright blue sky.

The park is also home to a large picnic area, making it an ideal spot for families and groups to gather.

Picnic area at SB Elliott State Park in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, with rustic wooden picnic tables, a charcoal grill, and tall trees providing shade in a grassy grove.

For those who prefer overnight stays, RV campsites are available in shaded groves, offering both convenience and a sense of seclusion.

Campsite at SB Elliott State Park in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, featuring a silver RV and pickup truck parked among tall trees with vibrant autumn foliage.

In autumn, the park truly comes alive, with brilliant fall foliage painting the trees in shades of red, orange, and gold.

Entrance sign for SB Elliott State Park in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, set against a backdrop of colorful autumn foliage and a clear blue sky.

This seasonal spectacle makes SB Elliott State Park a favorite stop for leaf-peepers exploring central Pennsylvania.

Early autumn scene at SB Elliott State Park in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, with golden ferns covering the forest floor, scattered trees showing hints of red, orange, and yellow foliage, and a backdrop of bright blue sky with wispy white clouds above the surrounding Moshannon State Forest.

Final Thoughts

Visiting SB Elliott State Park is like stepping back into an era where conservation and recreation first began to intertwine in Pennsylvania.

Scenic pond near SB Elliott State Park in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, surrounded by wildflowers and forest, with calm water reflecting the trees and a small footbridge visible in the distance under a bright blue sky.

Whether you come to hike, camp, fish, or simply admire the fall colors, this park is a jewel of the Pennsylvania Wilds worth exploring.

Wooden footbridge along the Old Horse Trail at SB Elliott State Park in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, surrounded by colorful ferns and lush trees in early autumn.

Nearby Attractions

Parker Dam State Park (7 miles from SB Elliott State Park) is a 968-acre expanse in Clearfield County featuring a tranquil lake, a beach area, scenic vistas, and miles of hiking trails.

Taking in the scenery at Parker Dam State Park in Clearfield County.

Panther Rocks (3.5 miles from SB Elliott State Park) is a 300-million-year-old “rock city” in the Moshannon State Forest, featuring towering sandstone formations pierced by numerous crevices and natural tunnels.

A collage of four photos depicting the scenic beauty and geological formations of Panther Rocks in the Moshannon State Forest. The top left image shows a hiker standing on a ledge of a massive sandstone formation, surrounded by trees in vibrant autumn colors. The top right image features the hiker crouching inside a small tunnel formed by natural erosion in the sandstone, with loose rocks scattered around. The bottom left image captures a view looking up between two towering sandstone blocks, showcasing the vertical fractures, or joints, that have been widened over time by frost and ice wedging. The bottom right image displays the hiker standing in a narrow passageway between two sandstone walls, with fallen leaves covering the forest floor, illustrating the beauty and scale of the ancient rock city.

12 Must-See Attractions in Clearfield County is your guide to even more great things to see and do in the area.

Must-see attractions in Clearfield County Pennsylvania.

Discover more than 1000 exceptional destinations worth exploring all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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