PA State Parks

Exploring Colonel Denning State Park in Cumberland County

A collage of four photos showcasing Colonel Denning State Park in Cumberland County, PA. Top left: A vibrant autumn scene by a lake with golden leaves framing the tranquil water. Top right: A hiker stands on a rocky overlook, gazing out over a lush, green valley under a clear blue sky. Bottom left: A gravel nature trail marked by a sign winds through a forest with sunlight filtering through the green foliage. Bottom right: A wooden viewing platform at the edge of a serene lake surrounded by dense trees with the sun casting a warm glow over the scene.

If you’re looking for information about visiting Colonel Denning State Park in Cumberland County, you’re in the right place!

View from behind a wooden bench at Colonel Denning State Park in Cumberland County, PA, overlooking a peaceful lake reflecting the vivid colors of autumn trees. The foliage is a mix of green, yellow, and orange, creating a mirrored image on the water's calm surface on a bright sunny day. — The park in October.

Colonel Denning State Park is a 273 acre wilderness haven that offers a diverse range of activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

A nature trail sign at Colonel Denning State Park in Cumberland County, PA. The sign provides information about the trail, including its name, length, and features. It is made of wood and blends in with the natural surroundings, with trees and greenery in the background. — Nature trail around the lake.

Nestled in the scenic Doubling Gap of Blue Mountain, this park is named after Colonel William Denning, a Revolutionary War hero.

The photo shows the grave of William Denning at Big Spring Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Newville, PA, featuring a distinctive monument erected by the State of Pennsylvania. The monument includes an engraved stone with a wrought-iron cannon atop, commemorating Denning as the patriotic blacksmith and forger of cannons during the Revolutionary War. It includes his birth and death years, 1737 and 1830, respectively. The image captures the monument in sharp detail against a backdrop of a bright blue sky and autumn trees, with the cemetery's peaceful expanse visible in the background. — Final resting place of the park’s namesake, just south of the park in Newville.

The park serves as a gateway to the 96,000-acre Tuscarora State Forest, which surrounds the park.

Doubling Gap Lake

The tranquil 3.5-acre Doubling Gap Lake lies at the heart of the park, a perfect spot for fishing enthusiasts.

Lakeside view at Colonel Denning State Park in Cumberland County, PA, framed by a foreground of vibrant yellow leaves on a tree branch, with a background of dense autumnal trees in varying shades of yellow, orange, and green reflected in the calm lake waters under a clear blue sky. — October views around the lake.

The lake is stocked with trout, and visitors often spend peaceful hours angling for their next big catch.

View from a wooden fishing pier at Colonel Denning State Park in Cumberland County, PA, overlooking a lake surrounded by dense forests with autumn foliage. The clear blue sky with fluffy clouds is reflected in the lake's surface, enhancing the peacefulness of this natural setting — Fishing pier.

Besides fishing, the lake is ideal for kayaking and canoeing, offering serene waters and picturesque views.

A row of kayaks lined up neatly on a grassy bank at Colonel Denning State Park in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The shadows cast by the kayaks lengthen in the late afternoon sun, creating a peaceful scene. — Kayaks and canoes for rent.

The sand beach at Doubling Gap Lake is open to swimmers from late-May to mid-September, from 8:00 A.M. to sunset.

The sandy beachfront at Colonel Denning State Park in Cumberland County, PA, with tire tracks on the sand leading towards a tranquil body of water. The lake is bordered by trees with autumn leaves in shades of green, yellow, and orange, under a partly cloudy sky. — The beach on an October afternoon.

Hiking

For those who love hiking, the park boasts several trails, with the Flat Rock Trail being the most popular.

Information sign for the Flat Rock Trail at Colonel Denning State Park in Cumberland County, PA. The brown wooden sign provides details about the 2.5-mile hike to a scenic overlook, trail markers, elevation, and safety tips such as carrying a whistle, map, and flashlight, staying on marked trails, and informing others about your hike plans. It includes a white map outline of the trail network. — Flat Rock Trailhead at the park.

This challenging 5 mile out-and-back trek rewards hikers with breathtaking views from Flat Rock, a natural vista overlooking the Cumberland Valley.

Looking out over the Cumberland Valley from Flat Rock Vista.

The trail’s diverse and challenging terrain makes it an exciting journey for experienced hikers.

Rugged stones show what much of the Flat Rock Trail looks like.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching is another favorite activity in Colonel Denning State Park.

A great blue heron standing majestically on a fallen tree trunk by the edge of a lake at Colonel Denning State Park in Cumberland County, PA. The heron is set against a backdrop of rippling blue water with autumn leaves scattered on the surface and vibrant green pine branches framing the top left corner of the image. — Heron at Doubling Gap Lake.

The park’s diverse habitats attract a variety of bird species, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts.

A buzzard swooping down the Cumberland Valley, viewed from Flat Rock Vista.

Camping

For those seeking an overnight adventure, the park offers a campground with modern facilities.

A campsite at Colonel Denning State Park in Cumberland County, PA, during autumn. The scene includes recreational vehicles parked among trees with colorful fall foliage in hues of yellow, orange, and red. The ground is covered with fallen leaves, and there's a crisp blue sky above. — Campground at the park.

The campground is well-maintained and provides a great way to experience the park’s natural beauty up close.

A vibrant playground nestled amidst a colorful autumn forest. Swings, slides, and a climbing structure stand out amidst a sea of red, orange, and yellow leaves. A wooden pavilion provides shelter for picnicking families, while a winding path invites exploration through the trees. — Play area near the campground.

Final Thoughts

Colonel Denning State Park in Cumberland County is a delightful destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

A wooden walkway leading over a lake at Colonel Denning State Park in Cumberland County, PA, with autumn's full display in the background. Trees with leaves in shades of orange, yellow, and green reflect in the still water, under a clear blue sky, creating a peaceful and scenic pathway. — Bridge across the breast of the dam.

From fishing and hiking to birdwatching and camping, the park offers a variety of activities that allow visitors to connect with nature and create memorable experiences.

A photo of a wooden path winding through a dense forest at Colonel Denning State Park in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The path is lined with fallen leaves and surrounded by tall trees, creating a picturesque scene of autumn in Pennsylvania. — Trail through the park.

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, peaceful relaxation, or quality family time, Colonel Denning State Park has something for everyone!

A picturesque view of Colonel Denning State Park in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The focal point of the photo is a charming wooden gazebo perched beside a cascading waterfall. The gazebo's shingled roof and rustic railings blend harmoniously with the surrounding natural beauty. A stone pathway winds its way up to the gazebo, inviting visitors to take in the serene setting. The vibrant green trees and sparkling waterfall complete the idyllic scene. — Spillway on the dam.

Nearby Attractions

16 Must-See Attractions in Cumberland County is your guide to even more great things to see and do near Carlisle.

A collage of four photos highlighting attractions in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The top left image features a serene lake surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage, with a wooden bench overlooking the water. The top right image shows a Civil War memorial in a cemetery, with a statue of a soldier, an American flag flying above, and headstones and memorial markers in the foreground. The bottom left image displays a preserved World War II Sherman tank on a concrete platform, set against a bright sky and open landscape. The bottom right image captures a bustling car show with colorful classic and modern vehicles, vendor tents, and crowds of visitors at a large outdoor venue.

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