PA State Parks

Exploring Hills Creek State Park in Tioga County

A collage of four photos showcasing various scenes from Hills Creek State Park in Tioga County, Pennsylvania. Top left: A view over a green hillside to a tranquil lake surrounded by forested hills under a cloudy sky. Top right: The start of the

If you’re looking for information about visiting Hills Creek State Park in Tioga County, you’re in the right place!

A view from the Lakeside Trail at Hills Creek State Park in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, featuring a calm lake surrounded by a forested area. The water's surface gently ripples, reflecting the partly cloudy sky above. The foliage around the lake is a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees, with some trees displaying vibrant autumn colors of yellow, orange, and red. Tall grasses and reeds in the foreground suggest a thriving lakeside habitat. The scene is peaceful and typical of the natural landscapes found within the park, offering a moment of tranquility and a connection to nature. — Hills Creek in the northernmost state park in Tioga County, PA.

Hills Creek State Park spans 407 acres of natural splendor and offers a plethora of outdoor activities.

A narrow hiking trail winds through a densely wooded area of Hills Creek State Park in Tioga County, Pennsylvania. Tall pine trees with thinning needles dominate the scene, with a few deciduous trees showing hints of autumn color. The trail is marked by an orange blaze on a tree, indicating a path for hikers to follow. Exposed tree roots and a carpet of pine needles create a natural and rugged terrain. The filtered sunlight through the canopy adds to the tranquil and secluded ambiance of this forested trail. — Hiking trail at the park.

Established in 1953, the park is located 9 miles northeast of Wellsboro.

The park’s crowning jewel is the tranquil 137-acre Hills Creek Lake, ideal for boating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

A picturesque autumn scene at Hills Creek State Park in Tioga County, Pennsylvania. In the foreground, a wooden picnic table and a rack holding colorful kayaks rest on a grassy area. One tree with bright orange leaves stands out among the mostly green forest that surrounds the serene lake. The calm water reflects the cloudy sky and the changing foliage, creating a peaceful and inviting outdoor setting. — Boating is a popular activity at the park.

A network of hiking trails caters to all ages, meandering through diverse landscapes and providing ample opportunities for wildlife observation.

The photo captures the entrance to the "Lakeside Trail" at Hills Creek State Park in Tioga County, Pennsylvania. A wooden sign with the trail name is prominently displayed in the foreground, marking the start of a path that hugs the edge of a calm body of water. The trail seems to lead into a wooded area, with a variety of trees that are beginning to show autumn colors. The grass is lush and green, indicating it's either spring or early fall. The scene is peaceful, with no visible people, suggesting a quiet spot for a walk or contemplation by the lake. — The park features 5.5 miles of hiking trails.

Picnicking is a favored pastime here, with numerous scenic spots perfect for family outings or serene meals amidst nature.

A fall scene in Hills Creek State Park, Tioga County, Pennsylvania, featuring a picnic area with buildings amidst a landscape sprinkled with autumn leaves. A paved path leads through an area dotted with trees displaying a range of fall colors from green to golden yellow. The ground is covered with fallen leaves, suggesting the change of seasons. In the background, there are park facilities, likely for picnics or gatherings, set against a backdrop of gentle hills. The sky is partly cloudy, casting a soft light on this tranquil park setting, inviting visitors to enjoy a crisp autumn day outdoors. — There are two picnic areas and three reservable picnic pavilions at the park.

During summer, the park’s sandy beach becomes a popular swimming destination, offering a cool respite from the heat.

A scenic view of Hills Creek State Park in Tioga County, Pennsylvania. The photo showcases a tranquil lake surrounded by lush forests with the trees beginning to show autumnal colors. A well-maintained green lawn stretches towards a sandy beach at the water's edge. The sky above is partly cloudy, suggesting early fall weather, and the peaceful setting is devoid of people, emphasizing the natural beauty of the area. — A sandy beach is open from around Memorial Day until just after Labor Day.

In the fall, the park transforms into a vibrant canvas of autumn colors, making it a prime spot for fall foliage viewing.

Overlooking Hills Creek Lake in Hills Creek State Park, Tioga County, Pennsylvania, this view captures the stillness of the water mirroring the blue sky and fluffy clouds. The lake is framed by trees in various stages of autumn transition, with leaves in shades of green, yellow, and orange. The tranquil water and colorful foliage create a serene and picturesque autumnal setting, ideal for visitors seeking the beauty of nature in the fall. — Hills Creek State Park is a perfect spot for fall foliage viewing.

For visitors wishing to stay longer, Hills Creek State Park boasts a well-facilitated campground, complete with modern conveniences.

A children's playground set in Hills Creek State Park, Tioga County, Pennsylvania. The playground features equipment with slides, climbing bars, and swings over a surface of safety mulch. The structures are primarily blue and beige, standing out against the vibrant green grass. Surrounding the playground are trees beginning to show their autumn colors, indicating the season. The sky above is blue with streaks of white clouds, suggesting a clear and pleasant day, perfect for outdoor play and family activities. — The park features an 85-site camping area.

Catering to both adventure-seekers and those in search of tranquility, it’s an ideal locale for anyone looking to immerse themselves in nature.

A serene landscape at Hills Creek State Park in Tioga County, Pennsylvania. The vantage point is from a hilltop overlooking a calm lake that mirrors the partly cloudy sky above. Various shades of early fall colors dot the dense forest surrounding the water. In the distance, a dam is visible with a camper parked near it, and a boat can be seen on the lake, adding a touch of recreational activity to the scene. Two prominent trees in the foreground, one bereft of leaves and the other in full green, frame the picturesque view. The overall setting conveys a tranquil autumn day perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying nature. — A camper crossing the breast of the dam on Hills Creek Lake.

With its blend of varied activities and picturesque landscapes, the park promises a memorable journey for all its visitors.

A serene view through a natural window of foliage at Hills Creek State Park, Tioga County, Pennsylvania. The photo is framed by the overhanging branches of a tree with dangling leaves and needles, looking out onto a calm lake reflecting the blue sky and fluffy clouds. The lake is flanked by lush trees showing the early signs of fall, with splashes of red and orange among the predominant green. Tall grasses and shrubs in the foreground add texture and depth to the scene, emphasizing the wild, natural beauty of the park in early October. — October in Tioga County.

Nearby Attractions

Leonard Harrison State Park is the unofficial headquarters for one of the Keystone State’s most famous natural wonders – the PA Grand Canyon!

Looking out over the Pine Creek Gorge at Leonard Harrison State Park. — View of the PA Grand Canyon from Leonard Harrison State Park.

Colton Point State Park encompasses 368-acres on the west rim of the Pine Creek Gorge in Tioga County.

Exploring Colton Point State Park in the PA Grand Canyon. — View of the PA Grand Canyon from Colton Point State Park.

The Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook offers a view that not many vistas can boast of – a breathtaking view of not one, but two magnificent lakes.

Collage of four photos from Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, featuring views through a binocular station over the lake, the vegetated cliff sides of a water channel, the wide expanse of a dam and its reflection in the water, and a serene lake with ripples from a passing boat, all beneath a sky with dynamic cloud patterns. — Scenes from the Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook.

The 10 Best Roadside Attractions Near Wellsboro will introduce you to some excellent points of interest near Wellsboro, one of the most popular tourist towns in the PA Grand Canyon region.

The Middle Ridge UMC Church outside Wellsboro.

37 Must-See Waterfalls in Tioga County is your guide to some of the best waterfalls in the region.

Rusty Glessner at Lower Bear Run Falls in Tioga County Pennsylvania — The author at Lower Bear Run Falls in Tioga County

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Nearby Attractions

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