PA State Parks

Exploring Sand Bridge State Park | The Smallest State Park in PA

Exploring Sand Bridge State Park the smallest state park in Pennsylvania.

If you’re looking for information about Sand Bridge State Park, the smallest state park in Pennsylvania, you’re in the right place!

At 3 acres Sand Bridge State Park is the smallest state park in Pennsylvania. — At just 3 acres, Sand Bridge State Park is the smallest state park in Pennsylvania.

This 3 acre Union County recreational area was initially acquired by the state in 1905, but it did not become a state park until 1978.

Sand Bridge State Park is located between Mifflinburg to the east and RB Winter State Park to the west. — The park is located between Mifflinburg to the east and RB Winter State Park to the west.

The park is located along Route 192; you can use 13180 Buffalo Rd, Mifflinburg, PA 17844 as the address for your GPS system.

The park is primarily used as a roadside picnic area; the three picnic pavilions there were built by workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression.

The pavilions at Sand Bridge State Park were built by workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s.

Rapid Run is a stocked trout stream that flows through Sand Bridge State Park, essentially cutting it into two even smaller parcels of land.

The stream is spanned by a wooden foot bridge that connects the two halves of the park.

The land that comprises Sand Bridge State Park was purchased by the state in 1905 as part of the White Deer State Forest District.

On the back side of the park, you’ll find restroom facilities on a hill above the picnic pavilions.

Rest rooms on the hill above the picnic pavilions at Sand Bridge State Park. — Rest rooms on the hill above the picnic pavilions.

The entire park is surrounded by the 194,602-acre Bald Eagle State Forest.

Sand Bridge State Park is surrounded by the Bald Eagle State Forest and became a Pennsylvania State park in 1978.

Fall Foliage at Sand Bridge State Park

Visiting Sand Bridge State Park during the fall season is a breathtaking experience as the forest canopy transforms into a vibrant tapestry of red, orange, and yellow hues.

A quaint wooden bridge over a tranquil stream at Sand Bridge State Park in Union County, Pennsylvania. The bridge is framed by a variety of trees with leaves in shades of yellow, orange, and green, indicating early fall. Fallen leaves are scattered across the bridge and the forest floor, adding to the autumnal feel. — The bridge over Rapid Run in October.

The gentle waters of Rapid Run flowing through the park reflect the fiery colors of the trees above in its serene, meandering course.

A peaceful stream meanders through Sand Bridge State Park in Union County, Pennsylvania, reflecting the clear blue sky above. The banks of the stream are lined with stones and fallen logs, amidst a forest of tall trees exhibiting the full splendor of autumn. Leaves in varying shades of yellow, orange, and red create a colorful canopy overhead, with some leaves floating on the water's surface, enhancing the fall atmosphere of this tranquil setting. — Fall foliage reflection on Rapid Run.

The crisp air and the soft rustle of fallen leaves underfoot create a peaceful atmosphere for a late season picnic.

A rustic picnic pavilion in Sand Bridge State Park, Union County, Pennsylvania, set among a forest with autumn colors. The pavilion has a dark brown roof and matching wooden support beams, with open sides for park visitors to enjoy the surrounding nature. The ground is carpeted with dry leaves in shades of brown, orange, and yellow, reflecting the changing season. — Picnic pavilions in October.

The park is an idyllic and easy-to-reach spot for those seeking the full splendor of autumn without a lot of effort.

Fall foliage at the parks entrance along Route 192.

Final Thoughts

Though diminutive in size, Sand Bridge State Park is a giant tapestry of natural splendor, with every inch of it saturated by the lush hues of the forest and the soothing sounds of Rapid Run’s waters.

A serene autumn scene at Sand Bridge State Park in Union County, Pennsylvania, featuring Rapid Run. The stream gently flows over a small cascade surrounded by rocks. Lush green rhododendron bushes contrast with the vibrant yellow and orange hues of the fall foliage. Tall trees with thin trunks rise towards a clear, blue sky, with the sunlight filtering through the canopy, highlighting the natural beauty of the park. — Rapid Run on an October afternoon.

So whether you’re trying to visit all 124 PA state parks, looking for a nice roadside picnic area, or just want to impress your friends and family with your tales of visiting PA’s smallest state park – check out Sand Bridge State Park along Route 192 in Union County!

Sand Bridge State Park is located along Route 192 in Union County Pennsylvania. — Sand Bridge State Park is located along Route 192.

Nearby Attractions

RB Winter State Park is a 695 acre recreational area located in western Union County, near the Centre County line.

Exploring RB Winter State Park in Union County PA. — Scenes from RB Winter State Park.

Hassenplug Covered Bridge is one of five existing historical covered bridges in Union County, and the oldest covered bridge in Pennsylvania!

Exploring the Hassenplug Covered Bridge the oldest covered bridge in PA. — Hassenplug Covered Bridge, the oldest covered bridge in Pennsylvania.

The Mifflinburg Buggy Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the 19th century, preserving the only intact carriage factory complex in the United States.

A collage of four images from the Mifflinburg Buggy Museum. The top left image shows a maroon-seated buggy displayed in the museum's main exhibit area, with informational panels about Mifflinburg's buggy-making history. The top right image captures a tour guide demonstrating how buggy wheels were made using a vintage machine inside the factory. The bottom left image displays a collection of colorful buggies, including a green U.S. Mail buggy, set against a stone wall inside the museum. The bottom right image features the visitor center sign for the Mifflinburg Buggy Museum, under a bright blue sky.

The Abandoned Alvira Munitions Bunkers are located on State Game Lands 252 in Union County, the former site of a munitions factory and explosives depot during WWII.

Inside one of the abandoned Alvira bunkers. — One of the 149 abandoned Alvira bunkers.

Woodward Cave contains 5 large rooms, hundreds of yards of tunnels and passageways, and the largest stalagmite in Pennsylvania!

Exploring Woodward Cave in Centre County PA — Woodward Cave.

The 8 Best Scenic Overlooks in the Bald Eagle State Forest is your guide to 8 fantastic ROADSIDE scenic overlooks in the Bald Eagle State Forest that require no hiking whatsoever!

Chocolate Drop Vista sign along Pine Swamp Road in the Bald Eagle State Forest. — Chocolate Drop Vista along Pine Swamp Road in the Bald Eagle State Forest.

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