Hiking the Bog Trail in Black Moshannon State Park in Centre County, PA

Tucked away in Black Moshannon State Park in Centre County, you’ll find one of PA’s most fascinating and beautiful trails: the Bog Trail.

The Bog Trail is located along the western shores of Black Moshannon Lake, and, despite being only 0.3 miles in length, it’s a spot that you definitely won’t want to miss.

Black Moshannon State Park is a nearly 3,500-acre park in Centre County, PA, a short distance northwest of State College and just to the west of the Allegheny Front.

The park is home to a unique bog that wasn’t created by glacial activity as most around the world are. The park’s original bog was largely flooded by the damming of the lake in the 1930s, but a sizable bog has formed along the edge of the lake over the last 100 years.

This is protected as the Black Moshannon Bog Natural Area.

Much of this 1,600-acre bog is inaccessible by land, but the Bog Trail features a fantastic boardwalk that allows visitors to walk through a portion of the bog just outside of this protected area. This is definitely one of my favorite trails near State College.

What’s great about this boardwalk is that it’s not only stunningly beautiful, but it’s also fully accessible, meaning that anyone can do it. Don’t come here looking for a challenging hike, but if you love unique environments and natural beauty, it’s one not to miss.

The Boardwalk Trail is best accessed from Boat Launch 3, which can be found near the end of Westside Road. There is an ample parking area here at the following coordinates: 40.901389, -78.057806.

You can also use address for one of the nearby cabins, which will get you close to the parking area: 662 Westside Rd, Philipsburg, PA 16866.

From the parking area, the Bog Trail passes through a very short section of trees before officially entering into the bog area.

I’m not an expert on plants, but even I was able to tell that the ones along the Bog Trail are different than what you find in most spots. This is because of the low-oxygen water in the bog, and the micro-climate in the park allowing plants to thrive that normally are only found further north.

These include a wide variety of leatherleaf, sedges, blueberries, and even carnivorous plants. During my walks along the trail, I’ve seen several pitcher plants, which are one type of carnivorous plant found in the area.

I’ve also been told this this is a great spot to visit for blueberries in the summertime, and you are even allowed to pick them for personal consumption. I’ve visited in the spring and fall, and I think I see a summertime visit in my future!

Another notable feature along the Bog Trail are the stumps in the water.

Believe it or not, these stumps were cut over 100 years ago when the land around the park was clearcut for the lumber industry. The low-oxygen in the water has preserved them, and they are now really cool focal points along the trail, and one of my personal favorite photo subjects in the park.

However, probably the best spot along the Bog Trail is the viewing platform that you’ll find toward the end of the boardwalk. From here, you have a great view of the lake, which is very dark in color because of the tannins in the bog that dye the water. I’m also told that this is a great birding spot for those into that sort of thing.

Definitely take a few minutes to stop here and enjoy the view and read some of the interesting signs that are found on the viewing platform. These signs, which you’ll also find in other spots along the trail, offer a wealth of knowledge about Black Moshannon’s bog and the wildlife found in the park.

Just beyond the viewing platform, the Bog Trail comes to an end. From here you have three options.

Option one is to retrace your steps along the boardwalk to return to your car. This option provides the best views and is the only one that is fully handicap-accessible. 

Option two is to make a loop by following Westside Road back to your car. This option is a bit shorter than retracing your steps, and while you are walking on the road, this is a dead-end road that only leads to a few houses, so you’re unlikely to see any cars driving it. Plus, it gives you the chance to appreciate the different vegetation on the edge of the bog.

The third option is to continue your hike by taking the Moss-Hanne Trail, which starts at the end of the boardwalk trail. There are several options here for medium and long loops, including a backpacking trip on the Allegheny Front Trail, or simply an out-and-back hike.

I’ve never taken this option, though, so I can’t personally comment on it beyond noting its existence on the park’s map.

Overall, whatever option you choose, the Bog Trail is a really fabulous hike, and, if you take one of the first two options listed above for your return, it’s an easy hike of only about half a mile, making it a great option for everyone in your group.

So, the next time you find yourself in or near Black Moshannon State Park, make sure to hike this great trail.

Looking for more things to do nearby? Check out the ruins of Scotia, the best craft breweries near State College, and the Pennsylvania Military Museum.