Black Moshannon State Park Trails

According to local tradition, American Indians called this watershed "Moss-Hanne," meaning "moose stream," thus the origin of the park's name. Appropriately, the "black" in the park name describes the tea-colored waters. The 250-acre Black Moshannon Lake is fed by clear springs and small streams which flow through the bogs that stretch in most directions from its shores. As the clear water flows through sphagnum moss and other wetland plants, it becomes colored by plant tannins. In a sense, the bog vegetation acts like a giant teabag to color the water. Seneca, Indian, Bog and Hay Road trails and a short section of the Moss-Hanne Trail are connected, making them suitable for loop hikes. Most trails are marked with a distinct color paint blaze and shape. Explore the hemlock-birch forests and woodlands of cherry and oak on the Sleepy Hollow Trail. Many of the trails are recommended for spring wildflowers. Look for evidence of a 1984 selective timber cut. Harvested trees were killed by years of gypsy moth defoliation. New growth provides good food and cover for turkey, deer and songbirds.