Warriors Path State Park

The 349-acre Warriors Path State Park lies very near the famous path used by the Iroquois in raids and wars with the Cherokees and other American Indians in southern Pennsylvania. The park is a seasonal day use area open from mid-April through the end of October. At other times of the year, visitors must park near the main gate and walk into the park. This finger of land is bounded on three sides by the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River, which empties into Raystown Lake approximately one mile downstream. The unique shape of the park was formed as a result of river meandering. This section of the river exhibits some of the best examples of natural stream meandering in the state.

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Directions - Weather  - Recreation  - Winter Report  - Environmental Education  - Accessibility  - History  - Wildlife Watching   - Nearby Attractions  - Volunteers  - Rules and Regs  - In an Emergency  - Contact Us  - Downloadables and Maps

Park Advisories

Directions

The park is in Liberty Township, Bedford County, about two miles south of the Borough of Saxton on Warriors Path Park Road.

Recreational Opportunities

Hiking  - Picnicking  - Boating  - Fishing  - Hunting  - Wildlife Watching  - Cross-country Skiing 

Boating: A boat ramp for canoes, rafts and small boats is available as a take out or launch site for floating the river. Boating or rafting can be enjoyed during the spring or late fall. The water level of the river is usually too shallow for summer boating.

Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks that are available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

For complete information on boating rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Fishing: The Raystown Branch of the Juniata River provides excellent fishing opportunities for smallmouth bass, rock bass, muskellunge, walleye, catfish, eel, carp and sucker. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission laws apply.

For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Picnicking: Numerous picnic tables lie throughout the park. There are two, reservable picnic pavilions, with nearby restrooms. Pavilion # 2 and its adjacent restroom are accessible. Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations. Make a reservation

Hiking: 3 miles of trails
The trails traverse through woods and field areas with the degree of difficulty ranging from easy to moderate. Please wear fluorescent orange when hiking during hunting seasons.

Cross-country Skiing About six miles of cross-country ski trails traverse through woods and field areas with the degree of difficulty ranging from easy to moderate. Explore the Winter Report for current snow and ice depths.

Hunting and Firearms: Excluding posted safety zones, all of Warriors Path State Park is open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, pheasant, rabbit, grouse and squirrel.

Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day to March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for ADA accessible hunting information.

Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's car, trailer or leased campsite. The only exception is that law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms may carry said firearm concealed on their person while they are within the park.

For complete information on hunting rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission Web site.

Environmental Education and Interpretation

Numerous trails provide easy access to unique areas that can be observed and studied alone or through special request programs as park staff is available. A variety of old fields, wetlands and woodlands invite exploration.

Explore environmental education and interpretation for more information.

Access for People with Disabilities

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.

Wildlife Watching

Several unique habitats exist as a result of the river carving it’s way through the land. A fresh water swamp follows the long axis of the park adjacent to the river bottomland. Also, across the river from the swamp is an excellent example of weathered shale cliffs with unique trees, plants, and animals associated with this environment.

River otter have been released at various sites along the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River, near the park. Ruffed Grouse nest in brushy areas and turkey frequent old fields. A fresh water swamp is great habitat for nesting wood duck and mallard. Fence lizards are often seen along the abandoned railroad corridor near the park gate.

History

The 349-acre Warriors Path State Park lies very near the famous path used by the Iroquois in raids and wars with the Cherokees and other American Indians in southern Pennsylvania. Various tracts of land for the park were donated beginning in 1959. The park was dedicated in the summer of 1965.

Nearby Attractions

Within a 15-mile radius of the park are many other recreational attractions:

Trough Creek State Park: This 554-acre park is 12 miles northeast of Warriors Path State Park in Huntingdon County and contains three outstanding geological features; the Ice Mine, Balanced Rock and Copperas Rock. Hiking, camping, picnicking and fishing are popular in this park.

Rothrock State Forest: This state forest is in Huntingdon County and provides 90,000 acres of woodland, which offers opportunities for hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and general outdoor recreation. 814-643-2340

Raystown Lake Recreation Area: This U. S. Army Corps of Engineers area, in Huntingdon and Bedford Counties, encompasses 29,300 acres and features the 8,300-acre Raystown Lake. The lake is about 30 miles long and has 19 different developed public use areas for boating, camping and sightseeing, 814-558-3405. raystown.nab.usace.army.mil

State Game Lands: State Game Land 73 is near the intersection of PA 164 and PA 26. It provides 20,815 acres of public hunting land. State game lands 67 and 261 provide a combined total of 8,646 acres of excellent hunting grounds and general recreation area. 877-877-9107

For a Heritage Guide of the tour route and local attractions, contact: Bedford County Conference and Visitor Bureau, 800-765-3331, www.bedfordcounty.net and
The Alleghenies www.thealleghenies.com.

In an Emergency

Contact a park employee or dial 911.
For directions to the nearest hospital, look on bulletin boards or at the park office.

Nearest Hospital:
Nason Hospital
105 Nason Drive
Roaring Spring, PA 16673
814-224-2141

For More Information Contact

Warriors Path State Park
c/o Trough Creek
James Creek, PA 16657-9302
814-658-3847
Manager: Steve Volgstadt

E-mail: troughcreeksp@state.pa.us
An equal opportunity employer

Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations.