Nearby Attractions to Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area
Information about Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area’s nearby attractions is available from the Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau.
Explore the Area
The borough of Blain is located in central Perry County, approximately 40 miles west of the state capital -- Harrisburg. The region is known for its forests and related timber products.
Learn about some of the area businesses and things to do from the Perry County Chamber of Commerce.
Nearby State Parks and Forests
Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area is close to several state parks and one state forest, where visitors can enjoy recreation, education, and other activities.
Tuscarora State Forest
The 96,025-acre Tuscarora State Forest covers the narrow valleys and steep, rocky ridges of the ridge and valley region of Pennsylvania. These fertile, well-watered sites are ideal for growing majestic oak and hemlock forests. The Hemlocks Natural Area is within the forest.
Outdoor recreation opportunities in Tuscarora State Forest include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, boating, fishing, hunting, and camping.
Fowlers Hollow State Park
The 104-acre Fowlers Hollow State Park is located in a narrow valley created by Fowler Hollow Run. Fowlers Hollow State Park is a trailhead for a variety of hiking trails within, and connecting to, the extensive trail system in Tuscarora State Forest.
Other recreational activities include mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, fishing, hunting, and camping.
Cowans Gap State Park
The 1,085-acre Cowans Gap State Park is located in the beautiful Allens Valley of Fulton County. The park features a 42-acre lake for recreation, rustic cabins, and many hiking trails.
Buchanan State Forest surrounds the park, providing additional options for recreation and natural beauty in all seasons.
Colonel Denning State Park
The 273-acre Colonel Denning State Park is located in north-central Cumberland County. The park features a 3.5-acre lake and serves as the gateway to the 96,000-acre Tuscarora State Forest, which surrounds the park.
Recreational activities include hiking, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, and camping.