Nearby Attractions to Blue Knob State Park

Information about Blue Knob State Park’s nearby attractions is available from the Bedford County Visitors Bureau, the Johnstown and Cambria County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and The Alleghenies.

Explore the Area

Blue Knob State Park is located near Imler, Pa. Imler is located approximately 30 miles from Johnstown and Altoona. The region is marked by forests, mountains, and agricultural areas, as well as numerous small towns and mid-sized cities.

Learn about some of the area businesses and things to do from the Greater Johnstown Cambria County Chamber of Commerce.

Nearby State Parks and Forests

Blue Knob State Park is close to two state parks and one state forest, where visitors can enjoy recreation, education, and other activities.

Gallitzen State Forest

The 24,370-acre Gallitzin State Forest is located in Somerset, Bedford, Cambria, and Indiana counties. Much of Gallitzin rests on the Allegheny Front and the Laurel Ridge.

Outdoor recreation opportunities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, fishing, hunting, camping, skiing, and snowmobiling.

Shawnee State Park

The 3,983-acre Shawnee State Park is located in Pennsylvania’s scenic Ridge and Valley Province. A focal point of the park is the 451-acre Shawnee Lake.
Recreational activities at Shawnee State Park include hiking, biking, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, disc golfing, and camping.

Prince Gallitzen State Park

At Prince Gallitzin State Park, the forested hills of the Allegheny Plateau cradle sprawling Glendale Lake. Vistas offer scenic views of the 1,635-acre lake with its 26 miles of shoreline, which is a favorite of anglers and boaters.

Campers flock to the large campground and also enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities such as biking, horseback riding, disc golfing, and orienteering.

Other Nearby Outdoor Spaces and Natural Places

Several state game lands are near the state park, including 26, 41, and 73A. The Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark is 30 miles to the north, and the southern end of Raystown Lake Recreation Area is an approximately 30-minute drive away.

Pennsylvania Heritage Area

Heritage Areas protect, enhance, and promote Pennsylvania’s historic, natural, cultural, and scenic resources.

The Allegheny Ridge Heritage Area is a geographical phenomenon that rises steeply to 1200 feet above sea level, which in the early 19th century, presented a nearly impassable transportation challenge. Those natural barriers of the past have turned into modern playgrounds for outdoor recreationalists.