“Enjoy the Scenic Lake”
Cowans Gap State Park is a 1,085-acre park in the beautiful Allens Valley of Fulton County. A 42-acre lake, large campground, rustic cabins and many hiking trails are prime attractions. State forest land surrounds the park, providing additional land for recreation and natural beauty in all seasons. The French and Indian War began in 1754 as the French and British fought for the Ohio River Valley, which included western Pennsylvania. Key to the control of the area was the Forks of the Ohio (Pittsburgh), which was held by the French. In 1755, British Major General Edward Braddock carved a new road from Cumberland, Maryland, towards the Forks. To carry additional supplies to Braddock’s army, Colonel James Burd began a road from Shippensburg that was planned to reach Braddock’s forces at Turkey Foot (Confluence, Pa.). Burd’s Road climbed Tuscarora Mountain by passing through an unnamed gap that eventually became named Cowans Gap. Braddock’s army was defeated and Burd’s Road was never completed past Berlin, Somerset County. In 1758, the British again sent a campaign toward the Forks of the Ohio. General John Forbes, along with his aide Colonel George Washington and second in command Lieutenant Colonel Henry Bouquet, carved a new road (Forbes Road) that followed Burd’s Road through Bedford County then headed due west to the Forks of the Ohio. General Forbes drove the French out of Pennsylvania. In 1763, Colonel Henry Bouquet again used Forbes Road to break the siege of Fort Pitt during Pontiac’s War.
We enjoyed our brief stay at Cowans Gap State Park. Large campground with a variety of different types of camping options, mostly wooded and shady. Beautiful lake surrounded by mountains; fishing, boating, beach, and picnicking all available.
Beautiful area to camp.
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Area B - Cowans Gap State Park
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
- Affiliation
- State park or forest
- Sites Count
- 36
- Standard Tent Sites Count
- 7
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Sites
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Showers
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Fifty Amp
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Tent Sites
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Standard Tent Sites
Campground
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