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Pennsylvania
209

Pennsylvania State Parks

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Pennsylvania
South-Central Region
Colonel Denning State Park
Picnic Table © stateparks.com
It is always a great day for a picnic in the park.
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COLONEL DENNING STATE PARK
COLONEL DENNING STATE PARK
1599 Doubling Gap Rd.
Newville, Pennsylvania   17241

Phone: 717-776-5272
Toll Free: 888-727-2757
Reservations: 888-727-2757
Email: park email button icon
Colonel Denning State Park, in north central Cumberland County, is in Doubling Gap, so named by the ?S? turn where Blue Mountain doubles back on itself. This feature may be seen from the Doubling Gap Vista in adjacent Tuscarora State Forest. The park has 273 acres of woodland and a 3.5-acre lake.
History of the Area
William Denning, (1737-1830) American Revolution veteran for whom the park is named, was never a colonel but he is deserving of a place in history for his manufacturing of wrought iron cannons. William Denning served his country as a sergeant from March 1778 to April 1780 in Nathaniel Irish?s Company of Artillery Artificers in Benjamin Flower?s Regiment. Denning was stationed just outside of Carlisle, PA at Washingtonburg Forge, now Carlisle Barracks. The forge provided armaments for the Continental Army, including cannons. It is at this forge that William Denning made wrought iron cannons in a process of welding gads (strips) of wrought iron in successive layers to produce a cannon lighter and better able to resist failure during firing than cast iron cannons.

Unfortunately, none of Denning?s cannons survive today. Historical documents help us imagine from what Denning?s cannons looked like. It is also not known when or who added the ?colonel? to Sergeant William Denning?s name. After the Revolution, William Denning lived out his life near Newville, PA and is interred with his only son and daughter in the Big Spring Presbyterian Church in Newville. His monument reads ?Blacksmith and Forger of Wrought Iron Cannon.?

The park became a state recreational area about 1930, under the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, and was developed formally in 1936 through the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp S-111 in Perry County.
Camping
Camping: rustic sites

The 52-site, tent and trailer campground is open from the opening day of trout season to the day after deer season in December. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, and are near non-flush toilets and a sanitary dump station.
Meeting Rooms
An environmental interpretor offers ecological and historical walks and programs, audiovisual programs, campfires, environmental education activities and youth programs during the summer season. A visitor center, exhibiting plants, animals and minerals found in the park, is open during the summer season.
Nearby Accommodations
businesss listing main photo
BBs / Inns
Enjoy casual and comfortable, country elegance and delicious breakfasts in this 200 year old brick farmhouse situated on 10 acres. We are located near the Appalachian Trail and numerous outdoor activities which include world-class fly fishing. We are less than 5 miles away from the The US Army Heritage and Education Center and many Carlisle collector car events throughout the year.
16.3 miles from park*
Swimming
The sand beach is open from late-May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to sunset. Swim at your own risk. A snack bar near the beach is open during the summer season.
Boating
The park offers a 3.5-acre lake, Doubling Gap Lake, where visitors can engage in boating activities. Non-powered boats and electric motorboats are allowed on the water; however, they must have proper registration with state authorities before use. Boat rental services are not available within the park so guests need to bring their own equipment for any boating activity.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in the 3.5-acre Doubling Gap Lake, home to trout, bass and panfish species. The lake is stocked with brook and rainbow trout twice a year by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission for an exciting angling experience. For fly-fishing enthusiasts, there's also a section of Raccoon Creek designated as Catch-and-Release Fly-Fishing only area where you can catch native brown trout.



Picnicking
This wooded park has over 200 picnic tables and a limited number of charcoal grills. There are two picnic pavilions that may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis. Play equipment is near Picnic Pavilion #1.
Trails
Hiking: 18 miles of trails

The 2.5-mile Flat Rock Trail rises to Flat Rock, a beautiful scenic vista of the Cumberland Valley. The one-mile, self-guiding Doubling Gap Trail is a moderate hike. The Hiking and Nature Trail Guide is available at the park office and has a map and detailed description of the hiking trails in the park and surrounding forest lands.

In addition to the 18 miles of hiking trails, the park is a trailhead for the 105-mile Tuscarora Trail.

Cross-country Skiing:

While there is no formal cross-country skiing trail system, skiing is permitted on existing roads and trails and in all areas of the park. Terrain is moderately hilly to mountainous.
Birding
The park offers a variety of birding opportunities with over 100 species spotted. The diverse habitats, including hardwood forests and wetlands, attract different types of birds throughout the year. Birdwatchers can spot warblers in spring or raptors during fall migration. Winter brings sightings of woodpeckers and finches while summer is ideal for spotting flycatchers, vireos, thrushes among others.
Area Attractions
Carlisle, Harrisburg, Gettysburg, York and Chambersburg are all within a one-hour drive of the park and accessible over major roadways. For more information on nearby attractions, contact Pennsylvania?s Capital Region Vacation Bureau, 800-995-0969.

Scenic Views: There are three scenic views on nearby state forest lands that can be reached by vehicle. Contact the park office for the locations of vistas.

Tuscarora State Forest: Over 30,000 acres of state forest lands are adjacent to, and northwest of the park. These lands are open to the public. There are many scenic and historical features throughout these areas. 717-536-3191

Hemlocks Natural Area: This stand of old growth hemlock is about 20 miles from the park near New Germantown, Perry County. Information can be obtained by contacting Tuscarora State Forest.

State Game Land 169: Several thousand acres of State Game Land 169 are within ten miles of the park. These lands are primarily managed for upland game animals and deer. These lands lie between PA Routes 641 and 997 about five miles southwest of the park. 877-877-9107

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
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Area Campgrounds
Dogwood Acres Campground
4500 Enola Road
Newville, PA
717-776-5203
Paradise Stream Family Campground
PO Box 124
Loysville, PA
717-789-2117
Western Village RV Park Inc
200 Greenview Drive
Carlisle, PA
717-243-1179
Wildwood RV Resort
7310 Horse Valley Road
East Waterford, PA
717-734-0144
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
The park is eight miles north of Newville and nine miles south of Landisburg, along PA 233.

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Pennsylvania
209

Pennsylvania State Parks

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