{{Short description|State park in Pennsylvania, United States}} {{distinguish|Cowan Lake State Park}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}} {{Infobox park | name = Cowans Gap State Park | image = CGSP Snowy Bridge.jpg | image_caption = A snow-covered bridge at Cowans Gap State Park | image_alt = Winterscape | image_size = 280 | location = [[Fulton County, Pennsylvania|Fulton]] and [[Franklin County, Pennsylvania|Franklin]] counties, [[Pennsylvania]], United States | coordinates = {{coord|39.99478|-77.9249|format=dms|display=inline,title}} | coords_ref = <ref name="cgsp"/> | area = {{convert|1085|acre|abbr=on}}<ref name="cgsp"/> | elevation = {{convert|1204|ft}} | established = 1937 | administrator = [[Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources]] | free_label = Named for | free_data = John and Mary Cowan | visitation_num = | visitation_year = | visitation_ref = | website = {{Official website}} | module = {{Infobox protected area | map = USA Pennsylvania#USA | label = Cowans Gap State Park | label_position = top | map_caption = Location in Pennsylvania | relief = 1 | module = [[List of Pennsylvania state parks|Pennsylvania State Parks]] }} }} '''Cowans Gap State Park''' is a {{convert|1085|acre|adj=on}} [[List of Pennsylvania state parks|Pennsylvania state park]] in [[Todd Township, Fulton County, Pennsylvania|Todd Township]], [[Fulton County, Pennsylvania|Fulton County]] and [[Metal Township, Pennsylvania|Metal Township]], [[Franklin County, Pennsylvania|Franklin County]], [[Pennsylvania]] in the United States. The park is largely surrounded by [[Buchanan State Forest]] in Allens Valley just off [[Pennsylvania Route 75]] near [[Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania|Fort Loudon]].

==History== ===French and Indian War=== The history of Cowans Gap State Park stretches back to the [[French and Indian War]]. At the time the Cowans Gap was on the western frontier of the [[Thirteen Colonies]]. The land to the west was held by the [[New France|French]] and their [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] allies the [[Algonquian peoples|Algonquians]] and [[Wyandot people|Huron]]. The French and British fought for control of the [[Ohio River Valley]], including the area surrounding [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|Pittsburgh]]. British Major General [[Edward Braddock]] led an expedition through southwestern Pennsylvania in 1755. His men built [[Braddock's Road]] from [[Cumberland, Maryland]] to present-day North Braddock. At the same time, Braddock's subordinate, Colonel [[James Burd]] was building [[Burd's Road]] from [[Shippensburg, Pennsylvania|Shippensburg]] to connect with Braddock's Road. Burd's road, built as a supply line, passed through Cowans Gap but was never completed due to Braddock's defeat at the Monongahela. The road ended just past [[Berlin, Pennsylvania|Berlin]].<ref name="cgsp"/> The British again tried to gain control of the Ohio River Valley in 1758, this time under the leadership of General [[John Forbes (British Army officer)|John Forbes]], whose second-in-command was Lieutenant Colonel [[Henry Bouquet]] (Forbes' aide was Colonel [[George Washington]]). They picked up where Burd's Road left off, built the [[Forbes Road]] and ultimately drove the French and their Indian allies out of Western Pennsylvania. Colonel Bouquet used the Forbes Road one more time in 1763 to break the [[siege]] of [[Fort Pitt (Pennsylvania)|Fort Pitt]] during [[Pontiac's Rebellion]].<ref name="cgsp"/>

===The Cowan Homestead=== Cowans Gap is named for John and Mary Cowan, who settled there just after the [[American Revolution]]. The Cowans met in [[Boston, Massachusetts|Boston]] in 1775. John Samuel Cowan was from a [[Loyalist (American Revolution)|Loyalist]] family and Mary Mueller was from a [[Patriot (American Revolution)|Patriot]] family. Cowan reached the rank of [[Major (rank)|Major]] in the British Army during the war, and returned to Boston at the conclusion of the war to ask for Mary's hand in [[marriage]]. The Mueller family forbade the marriage and John and Mary [[elope]]d. At first they settled in [[Chambersburg, Pennsylvania|Chambersburg]], where they lived for a few years before heading out for [[Kentucky]]. Their wagon was disabled while crossing [[Conococheague Creek]] near [[Fort Loudoun (Pennsylvania)|Fort Loudoun]], so John Cowan traded his [[horse]]s and broken wagon to a [[Tuscarora (tribe)|Tuscarora]] [[tribal chief|chief]] for the land that is now known at Cowans Gap. Cowan received a [[smoking pipe]] and [[Cabin rights|tomahawk rights]], which entailed marking a large [[chestnut]] tree on his property with three slashes, as a sign of peace with the Tuscarora. John Cowan secured a deed for the land from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1785. The Cowans built their home along Forbes Road near the present day intersection of Aughwick Road and Stumpy Lane.<ref name="cgsp"/>

===Deforestation=== The [[old-growth forest]]s in and surrounding Cowans Gap State Park were clear cut during the late 18th and early 19th centuries to meet the need for [[charcoal]] at nearby Mount Pleasant [[bloomery|iron furnace]]. [[Charcoal maker|Colliers]] harvested the stands of [[Eastern white pine|white pine]], [[tsuga|hemlock]], and [[hardwood]]s, and made charcoal by stacking timber around large hearths. The hearths were fired by the collier, who tended them for 10 to 14 days until the charcoal was ready. The forests regrew until 1865 when another iron furnace, Richmond Furnace, was built. Once again the timber was harvested and turned into charcoal. The Richmond Furnace was in operation until 1885. The trees that were not cut down for charcoal were ultimately felled by a [[lumber]]ing operation owned by Harrison Kalbach of [[Lebanon, Pennsylvania|Lebanon]]. He bought {{convert|4800|acre}} of woodland that was stripped of all its trees by 1907. The land was left largely barren, covered mostly with dried out tree tops that were burnt to ashes in massive wild fires that were set off by sparks from passing [[steam locomotive]]s. An immense reforestation effort, led by the young men of the [[Civilian Conservation Corps]], began in earnest during the [[Great Depression]].<ref name="cgsp"/>

===Civilian Conservation Corps=== The [[Civilian Conservation Corps]] created by President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] during the Great Depression, provided work for the unemployed from throughout the United States. A CCC camp, Richmond Furnace Camp PA-SP-54, was built at the site of Cowans Gap State Park. At first the young men lived in [[tent]]s, but they soon built [[log cabin|cabin]]s (which are still in use at the park). The young men of the CCC also planted thousands of acres of new trees, built four bridges, {{convert|30|mi}} of state roads, {{convert|32|mi}} of fire trails, and {{convert|11|mi}} of telephone lines. In addition, the CCC also cleared the forests and streams of brush, built [[pavilion]]s, and constructed the [[dam]] that created [[Cowans Gap Lake]]. The park opened to the public in 1937.<ref name="cgsp"/>

==Recreation== [[File:cowansgaplake.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.2|View of the lake from the dam]]

Cowans Gap State Park is open for year-round [[recreation]]. It has extensive [[picnic]] facilities that surround much of Cowans Gap Lake. The park is also open to hiking, cross country skiing, hunting, fishing, [[ice fishing]], [[ice skating]], and boating.<ref name="cgsp">{{cite web |url=https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/cowans-gap-state-park |title=Cowans Gap State Park |publisher=Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |access-date=2025-12-28}}</ref>

===Trails=== Cowans Gap State Park has {{convert|13|mi}} of trails open year-round to [[hiking]] and in some places [[cross-country skiing]].<ref name="cgsptrails">{{cite web |url=https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/cowans-gap-state-park/hiking |title=Cowans Gap State Park: Hiking |publisher=Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |access-date=2025-12-28}}</ref>

* '''Cameron Trail''' ({{convert|0.5|mi|m}}) is a "difficult" trail on the southern boundary of the park that ends atop [[Cove Mountain (Fulton County, Pennsylvania)|Cove Mountain]].<ref name="cgsptrails"/> * '''Geyer Trail''' ({{convert|0.5|mi|m}}) is a "difficult" trail. It begins at Aughwick Road near the [[dam]] on Cowans Gap Lake and ascends [[Tuscarora Mountain]], passing through patches of [[Kalmia latifolia|mountain laurel]] before it connects with [[Tuscarora Trail]].<ref name="cgsptrails"/> * '''Logging Road Trail''' ({{convert|1.7|mi}}) is an "easy" trail. This trail passes around the base of Cove Mountain and connects with many of the other trails in the park. Logging Road Trail is especially popular with cross country skiers and can be reached from Parking Lot #7 by using Ski Trail.<ref name="cgsptrails"/> * '''Horseshoe Trail''' ({{convert|0.6|mi|m}}) is a "very difficult" trail. This trail is very steep and is for experienced hikers only. Horseshoe Trail passes over loose stone on steep slopes as it ascends Cove Mountain and ends at Knobsville Road Trail.<ref name="cgsptrails"/> * '''Knobsville Road Trail''' ({{convert|1.3|mi}}) is a "moderate" trail. It follows an old road constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and also ascends Cove Mountain. It passes by a [[landslide]] exhibit, an old [[incinerator]] that was built and used by the CCC, and provides access to the park overlook. The trail intersects with Horseshoe Trail before it ends in Buchanan State Forest.<ref name="cgsptrails"/> * '''One Mile Trail''' is not one mile (1.6&nbsp;km), but rather only a {{convert|0.4|mi|m|adj=on}} "easy" trail. One Mile Trail gets its name because it is one mile (1.6&nbsp;km) from Parking Lot #3 on Aughwick Road.<ref name="cgsptrails"/> * '''Plessinger Trail''' ({{convert|1.1|mi}}) is a "moderate" difficulty trail. Is a rocky trail that follows the banks of [[Little Aughwick Creek]], providing excellent access to the creek for fishermen.<ref name="cgsptrails"/> * '''Ski Trail''' ({{convert|0.2|mi|m}}) is an "easy" spur trail that connects Parking Lot #7 with Logging Road Trail.<ref name="cgsptrails"/> * '''Three Mile Trail''' is {{convert|1.1|mi}} long, not three miles (5&nbsp;km); it is a "moderate" trail. It is three miles (5&nbsp;km) down Aughwick Road from Parking Lot #3. Three Mile Trail passes through patches of mountain laurel along the side of Tuscarora Mountain.<ref name="cgsptrails"/> * '''[[Tuscarora Trail]]''' is a spur trail to the [[Appalachian Trail]]. It passes through Cowans Gap State Park for {{convert|2|mi}}.<ref name="cgsptrails"/> * '''[[Forbes Trail]]''' is a [[backpacking (wilderness)|backpacking]] trail that passes through much of southern Pennsylvania. The trailheads are near Carlisle in the east and Pittsburgh in the west. Forbes Trail passes through Cowans Gap State Park, but is not primarily used by park visitors, but rather by backpackers who are passing through.<ref name="cgsptrails"/>

===Cowans Gap Lake=== [[Image:CGSP Snowy Lake.jpg|thumb|Cowans Gap Lake in the winter]] Cowans Gap Lake ({{convert|42|acre}}) was created by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression by damming [[Little Aughwick Creek]]. The lake is open for recreational [[fishing]], [[human swimming|swimming]] and [[boating]], as well as ice skating and ice fishing at Cowans Gap State Park. Visitors are asked to use caution in winter as the thickness of the ice is not monitored by the park staff (except in the ice skating area located near the beach).<ref name="cgsp"/>

Fishermen visit the lake in pursuit of [[trout]], [[bass (fish)|bass]], [[panfish]] and [[perch]]. Little Aughwick Creek is a trout fishery. All anglers are expected to follow the rules and regulations of the [[Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission]].<ref name="cgsp"/>

Beginning in 2008 lifeguards will not be posted at the beach.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesleader.com/news/ap?articleID=384046 |title=Pa. state parks going without life guards at beaches in 2008 |access-date=2008-02-16 |publisher=[[Times Leader]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007235840/http://www.timesleader.com/news/ap?articleID=384046 |archive-date=October 7, 2008 }}</ref> The beach is open from 11:00 am until 7:00 pm. A food concession at the beach sells [[pizza]], [[funnel cake]], [[french fries]], soft serve [[ice cream]], [[soft drinks]] and many other snacks.<ref name="cgsp"/>

Gas powered boats are prohibited on Cowans Gap Lake. Electric powered and non-powered boats must have a current registration with any state. A concession at the lake is open during the summer months for the renting of [[row boats|row]] and paddle boats.<ref name="cgsp"/>

===Hunting=== There are about {{convert|630|acre}} of woods open to hunting at Cowans Gap State Park. Hunters are expected to follow the rules and regulations of the [[Pennsylvania Game Commission]]. The common game species are [[Eastern Grey Squirrel|squirrel]]s, [[white-tailed deer]], and [[Wild turkey|turkeys]]. The hunting of [[groundhog]]s is prohibited. Hunters may access the adjoining [[Buchanan State Forest]] by using the parking lots at Cowans Gap State Park and hiking in on the trails.

==Staying overnight== ===Camping=== The [[campground]] at Cowans Gap State Park opens in mid April at the beginning of trout season and closes in mid December at the conclusion of deer season. The campground has 224 sites, in two areas, that have enough room for any camping equipment from a tent to a large [[RV]]. The area has modern restrooms with flush [[toilet]]s and hot showers. A large area within the campground is reserved for large group camping such as the [[Scouting in Pennsylvania|Boy Scouts]].

===Cabins=== There are 10 rustic [[cottage#Cottages in Canada and the U.S.|cabin]]s built during the Great Depression by the CCC. These cabins have three rooms with a four-person overnight capacity. They are equipped with a refrigerator, stove, fireplace and two [[bunk bed]]s, but no indoor plumbing. A centrally located modern restroom with hot showers is nearby.<ref name=nrhpdoc>{{cite report|type=none|url=https://catalog.archives.gov/id/71992971 |title=National Register of Historic Places Registration: Pennsylvania MPS Cowans Gap State Park Family Cabin District|publisher=National Archives and Records Administration |author= John Milner Assocs.|date= October 1986| access-date=December 21, 2025 }} ({{NationalArchivesNote}})</ref>

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} {{Portal|Pennsylvania}} *[https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/cowans-gap-state-park Cowans Gap State Park] Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources * {{cite web |url=https://elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov/GetDocument?docId=1737695&DocName=COWA_ParkMap.pdf |title=Cowans Gap State Park official map}}&nbsp;{{small|(635&nbsp;KB)}} {{Protected Areas of Pennsylvania}}

{{authority control}} {{National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania}}

[[Category:State parks of Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Protected areas established in 1937]] [[Category:Civilian Conservation Corps in Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Parks in Fulton County, Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Parks in Franklin County, Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Campgrounds in Pennsylvania]] [[Category:1937 establishments in Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Protected areas of Fulton County, Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Protected areas of Franklin County, Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania]] [[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Fulton County, Pennsylvania]]