Sinnemahoning State Park, in Cameron County, is nestled between the green-shouldered ridges and the scenic steep valleys of Pennsylvania’s Elk and Susquehannock State Forests. The park is long and narrow and includes land on both sides of First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek, which is a major tributary to the Sinnemahoning Creek. At the southern end of the park, a 145-acre reservoir created by the George B. Stevenson dam provides excellent fishing and water recreation opportunities. The park encompasses 1,910 acres of beautiful scenery and an abundance of wildlife providing visitors with opportunities to see elk, bald eagles, coyotes, osprey, whitetail deer, waterfowl, and bobcats. Don’t miss out on the state-of-the-art interpretive exhibits and fun outdoor programs at the park’s Wildlife Center. The park’s geographic location makes it an excellent starting point for visitors to explore other treasures of Pennsylvania’s Great Outdoor region.
We visited with the new Park Manager Tyler Ickes to learn more about him and Sinnemahoning State Park. He grew up in Bedford County near Blue Knob on a small family farm that fostered his passion for the outdoors, fishing, and hunting. While visiting Sinnemahoning State Park and Cameron County many times for outdoor fun Tyler fell in love with area.
Ickes attended Mount Aloysius College majoring in Biology with a concentration on Environmental Science. After graduating, Tyler knew that he wanted to work outdoors and be in nature and started thinking about a DCNR Park Ranger position. He worked several years at a black top plant but never gave up on his dream. In 2020 he enrolled in the Shawnee State Park Ranger Training program. In August of 2023 Tyler accepted the Manager Training Program at Sinnemahoning State Park and in July of 2024 was named the new manager at Sinnemahoning State Park.
When asked what makes Sinnemahoning special, he replied, “The seclusion and endless opportunities for outdoor fun that the park offers.”
Please tell us more about the Wildlife Center here at the park. “It functions as a hub for visitors to explore the park and the region. It features interactive displays, a classroom, daily movies, information about the park and surrounding areas, and is great place for visitors to ask questions.”
What are some of the programs that the park staff offer for visitors? “Women in the Wilds with summer and winter outings, environmental and wildlife education, guided hikes, cross-country skiing, paddling adventures, pontoon rides, eagle and elk watches, events, and festivals.”
What is one of the challenges you will face as the new park manager? “The park staff is responsible for the operation of the dam. Learning the operations of the dam will be a challenge that I look forward to.”
What are some of your goals for 2025? “Learning the workings of the park and finishing the 40 Maples Project. It is a three-year project. White spruce in that area died off and have been cut and chipped. In April of 2024 we held a prescribed burn. During the summer of 2024 the larger remaining wood was gathered into piles and burned. In the spring of 2025, we will be planting native grasses and wild flowers for the new wildlife viewing area.”
Finally, can you give us a hidden gem in the park? “That would be the wildlife viewing blind off the Lowlands Trail.”
Sinnemahoning State Park Office/Wildlife Center hours:
- January 1 to February 28- Monday to Saturday, 8am-4pm, closed on Sundays and New Year’s Day.
- March 1 to March 31- 7 days-a-week, 8am-4pm
- April 1 to October 31- 7 days-a-week, 8am-6pm
- November 1 to December 31- 7 days-a-week, 8am-4pm
- Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
- Overnight areas and other areas are open specific seasons and hours.
Contact the park office for facility seasons and hours at 814-647-8401.
