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SHORT SERIES ROUTE 27.2 Miles ~ 1,642 Feet of Elevation Aid Station @ 15 Miles

Race #2 in the Pennsylvania Gravel Series will be our 6th Annual Parker Dam Gravel Grinder. Even though this is called the Parker Dam Gravel Grinder, we host the event out of its sister park, the SB Elliott State Park. Registration will open on Monday, December 8, 2025, 9:00 AM! We will be offering discounts on registration when you register for four or more series races. This discount will end March 15, 2026. For more race information, you can go to the race page on our website at www.trans-sylvaniaproductions.com/pdgg For more information on our series, you can go to our website at www.trans-sylvaniaproductions.com/pgs

This time we will be hiking the Trail of the New Giants at Parker Dam State Park in Penfield. my goal is to have everyone home in time (curwensville area) to get dressed and ready for the Halloween parade. we will meet in the parking lot closest to the trail at 845ish hoping to start right at 9 so we can enjoy ourselves without rushing to get back

 

Friday, August 29 What is a Woodhick Anyhow? 7:30 PM—Campground Amphitheater  How much wood would a Woodhick Hick???  But seriously what is a Woodhick anyhow? Join us to learn what the Woodhick weekend is all about, who Woodhicks were and some of the timbering heritage right here at Parker Dam.    Saturday, August 30 Logslide/Stumpfield Trail Hike 10:00 AM—Quehanna Trailhead Enjoy this guided hike along the Logslide and Stumpfield Trail loop.  Park history will be shared and how it sculpted the forest we have today.  We will also digest how our current impacts might influence the forests of the future.  Bring water and wear comfortable shoes. Log Drive! 1:00 PM—Beach  Bring your sand buckets and meet the naturalist on the beach to conduct a scale-model log drive, much as they did to move logs in the 1870s & ‘80’s. Night Eyes Hike  8:30 PM—Campground Amphitheater  Have you ever seen the shine from an animal’s eyes at night? Join us to find out why that happens and some of the other adaptations that wildlife has for seeing at night. After a short talk on how and why eye shine occurs join park staff for a short hike up Stumpfield trail to see if we can find any wildlife to look for eyeshine. Bring a flashlight or headlamp along, red light preferred but not necessary.  Non-Denominational Sunday Services Sundays at 10:30 AM Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, nondenominational services will be held at the campground amphitheater on: In case of rain, services will be moved to the Environmental Education Classroom. Sunday, August 31 WOODHICK GAMES 1:00 PM—Above Cabin Road Registration opens at noon, with the competition beginning at 1:00 PM.  All the usual events: log rolling, crosscut sawing, and so on.  Vie for the coveted Woodhick (or Woodchick) of the Year by having the lowest score (think golf).  Participate and learn, or simply watch other Woodhicks as they compete—and cheer on your favorite.hicks. 

Wednesday - Friday July 17th-19th  DiscoverE-Outdoor Explorers  10-NOON (must register to participate)  Contact Park office to register (814) 765-0630 Friday July 19th 8:15 pm Hoo's There? Owls of Penn's Woods Campground Ampitheater  Saturday July 20  Worm Wagon- 6:00 pm Campground  Moth Watch- 9:30 pm  Pavilion 3  Sunday July 21  Non-Demominational Sunday Service-10:30 am  Campground Amphitheater  Tea & Talk- 7:00 pm  Beach House Steps (bring your own cup) 

Wednesday July 24 Used-to-Be Hike-10:00 am  Meet in front of park office  Thursday July 25 Archery Basics-10:00 am  Office Classroom  Friday July 26 From Stump to Ship-8:30 pm  Campground Amphitheater  Saturday July 27  Log Drive!-3:00 pm  Beach  Woodsmen and River Drivers -8:30 pm Campground Amphitheater  Sunday July 28  Non-Denominational Sunday Service-10:30 am  Campground Amphitheater  Tea & Talk-7:00 pm  Beach House Steps (bring your own cup)     

Interpretive Schedule of Events for August 23-25, 2024 Friday, August 23 Things Naturalists Do  8:30 PM - Campground Amphitheater  Saturday, August 24 Backyard Sugaring 12:30 PM - Sugar Shack  Saturday, August 24 - Continued Aquatic Embodiment 3:00 PM - Beach  Forests & Fungi  8:30 PM - Camgound Amphitheater  Sunday, August 25 Tea & Talk  7:00 PM - Beach House Steps Bring your own cup!   

Thursday, August 29 Little Critters Story Time  10:00 Am - EE Classroom  Friday, August 30 Wetland Walk 7:00 PM - Small side of lake near the concession building  Saturday, August 31 Hike Beaver Dam Trail 9:00 AM - In front of Park Office  What is a Woodhick? 6:30 PM - Field above cabin road Sunday, September 1 Woodhick Games 1:00 PM - Above Cabin Road   

Interpretive Schedule of Events fo: May 23-25,2025 Friday, May 23 Beaver Watch 7:30 pm -Ball Field Saturday, May 24  Geocaching 101 10:30 am -- EE Classroom  E. Parachute Games 3:00 pm -- Beach Area  Leave it to Beavers  8:30 pm -- Campground Amphitheater  Sunday, May 25 Birding Walk Around the Lake  10:00 am -- Beach House  Solar Energy 101  4:00 pm -- Beach Area  Sounder's Trail Hike  7:00 pm -- In front of park office  Non-Denominational Sunday Service  10:30 am 

Tuesday, July 30  Little Critters Story TIme- 10:00 AM ECC Classroom  Thursday, August 1 Birds & Coffee- 9:30 AM Beach House  Firday, August 2 Night Eyes Guided Hike- 8:30 PM Campground Amphitheater  Saturday, August 3 Learn to Cast Tracks- 4:30 PM EE Classroom  Beaver Watch- 7:45 PM Small Side of the Lake  Sunday, August 4  Non-Denominational Sunday Service- 10:30 AM Campground Amphitheater  Tea & Talk- 7:00 PM Beach House Steps *Bring your own cup 

Friday August 15 Logslide/Stumpfield Trail Hike 10:00 AM - Quehanna Trailhead  Enjoy this guided hike along the Logslide and Stumpfield Trail Loop. Park history will be shared and how it sculpted the forest we have today. We will also digest how our current impacts might influence the forests of the future. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes.  Saturday, August 16 Wetlands Walk 7:00 PM - Park Office  No, wetlands is not a typo, there are a few different types of wetlands within Parker Dam. Join us for a walk to check out three different types of wetlands within our park. During our walk we will check out the plan and animal life that makes each one unique.  Sunday, August 17 Beginner Kayaking 2:30 PM - Beach House  Have you ever wondered if you were paddling right or how to get back into your boat if you rolled it? Learn this and more by joining us for an introduction to flat water kayaking. Bring your own kayak andlife vest or use ours. If you are bringing your own kayak, it must have a launch permit or be registered, and you must have a life vest that gits and a whistle. Kayaks are limited, so registration is required for the use of park equipment. Registrati8on is open to anyone 12 years old and up.  To register please visit or call the Parker Dam State Park Office (814) 765-0630 Registration closes August 16th at 4:00 PM  Tea & Talk  7:00 PM - Beach House Steps Bring your own cup to sample some sweet fern/mountain mint tea grown right here in the park. Talk is, as always, whatever you want to talk about concerning the park. Come prepared with a topic or three. 

Friday, May 26  8:30 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater Why were Dandelions brought here?  Same reason as potatoes, apples, and so on.  Come to the Campground Amphitheater to learn more about this wonderful, and sometimes hated, flower. Saturday, May 27 Souder’s Trail Hike 2 p.m. – Meet by the butterfly garden across the road from the trailhead. Enjoy this short, guided hike along the scenic Souder’s Trail.  Learn what “guiding the splash” means, the challenges facing our forests, and what goes on under your feet. < 1 mile. Forests and Fungi – a Network 8:30 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater Much is being brought to light about how our forests depend on fungi, and how fungi depend on forests.  Learn about some of these interactions during this program, and learn just how important fungi are to our own survival. Sunday, May 28 Tea & Talk 7 p.m. – Beach House Steps Bring your own cup to sample some sweet fern/mountain mint tea grown right here in the park.  Talk is, as always, whatever you want to talk about concerning the park.  Come prepared with a topic or three. Friday, June 2 Animal Communication and Staying Safe Outdoors 8:30 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater Animals often communicate in ways that people have trouble understanding, which can lead to problems.  Learn how some animals communicate and what you can do to keep yourself and others safe when encountering them. Saturday, June 3 GPS Basics & Geocaching 3 p.m. – Park Office Classroom Learn the basics of a GPS receiver and have fun navigating to various locations looking for examples of “geocaches”.  Although you can get the geocache app on your cell phone, we most often don’t have cellular coverage here in the park – where the good old GPS works just fine. Meet Jeremiah – New Park Naturalist 8 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater We’ll get a campfire going at the Campground Amphitheater – you can bring a camp chair to sit close to the fire, and have a chat with Jeremiah – our new park naturalist (yes, Carey left us for DEP).  Learn about his background and his interests, and what he hopes to bring to the Parker Dam complex. You can keep up on what is happening at the park by liking “Parker Dam State Park” on Facebook; and, you can find more information about state park programs and special events by logging on to the Bureau of State Parks Web site at www.visitPAparks.com, and clicking on “Events Calendar.”  Access for People with Disabilities If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.  (Parker Dam State Park Complex: 814-765-0630; parkerdamsp@pa.gov)  With a minimum of one-week notice, interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing may be available for educational programs.

Parker Dam Interpretive Schedule of Events for January  Saturday, January 18 Quinzhee Part 1   1:00 PM – meet in front of Park Office A Quinzhee is a snow shelter that is easy to build and can provide a warm shelter from the winter’s cold. Since there is a measured amount of time required from the piling of the snow to the excavation of the shelter to allow the snow crystals to sinter (knit/bond) - usually several hours, we are doing this program as a “Part 1” & “Part 2”   type of thing. Program is snow- dependent.   Sunday, January 19 Quinzhee Part 2   1:00 PM – meet in front of Park Office The Quinzhee mound will have solidified enough to allow us to excavate the shelter. Join us to finish our snow-shelter and learn how to make your own quinzhee safely at home.

Parker Dam State Park is more than just a State Park. The 968-acre Parker Dam State Park offers old-fashioned charm and character. A scenic lake, rustic cabins, quaint campground and unbounded forest make Parker Dam an ideal spot for a relaxing vacation. For wilderness explorers, Parker Dam is a gateway to the vast expanses of Moshannon State Forest. You can walk through recovering tornado ravaged woods, backpack into the 50,000-acre Quehanna Wilderness, mountain bike to your heart’s content or enjoy quiet solitude searching for elusive Pennsylvania elk. Parker Dam State Park offers year-round environmental education and interpretive programs. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding, and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources. A small-scale, interpretive maple-sugaring operation runs throughout March. Apple-cidering is demonstrated each October. Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to schools and organized groups. Group programs must be arranged in advance and may be scheduled by calling the park office at (814)765-0630. Teacher workshops are available. A small, environmental education center, attached to the park office, offers interpretive displays, games and children’s books. The Lou and Helen Adams Civilian Conservation Corps Museum near the breast of the dam educates visitors about the life and times of the corps members. It is open Sunday afternoons during the summer season or upon request. Wayside exhibits interpreting the tornado are outside of the Cabin Classroom. Explore the Calendar of Events for a listing of events from today forward. Explore environmental education and interpretation for more information.

Come join us for our 18th Annual Fall Festival and Pumpkin Float. We will have local arts and crafts vendors as well as heritage and educational activities for all ages to join in on. Fall fest will be in the day use area from 12PM to 5PM. With storytelling and a pumpkin float to follow. More details to come as we get closer to the event. Please contact Parker Dam or the Friends of Parker Dam for vendor registration. 

This rustic, remote park in the heart of Moshannon State Forest is almost entirely wooded and offers picturesque areas of forest and swamp meadows, pine plantations and mixed hardwoods. At Parker Dam, pets are permitted at designated sites, but they are not permitted in the cabins. 28 Fairview Road, 28 Fairview Road, Penfield, PA, 15849, 814-765-0630, State Park, Things to See & Do

Thursday, July 4 Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence- 2:00 pm Friday, July 5  First Annual Mountain Pie Cookoff- 5:00 pm registration - 7:00 pm judging Saturday, July 6 New Moon- Means What?- 10:00 am EE Classroom  PA Natural Symbols Hike- 5:00 pm Souders Trail  Firefly watch 9:15 pm Pavilion 6 Sunday, July 7  Non-Denominational Sunday Service- 10:30 am  Tea & Talk- 7:00 pm Beach house steps  Where to Meet:  Environmental Education Classroom- The ECC is located in the park office complex. From outside the office, at the top of the steps, take a left through the double glass doors.  Campground Amphitheater- The lighted trail to the amphitheater is located between Sites 51 and 53, on the outside campground loop.  Lou and Helen Adams CCC Museum- The log-cabin style museum is located along Mud Run Road, next to the lake's spillway.   

Friday, July 11  Bat Walk & Talk  8:30 PM—Pavilion 6  Saturday, July 12  “Frisbee” Golf 10:00 AM—in front of park office  “Frisbee” Golf—Round Two 1:00 PM—in front of park office  Firefly Watch  9:15 PM—Pavilion 6  Sunday, July 13 Tea & Talk  7:00 PM—Beach House Steps Bring your own cup Non-Denominational  Sunday Service 10:30 AM 

Friday, August 8 Things Naturalists Do 8:30 PM—Campground Amphitheater Park naturalists tend to be a bit quirky—in the eyes of others.  We do things like call fireflies, mess with moths, pet bees—you now, quirky stuff.  Come and learn some of the ways folks like me interact with nature for edification and enjoyment. Saturday, August 9 Hike Souders Trail 4:00 PM—meet in front of office Join the park naturalist for a hike on the park’s shortest trail—Souders Trail.  We will be looking for all interesting things, but in particular the relationships of fungus to their environment.  Fungi: PA’s Hidden Treasures 8:30 PM—Campground Amphitheater Enjoy this informative video about our hidden treasures—fungi.  This Wild Resource Conservation Program documentary is an award-winning video that looks at both the ecological and the economic importance of fungi, an under-appreciated but essential part of our ecosystem Sunday, August 3 Tea & Talk 7:00 PM—Beach House Steps Bring your own cup to sample some sweet fern/mountain mint tea grown right here in the park.  Talk is, as always, whatever you want to talk about concerning the park.  Come prepared with a topic or three.       Sunday, August 10   Tuesday—Thursday, August 12—14   Penn’s Adventurers 10:00 AM—2:00 PM each day — Registration Required Penn’s Adventurers is open to those aged nine to 12 who are interested in learning more about the natural world.  This year we will be exploring the concept of “umwelt” - the bubble of perception of various animals, insects, birds, and other life—and humans.   Call the park office to register (814)765-0630. Parents are welcome to attend.  Tuesday, August 12 Perseid Meteor Shower Watch 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM—Beach Area Bring your lawn chairs or blankets for an evening of watching the night sky for the Perseid Meteor Shower.  Learn the difference between a meteor and a meteorite, comet, etc.      

Friday June 20 UV Night Hike - 9:00 PM in front of park office Saturday June 21 Parker Dam Hiking Club: Beaver Dam Trail - 10:00 AM Beaver Dam Trail Head  Umwelt Perception Is(n't) Reality - 8:30 PM Campground Amphitheater  Sunday June 22  Tea & Talk - 7:00 PM Beach House Steps (Bring Your Own Cup)  Friday June 27 Night Eyes Guided Hike - 8:30 PM Enviroment Education Classroom Sunday June 29  Beginner Kayaking - 2:30 PM Beach House  Tea & Talk - 7:00 PM Beach House Steps (Bring Your Own Cup)  Friday July 4 Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence - 2:00 PM Beach Area Saturday July 5 History Walk - 4:00 PM Starts at Beach House  Cranky Uncle - 8:30 PM Campground Amphitheater  Sunday July 6 Tea & Talk - 7:00 PM Beach House Steps (Bring Your Own Cup)   

Wednesday, July 10                                                                                       Frisbee Golf—Planets 10 AM to 2 PM – Start at Park Office   Friday, July 12 Nature Nut—Dragonflies 8:30 PM—Campground Amphitheater   Saturday, July 13 Clean Water Kayaking 10:30 AM—Beach House E-Parachute Games 2:30 PM—Beach House Dragons & Damsels Hunt 4:00 PM—starts at Beach House Dragonflies 8:30 PM—Campground Amphitheater   Sunday, July 14 Sunday Service 10:30 AM Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, non-denominational services will be held on Sundays at the campground amphitheater. In case of rain, services will be moved to the Environmental Education Classroom.       Tea & Talk 7:00 PM – Beach House Steps Bring your own cup to sample some sweet fern/mountain mint tea grown right here in the park.    

Interpretive Schedule of Events for August 16 - 19  Friday August 16 Scoring Antlers What's the point?  8:00 PM - EE Classroom  Saturday August 17 Tour De Parker  6:00 PM - In front of park office  Canines of PA  8:30 PM - EE Classroom  Sunday August 18 Tea & Talk 7:00 PM - Beach House Step  Bring your own cup!  Monday August 19 Blue Moon Kayaking  8:15 PM - Beach Area