North Fork Dam Hike

The North Fork Dam on the Cowanesque River in Harrison Valley, Pennsylvania has an easy 1.0-mile out-and-back walk that leads along the dam embankment for a panoramic view of the surrounding farmlands and features views of the reservoir.

Exploring the North Fork Dam

This vista hike has short trail that hikers can follow along the crest of the dam's embankment. Visitors can also meander around grassy fields, to take pictures from the different vantage points or make use of the picnic pavilion located near the parking area. This recording is about 1.0-mile long, but visitors will not need to walk far to get a great view.

On the sky-line to the north, appeared three tall windmills rotating in the wind, and were located just across the border in New York State less than a mile away. A herd of cattle was grazing in a nearby pasture, all of which added to the scenery making this park a pleasantly captivating place to visit.

Some of additional hiking was done on this walk by crossing the grassy channel that leads to the dam high-water spillway to explore the elevated bluff across the reservoir from the Picnic Pavilion. Although this area of the park is not maintained, it did give an very nice vista looking back across the reservoir. There was a nice wood lot of old-growth Maple trees on the bluff to explore. Other areas beyond the woods appeared to be primarily wetlands and bushy thickets, which are not suitable for hiking without trail footbridges and blaze marks to guide hikers. This part of the park features excellent wildlife habitat, making wildlife watching from blinds and sitting benches along the trails a great opportunity..

Parking

Hikers will find parking at the coordinates provided along the North Fork Road in the northeast corner of Potter County, Pennsylvania.

The lot is large enough to hold a dozen vehicles with some amenities including a fishing lake and picnic pavilion. When fishing in Pennsylvania, anglers must obtain a valid fishing license if 16 years of age or older, be aware of seasons, size, and creel limits for various fish species, and familiarize themselves with the general regulations, tackle, and bait rules

Restrictions

Swimming and Camping are not permitted at the North Fork Dam Recreational Area which is a day use only park.

Facilities

No restroom was available on-site at the time of this hike (early-spring), however it appears that a portable toilet might be provided seasonal, but might not have been delivered here yet.

Pets

Dogs are allowed if leashed and cleaned up after.