Ole Bull State Park consists of 132 acres along the Kettle Creek Valley in Potter County. This area is called the Black Forest because of its once dense tree cover, mountainous terrain, and wilderness habitat.
Hiking at Ole Bull State Park
5 miles of trails
Daugherty Loop Trail
This combines old logging and railroad grades to form a one hour walk through the Black Forest of Pennsylvania.
Bull Trail
This trail leads to the historic foundation remains of Ole Bull’s “home site” and a panoramic view of the park area.
Beaver Dam Nature Trail
This trail provides an introduction to the habitats along Kettle Creek. This 0.75-mile trail starts at the concrete fordway and has a flat trail surface.
Susquehannock Trail System
This 85-mile backpacking trail passes through Ole Bull State Park. A picnic area parking lot serves as a trailhead for overnight hikers. A trail register is located at the park office for hikers who leave their vehicles overnight.
Picnicking at Ole Bull State Park
The picnic area lies along Kettle Creek and has:
Picnic tables
Fireplaces
Drinking water
Restrooms
Playground equipment
Four picnic pavilions
Picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee.
Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis.
Stone Pavilion has electricity available when reserved.
Stay the Night at Ole Bull State Park
Camping
Flush toilets, warm showers, some electric hook-ups
This activity or structure is ADA accessible.
Camping is permitted year round. Two camping areas along Kettle Creek provide sunny and shaded sites.
All sites include:
Picnic table
Fire ring
Level gravel pad
There are 24 sites with electric hookups in Area #2. Area #1 has 19 sites with electricity.
Water hydrants, modern restrooms, and a sanitary dump station are available.
Pets are permitted in Area #2 for a fee.
Swimming at Ole Bull State Park
The beach is in Camping Area #1 across from the picnic area. Park in the picnic area lot.
The 150-foot sandy beach along Kettle Creek is open from late-May to mid-September, 8:00 A.M. until sunset.
Swim at your own risk.
Please read and follow posted rules for swimming.
Pets are prohibited in the beach area.
All children ten years of age or younger must be accompanied by a person at least 14 years of age.
Smoke-Free Beach
Smoking is prohibited on the beach and in the swimming area.
For visitors who smoke and still want to use the beach, designated areas adjacent to the beach are provided. The restriction includes:
Cigarettes
Pipes
Cigars
E-cigarettes
Other handheld, lighted smoking devices
Fishing
The excellent water quality along Kettle Creek provides good fishing.
Common species in Kettle Creek and Ole Bull Run are:
Brook trout
Brown trout
Rainbow trout
This activity or structure is ADA accessible. A special regulation area for children and people with disabilities is located below the dam breast to the fordway.
Fishing is prohibited between the wires at the dam basin and swimming area.
Fishing licenses are required and are available nearby at several issuing agents.
Hunting at Ole Bull State Park
During established seasons, about 25 acres are open to:
Hunting
Trapping
Training of dogs
Common game species are:
Deer
Turkey
Grouse
Bear
Squirrel
Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas.
Firearms Safety
Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons.
Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons.
In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's vehicle or enclosed trailer. Exceptions include law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms are authorized to carry a firearm concealed on their person while they are within a state park.
Mountain Biking at Ole Bull State Park
Trails in Ole Bull State Park and Susquehannock State Forest are open to mountain biking.
Cross-country Skiing at Ole Bull State Park
In addition to a groomed cross-country skiing trail, cross-country skiers and snowshoers are allowed throughout the park.
The park provides parking, restrooms, and picnic and camping facilities throughout the winter.
Snowmobiling at Ole Bull State Park
A snowmobile trailhead provides access to the many miles of state forest trails.
Snowmobiles are permitted on marked trails only.
The park provides parking, restrooms, and picnic and camping facilities throughout the winter.
