Did you know that Blue Knob is the second-highest mountain in Pennsylvania, standing at 3,146 m (10,321 ft), and was actually believed to be the state’s highest point until 1921? This hidden gem in Bedford County offers year-round adventures from alpine skiing on “the highest skiable mountain in Pennsylvania” to summer hiking through lush forests. Whether you’re seeking outdoor thrills or peaceful mountain serenity, Blue Knob’s dramatic elevation changes create a unique microclimate that makes it feel worlds away from nearby cities.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Blue Knob is located in the northwestern corner of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, approximately 30 miles from both Johnstown and Altoona. The closest major airports are:
- Altoona-Blair County Airport (AOO) – 40 km (25 miles)
- John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport (JST) – 45 km (28 miles)
- Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) – 150 km (93 miles)
- Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) – 170 km (106 miles)
From Pittsburgh, take Route 376 east until it merges with Route 22 (William Penn Highway). Follow Route 22 east to Ebensburg, then head south on Wilmore Road to Wilmore. Turn east onto Route 53 until you reach Route 164, then south to Knob Road which leads directly to Blue Knob State Park.
Ready to Plan Your Blue Knob Adventure?
Start by booking your transportation to this mountain paradise!
Best Time to Visit Blue Knob
Blue Knob’s elevation creates a unique microclimate that can be several degrees cooler than surrounding areas, with an impressive annual snowfall averaging about 3.7 m (12 feet)!
| Season | Temperature Range | Activities | Recommendation |
| Spring (April-May) | 7-19°C (44-67°F) | Hiking, fishing, wildlife watching | Good – Wildflowers bloom but trails can be muddy |
| Summer (June-August) | 12-25°C (53-77°F) | Swimming, hiking, picnicking, camping | Excellent – Perfect weather for outdoor activities |
| Fall (September-October) | 8-20°C (46-68°F) | Hiking, photography, leaf-peeping | Excellent – Spectacular fall foliage |
| Winter (November-March) | -8-1°C (17-34°F) | Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing | Good for winter sports enthusiasts |
The best months to visit are June through October when temperatures are pleasant and outdoor activities are in full swing. September and October offer spectacular fall foliage. Winter (December-February) is ideal for skiing and winter sports enthusiasts.
Months to avoid: Late March to early April (mud season) can be challenging for hiking, and November can be cold and rainy with limited activities as the area transitions to winter.
Getting Around Locally
Blue Knob’s remote mountain location means having your own transportation is essential. Here are your options for exploring the area:
- Personal/Rental Vehicle: The most convenient way to explore Blue Knob and surrounding attractions. Many trails and viewpoints are accessible only by car.
- Hiking: Once in the park, an extensive network of trails connects various attractions and viewpoints.
- Bicycle: Mountain biking is permitted on designated multi-use trails within Blue Knob State Park.
- Shuttle Services: During winter, Blue Knob All Seasons Resort offers shuttle services between lodging areas and ski facilities.
Where to Stay in Blue Knob
Blue Knob offers a range of accommodation options from rustic camping to comfortable condos:
Blue Knob State Park Campground
The park offers 50 campsites with electric hookups, flush toilets, and hot showers. Sites accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 9 m (30 feet). Open April through December.
Price range: $16-25 per night
Blue Knob All Seasons Resort
Ski-in/ski-out condominiums with full kitchens and fireplaces. Perfect for winter sports enthusiasts or summer mountain getaways with easy access to hiking trails.
Price range: $120-250 per night
Nearby Hotels & B&Bs
Several options in nearby towns like Altoona, Bedford, and Johnstown offer comfortable accommodations within a 30-minute drive of Blue Knob.
Price range: $70-150 per night
Find Your Perfect Blue Knob Accommodation
From rustic camping to comfortable condos, book your stay now!
Dining & Local Cuisine
While dining options within Blue Knob State Park itself are limited, several local establishments within a short drive offer hearty meals and Pennsylvania specialties:
Within Blue Knob Resort
- Clubhouse Bar & Grille: Located at the ski resort, offering casual American fare, burgers, and drinks. Perfect after a day of skiing or hiking.
- The Black Bear Lodge: Seasonal operation with comfort food and a selection of local beers.
Nearby Restaurants
- Peggy’s Diner: Classic American diner serving hearty breakfasts and lunches in Claysburg.
- Claysburg Pizza: Local favorite for pizza and Italian dishes.
- Olde Thyme Pizza & Subs: Casual eatery with pizza, subs, and Pennsylvania-style hoagies.
- Shenanigans: Family restaurant with diverse menu and friendly atmosphere.
For grocery supplies, Martin General Store in Claysburg (15 minutes away) offers basics, while larger supermarkets can be found in Altoona (30 minutes away).
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Blue Knob offers a wealth of attractions and activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts:
Top Attractions in Blue Knob
Blue Knob Summit
Visit the second-highest point in Pennsylvania at 959 m (3,146 ft). The summit area offers spectacular views and historical remnants of a former Air Force radar station.
Pavia Overlook
A short hike from the ski lodge leads to this natural overlook with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Mountain View Trail
A challenging 8 km (5-mile) loop trail that gains nearly 427 m (1,400 ft) in elevation, rewarding hikers with spectacular vistas and wildflower displays in spring and summer.
Nearby Attractions
- Lost Children of the Alleghenies Monument: A historical site commemorating two young brothers who tragically perished in the mountains in 1856.
- Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark: An engineering marvel and important railroad site located 30 miles north of Blue Knob.
- Raystown Lake Recreation Area: Pennsylvania’s largest lake, offering boating, fishing, and swimming, located about 30 minutes away.
- Tytoona Cave: A fascinating natural cave system that adventurous visitors can explore with proper equipment and guidance.
Explore Blue Knob’s Best Activities
Book guided tours and experiences to make the most of your visit!
Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals
While Blue Knob itself is primarily a natural destination, the surrounding region offers rich cultural experiences:
Museums & Historical Sites
- Railroaders Memorial Museum (Altoona): Celebrates the region’s rich railroad heritage with interactive exhibits and historic locomotives.
- Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art: Features rotating exhibitions of American art with a focus on Pennsylvania artists.
- Baker Mansion (Altoona): A historic 1849 mansion that now houses the Blair County Historical Society’s museum.
- Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site: The first railroad to cross the Allegheny Mountains, now preserved as a historic site.
Annual Events & Festivals
- Blue Knob Fall Foliage Festival (October): Celebrates autumn with scenic chairlift rides, craft vendors, and family activities.
- Bedford Fall Foliage Festival (October): A larger festival in nearby Bedford featuring hundreds of crafters, food vendors, and entertainment.
- Summer Concert Series (June-August): Friday and Saturday evening programs at the Buck Hill Amphitheater in Blue Knob State Park.
Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences
Blue Knob is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with activities for every season:
Summer Activities
Hiking
Explore 29 km (18 miles) of trails ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain hikes. The Homestead and Sawmill Trail (2.3 km/1.4 miles) is perfect for beginners, while the Mountain View Trail offers a more challenging experience.
Swimming
The park’s swimming pool is open from May to October, offering a refreshing break on hot summer days. The pool ranges from 0 to 1.5 m (0 to 5 ft) in depth.
Mountain Biking
Several multi-use trails permit mountain biking for all experience levels, with routes winding through forests and offering scenic views.
Fishing
Catch native brook trout in the park’s streams. April through June and late October offer the best fishing conditions. A Pennsylvania fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older.
Winter Activities
- Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding: Blue Knob All Seasons Resort offers the “highest skiable mountain in Pennsylvania” with challenging terrain for all skill levels.
- Cross-Country Skiing: Several trails are groomed for cross-country skiing when conditions permit.
- Snowshoeing: Explore the winter landscape on snowshoes, with rentals available at the resort.
- Snow Tubing: A family-friendly winter activity with a dedicated tubing park at the resort.
Wildlife Watching
Blue Knob’s diverse habitats support abundant wildlife. Look for white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, red-tailed hawks, and numerous songbirds. Black bears occasionally appear in early summer. The best times for wildlife viewing are early morning and dusk.
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
Ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to Blue Knob with these important guidelines:
Safety Tips
- Weather Awareness: Mountain weather can change rapidly. Check forecasts before heading out and pack appropriate clothing layers.
- Trail Safety: Stay on marked trails, carry a map, and let someone know your hiking plans. Cell service is unpredictable in the park.
- Wildlife: While bear encounters are uncommon, maintain a safe distance (at least 53 m/175 ft) from all wildlife. Never feed wild animals.
- Winter Safety: Dress appropriately for cold conditions and be aware of hypothermia risks. Follow all ski area safety guidelines.
Park Etiquette
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and leave natural areas as you found them.
- Quiet Hours: Observe quiet hours in camping areas from 9 PM to 8 AM.
- Pets: Dogs are welcome in designated areas but must be leashed (maximum 1.8 m/6 ft) and cleaned up after.
- Campfires: Use only designated fire rings and fully extinguish all fires.
In case of emergency, call 911. The nearest hospital is UPMC Bedford Memorial, located 40 km (25 miles) away in Everett, PA.
Visitor Comments About Blue Knob
“Blue Knob’s challenging ski runs are Pennsylvania’s best-kept secret! The views from the summit are breathtaking, and we had some trails completely to ourselves even on a weekend. Don’t miss the Mountain View Trail in summer – tough climb but worth every step.”
“We camped at Blue Knob State Park for three nights and loved the peaceful setting. The campground was clean with good facilities, and the hiking trails offered something for everyone in our family. The swimming pool was a hit with the kids after a day of exploring.”
“Fall foliage at Blue Knob is spectacular! We stayed in a condo at the resort and spent days hiking and photographing the colorful landscapes. The Clubhouse restaurant had surprisingly good food, and everyone we met was friendly and helpful. A perfect weekend getaway.”
Practical Travel Tips
- Reservations: Book campsites up to 11 months in advance through the Pennsylvania State Parks reservation system, especially for summer weekends and fall foliage season.
- Packing Essentials: Sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing (even in summer), rain gear, insect repellent, and a detailed map of the area.
- Groceries & Supplies: Stock up on groceries and supplies in larger towns like Altoona or Bedford before heading to Blue Knob, as options are limited near the park.
- Gas: Fill your tank before heading to Blue Knob. The closest gas stations are in Claysburg (Martin General Store, Sheetz) and East Freedom (GetGo).
- Cash: Some smaller establishments in the area may not accept credit cards, so having cash on hand is recommended.
- Maps: Download park maps before your visit, as cell service is unreliable in many areas of the park.
Mountain Magic Awaits
Blue Knob, Pennsylvania offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and peaceful mountain serenity. From challenging ski slopes in winter to vibrant hiking trails in summer, this hidden gem provides year-round experiences for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The second-highest mountain in Pennsylvania may have once been overlooked in the record books, but those who discover its charms today find it’s second to none in creating lasting memories. Pack your sense of adventure and head to Blue Knob – where mountain magic awaits at every turn.
The above is subject to change.
Check back often to TRAVEL.COM for the latest travel tips and deals.
