Buchanan&Apos;S Birthplace State Park

4.00

6 reviews

C/O COWANS GAP STATE PARK, FORT LOUDON, Pennsylvania, 17224, United States

Quick Facts

942 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

942 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Buchanan&Apos;S Birthplace State Park

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No reservation fees or campsite fees applicable as the park does not offer campsites.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.00

Satisfactory

Based on 6 reviews

123 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peaceful

"User reviews highlight Buchanan's Birthplace State Park as a tranquil and historically rich location. Visitors appreciate the pyramid-shaped monument dedicated to President James Buchanan and the serene environment. However, some reviewers have noted maintenance issues with picnic tables."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

C/O COWANS GAP STATE PARK, FORT LOUDON, Pennsylvania, 17224, United States

Buchanan&Apos;S Birthplace State Park

C/O COWANS GAP STATE PARK, FORT LOUDON, Pennsylvania, 17224, United States

Driving directionsFrom U.S. 30 at Fort Loudon, take PA 75 south and follow signs to Cove Gap and the Park.

The park is located between McConnellsburg and Mercersburg, near Cove Gap along PA 16. Access details note proximity to PA 75 and U.S. 30, but road conditions or seasonal closures are not specified.

Nearby places

McConnellsburg and Mercersburg (distances not specified).

Nearby supplies

null

Best Time to Camp at Buchanan&Apos;S Birthplace State Park

Experience the full tapestry of Pennsylvania's changing seasons in this mountain sanctuary. Winter transforms the park into a quiet wonderland with crisp air and occasional dustings of snow, while summer brings warm, languid days perfect for leisurely picnics in the shade. Spring awakens the forest with vibrant greens and wildflowers punctuated by gentle rains, and autumn paints the surrounding mountains in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating an ideal backdrop for outdoor adventures in comfortable temperatures.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Good for picnics, shade, hiking nearby; small size may limit longer summer stays.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Ridge-and-valley forested mountainsides imply strong fall color and scenic views.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Seasonal renewal likely enhances stream and forest scenery; trails accessible nearby.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Described as a 'quiet wonderland' with occasional snow, but few winter amenities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: null
Current Alerts: null

About Buchanan&Apos;S Birthplace State Park

Tucked into a dramatic mountain gap where history and nature converge, Buchanan's Birthplace State Park offers 18.5 acres of peaceful retreat in Franklin County's Tuscarora Mountain. This intimate park invites visitors to step back in time at the birthplace of America's 15th President, James Buchanan, while enjoying modern amenities including shaded picnic pavilions perfect for family gatherings, scattered picnic tables beneath towering trees, clean restroom facilities, and refreshing drinking water stations throughout the grounds.

Buchanan's Birthplace State Park does not have designated campsites, making it unsuitable for traditional camping. It is more suited for day visits, focused on historical exploration and picnicking.

Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of history at the very spot where James Buchanan entered the world in 1791, born to hardy Ulster Scots settlers who carved out a life on what was then the raw edge of the American frontier. This modest gap in the mountains witnessed the early years of a man who would rise from these humble beginnings to the nation's highest office. The park stands as a testament to the American dream, where frontier children could grow to lead a nation.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full tapestry of Pennsylvania's changing seasons in this mountain sanctuary. Winter transforms the park into a quiet wonderland with crisp air and occasional dustings of snow, while summer brings warm, languid days perfect for leisurely picnics in the shade. Spring awakens the forest with vibrant greens and wildflowers punctuated by gentle rains, and autumn paints the surrounding mountains in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating an ideal backdrop for outdoor adventures in comfortable temperatures.

ElevationElevation details not specified.

Natural Features and SceneryEmbrace the serene beauty of Pennsylvania's ridge-and-valley landscape, where forested mountainsides create a natural amphitheater around this historic site. The crystal-clear waters of Buck Run meander through the park, harboring a thriving population of native trout that sparkle beneath the surface—carefully protected under Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations. Ancient trees provide a verdant canopy overhead, while the surrounding peaks frame spectacular views that change with each passing hour and season.

Geological RegionDiscover a natural gateway carved by time itself in the majestic Tuscarora Mountain range of Franklin County. This distinctive gap in the ancient ridgeline creates a unique microclimate where mountain forests descend to meet the valley floor, forming a natural corridor that has beckoned travelers for centuries. The surrounding forested mountains stand as silent sentinels, their geological story written in layers of rock that speak to millions of years of Earth's history.

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Amenities available

Potable water

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Recreation options at Buchanan's Birthplace State Park are centered around its natural beauty and historical significance. Fishing is available at Buck Run, which contains native trout and is regulated by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The Tuscarora Trail, which serves as a bypass to the Appalachian Trail, passes to the west of the park, offering hiking opportunities. "Interesting historical location and nice park for a picnic or hike," one reviewer stated.

HikingThe Tuscarora Trail runs near the park and offers hiking opportunities. It is a bypass to the Appalachian Trail and follows the crest of the Tuscarora Mountain.

FishingFishing is permitted in Buck Run, which contains native trout. The waters are regulated by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention that the park is 'not well taken care of,' with tables needing replacement. No specific hazards like wildlife or terrain issues are noted.

Active Alertsnull

Weather at Buchanan&Apos;S Birthplace State Park

Reviews

4.0

6 reviews

Satisfactory

Buchanan&Apos;S Birthplace State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight Buchanan's Birthplace State Park as a tranquil and historically rich location. Visitors appreciate the pyramid-shaped monument dedicated to President James Buchanan and the serene environment. However, some reviewers have noted maintenance issues with picnic tables.

Review Summaries

Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

- Historical significance as the birthplace of President James Buchanan - Peaceful environment at the foot of Tuscarora Mountain - Suitable for picnicking and short visits

Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

- Maintenance issues, particularly with picnic tables - Limited facilities and no restrooms according to one review

Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Allocate 10 minutes to 1 hour for a visit - Ideal for picnics and quick historical exploration

Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful little off the beaten path site a must stop for anyone wanting some history and a little quiet out of the way place." - Matthew Perry "Small park that was the birthplace of the 15th...

Based on 6 reviews

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