Kooser State Park

In the heart of the Laurel Highlands, Somerset County, at an altitude of 2,600 feet, Kooser State Park attracts visitors year-round to its 250 acres of forest and the beautiful trout stream, Kooser Run, that flows the full length of the park. The park's original design character was stamped by the Civilian Conservation Corps projects of the 1930s that established the existing artificial lake and most of its use areas, its architecture and site details. The park design stresses rustic values in site and building materials and in their application: native stone, rough sawn and stained wood surfaces, log and timber members.

Kooser State Park derives its name from John Kooser, who in 1867, settled in the western end of the park near what is now known as Kooser Spring. The early settlers told of an American Indian battle that was fought nearby. A number of war arrows and spearheads have been found in the area. A contingent of Washington's Army, known as Coxes Army, crossed Laurel Summit near here during the Whiskey Rebellion.

The land for Kooser State Park was acquired by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1922. In 1955, the present tent and trailer area was developed. Water was piped from Kooser Spring throughout the park and the original dam on Kooser Run was rebuilt with a modern earth and concrete breast and an all-sand beach. In 2002, portions of the park closed for improvements. Growing Greener money was used to add modern restrooms to the campground and make improvements to the day use area.

Activities
Cross-country Skiing: The 1.5-mile Kooser Trail is very popular due to the heavy snowfalls on the eastern slop of Laurel Hill. It is a well-marked trail and classified as “easiest.” There is also a 20-mile cross-country ski touring concession adjacent to the PA 653 parking area of nearby Laurel Ridge State Park. Fee required on this trail. View conditions and snow depth on the live Web cam.

Hiking:
The Kincora Trail (1 mile) is a popular trail named in honor of an Irish priest. Many short trails are in the day use area and cross-country ski trails are also available for hiking.

Text from Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) website, where you can also obtain directions. Photo of Kooser Lake from WPC Resource Conservation Department archives.

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