Home › Pennsylvania › Somerset › Kooser State Park
Kooser State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 633 Google reviews · Running trail in Somerset, Pennsylvania · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Kooser State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Family cabins & picnic areas are available at this large state park surrounded by trees.
What runners say about Kooser State Park
“Dated but super clean bathrooms with the best water pressure and heat so far on our trip.”
“Beautiful in the fall and winter and the cabins are just perfect for a little getaway!”
“The campground is ok other than not much shade”
“Perfect quiet get away with nice streams and small hikes.”
It might be the smallest of all Pennsylvania state parks. The park is roughly three areas. Lake area, cabin/camping area, and hill area. The lake is quite small and visually delightful. A small beach with two signature stones attracts one eye constantly. The hilly part has a strenuous hiking trail.
Cabins are by Laurel hill state park and about 45 min from Ohio Pyle.. the cabins are some of the nicest rustic ones .. they have a kitchen sink with running water and the bathrooms can be seen from the cabin.. my only wish is that they would have more comfortable beds .. and a queen at least ..
Beautiful Area...We Rent a Cabin Here, Every Summer 🌞 For A Week with our 15 yr old Daughter....We Just Love It! And The Restrooms, Are Never Too Far Away, From The Cabins... That's 👍 Great Too.
Nice little park & campground. Very Clean, cozy and quiet, except for the road noise. Right off Route 31, minutes from I-76 makes it a very convenient place to stop along your travels. Bathrooms are clean, grounds very well kept. The park area is lovely, but the lake is currently very low.
Trail conditions & character
“Dated but super clean bathrooms with the best water pressure and heat so far on our trip.”
“Beautiful in the fall and winter and the cabins are just perfect for a little getaway!”
“Perfect quiet get away with nice streams and small hikes.”
“We loved cabin #27, there were 2 little bedrooms and an additional lofted bed area ☺️ we hiked at Laurel Hill SP, but had a lovely stay at Kooser.”
“The campground is ok other than not much shade”
“Stayed in cabin 21 with my friend and our dogs in December.”
“The lake is easily accessible if you want to take the little guy or girl fishing.”
Plan your run at Kooser State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitepa.gov
- Phone(814) 445-8673
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–7:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–7:30 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–8:30 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–7:30 PM |
Running trails near Somerset
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Laurel Hill State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,905 reviews
This 4,072-acre park offers seasonal & year-round activities including swimming, hiking & camping.
Roaring Run Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 94 reviews
Comprising over 3,500 acres, this woodland reserve features a mountain stream & 5 hiking trails.
Laurel Summit State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 130 reviews
State park with a picnic area, hiking, and camping, as well as a bog and Beam Rocks.
Linn Run State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 505 reviews
Woodland 612-acre park with a babbling trout stream & falls, plus trails & camping facilities.
