State Park

Buchanan's Birthplace State Park

Franklin County, PennsylvaniaAbout 17 acresEstablished 1911
Status
Status not postedDaily sunrise – sunset
Entrance fee
Not posted
Day-use reservations
None mentioned
Dogs
Not stated — check with park
Camping
None listed
Official site
pa.gov(717) 485-3948

Official page last checked Oct 30, 2026. How we keep this current

Overview

Covering about 17 acres, Buchanan's Birthplace State Park lies in Franklin County, about 4 miles northwest of Mercersburg.

Visitors come for fishing and picnicking.

Hours

Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.

FacilityDaysHoursSeason
ParkDailysunrise – sunset—
Official wording

The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Day use areas close at dusk. Contact the Cowans Gap State Park office for facility seasons and hours.

Source: official park page, checked Oct 30, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).

Reservations

Day use
No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
Booking system
ReserveAmerica (Aspira), Pennsylvania State Parks contract
Phone
888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757)

Check availability and book

We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.

Things to do

FishingPicnicking

Amenities

Facilities

  • Picnic areas
  • Picnic shelters

✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.

Accessibility

Buchanan's Birthplace State Park offers a range of accessibility accommodations to ensure all visitors can enjoy its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Coleman Pavilion

Coleman Pavilion can accommodate up to 40 people with 8 picnic tables. Domestic pets are allowed.

Official accessibility information

Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.

Getting there

Address
2831 Stony Batter Road
Mercersburg, PA 17236
Nearest town
Mercersburg — about 4 mi northwest (straight line)
Coordinates
39.8681, -77.9528
Phone
(717) 485-3948
Email
cowansgapsp@pa.gov

Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)

Directions from the park

The park is between McConnellsburg and Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, near the village of Cove Gap along PA 16. From U.S. 30 at Fort Loudon, take PA 75 south and follow signs to Cove Gap and the park. GPS DD: Lat. 39.86813 Long. -77.95282

Nearby state parks

Cowans Gap State Park
8.9 mi north (straight line)
Fort Frederick State Park
18.3 mi south (straight line) · Maryland
Western Maryland Rail Trail
19.5 mi southwest (straight line) · Maryland
Mont Alto State Park
22.1 mi east (straight line)
Berkeley Springs State Park
22.2 mi southwest (straight line) · West Virginia
Caledonia State Park
25.3 mi east (straight line)
Warriors Path State Park
27.4 mi northwest (straight line)
South Mountain State Park
28.7 mi southeast (straight line) · Maryland

Sources and freshness

“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology

Report a correction for this park