Things to Look Forward to at Colonel Denning
The friend’s group at Col. Denning has been working hard at keeping the park as beautiful as possible. Some projects that they have been working on include, improving and maintaining entry level hiking trails, and improving and maintaining bridges, boardwalks, and signs around the park.
On June 22nd Col. Denning is hosting the 2nd annual Welcome Summer Beach Party. The first beach party was a throwback 1960s beach party. It featured a DJ that played music from that time period which included songs from The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, The Temptations, and many others. Food and drink also followed the theme as well, as items was available for 1960s prices. The friends invite everyone to the 2024 version of the Beach Party!
Find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofColonelDenning
Before and after: A tree fell across the end of one of the bridges destroying two segments of railing. Volunteers cleared all of the downed trees, and cleaned up and rebuilt the damaged sections of the bridge. | Photo by Friends of Colonel Denning
Ways to Enjoy Colonel Denning
There are many ways to enjoy the beauty of Col. Denning, but if you find yourself needing some suggestions or ideas on what to do, here are some popular activities. As mentioned before, the lake is a great place to go for a swim or simply relax in the sun. Trout fishing is also a popular activity as the 3.5-acre Doubling Gap Lake has stocked trout. There is also an ADA-accessible fishing pier and ice fishing is available in the winter. There are three different hiking trails to experience at Col. Denning with the most notable one being the 2.5 mile (one-way) Flat Rock Trail which leads to an overlook of the valley. Birding is also a great way to enjoy the park as there are 100 species listed in the avian inventory list including several species of hawks, owls, woodpeckers, warblers, flycatchers, and vireos.
Helpful links for further information on Col. Denning State Park:
https://www.facebook.com/coloneldenningSP/
https://paparksandforests.org/friends-groups/current-chapters/
Written by Garrett leonard, PPFF Intern
Feature photo: It may be the middle of winter, but the Friends of Colonel Denning State Park have been busy. Since last summer they have been cutting and splitting firewood that will be sold in the campground during the upcoming season and new trail signs are being made and old ones refurbished. | Photo by Friends of Colonel Denning