Overview
Kings Gap Environmental Education Center's unique attractions are its mountainous terrain, extensive forest, and panoramic views, which may be experienced while driving the winding road to the mansion area, or while hiking the trails. The sweeping view of the Cumberland Valley from the Cameron-Masland Mansion is impressive at any time of the year.
Kings Gap consists of 2,531 acres of forest on South Mountain, with more than 25 miles of hiking trails, a permanent orienteering course, picnicking, hunting, and other recreational and educational opportunities.
The mansion provides facilities for meals and overnight lodging, and may be reserved for meetings, weddings, receptions, and similar functions.
Kings Gap is one of several state parks specifically dedicated to provide environmental education and recreational programs to the citizens of Pennsylvania. A variety of programs are available for children, teachers, and the general public to increase knowledge and awareness of the values and function of our natural resources.
Whether enjoying Kings Gap through recreational activities, educational programs, or its scenic beauty, visitors can be inspired to become stewards of Pennsylvania’s outstanding natural resources.
Environmental Education
Pennsylvania State Parks are living outdoor classrooms with plenty of opportunities for visitors to investigate natural phenomena. Kings Gap is one of several state parks specifically dedicated to providing environmental education. Utilizing our natural, historical, and recreational resources, we work to foster environmental literacy and stewardship in youth and adults alike.
Plan Your Visit
500 Kings Gap Road
Carlisle, PA 17015-9306
717-486-5031
kingsgapsp@pa.gov
Make online reservations for day use and overnight facilities or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), from 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday to Saturday.
The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Day use areas close at dusk.
The center office is open specific hours. Contact the center office for facility seasons and hours.
From Interstate 81, take Exit 37.
Travel south on PA 233 for about 2.3 miles.
Turn left onto Pine Road and continue 2.2 miles.
Turn right onto Kings Gap Road.
The Cameron-Masland Mansion is 3.5 miles from the center’s entrance. Follow the winding, paved road to the top of the mountain. In the Mansion Area, bear left to follow the one-way directional signs. Parking is available in several lots adjacent to the education building and mansion.
GPS DD: Lat. 40.09321 Long. -77.2683
Call 911 and contact a park employee to summon medical, fire, or safety professionals.
Call or text 988 to contact a crisis center counselor during a mental health or substance abuse crisis.
Directions to the nearest hospital are posted on bulletin boards and at the park office.
Nearest Hospital
361 Alexander Spring Road
Carlisle, PA 17015
717-249-1212
♿ This symbol indicates facilities and activities that are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible for people with disabilities. Screen reader users will hear this symbol as "wheelchair."
Accessible recreation options are listed on the accessibility page.
If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.
Cell service is unpredictable in and around many Pennsylvania State Parks. There is no cell service in the Kings Gap Hollow Area. Please download the park map before your visit.
Kings Gap Environmental Education Center offers a wide variety of environmental education programs year-round. Gain a better understanding of the park’s natural, cultural, and historical resources through diverse program offerings. Kings Gap also strives to teach outdoor skills that lead to healthy, lifelong outdoor enjoyment.
What We Offer
Public Programs: Guided outdoor recreation, hands-on activities, outdoor education, and special events for all ages.
Group Learning Opportunities:
- School groups can schedule standards-aligned, inquiry-based environmental education programs by contacting 717-486-3799. We encourage scheduling at least three months in advance as available dates fill quickly. Options are offered for field experiences and in-school lessons.
- Organized groups can schedule a wide variety of inquiry-based outdoor education programs by contacting 717-486-3799. We encourage scheduling early as available dates fill quickly.
Educator Opportunities: A wide-variety of standards-aligned professional development trainings are available for formal and non-formal educators
Other Learning Opportunities:
- Visit the Education Building featuring a children's reading nook, birdwatching station, and other activities.
- Enjoy a story as you walk in the woods with a Storywalk. Book topics and trail locations change seasonally. Check the DCNR Calendar of Events for the location.
- Take a self-guided tour of the historic Cameron-Masland Mansion. The mansion is open select Sunday afternoons and during special events.
Ready to learn? Call 717-486-3799 to schedule a program for your school or organized group or explore the DCNR Calendar of Events for the latest offerings.
From sweeping views of mountains and the Cumberland Valley to the historical backdrop of the Cameron-Masland Mansion and surroundings, Kings Gap offers a unique setting for:
- Meetings
- Retreats
- Trainings (government agencies, private businesses, non-profit organizations)
- Weddings
- Receptions
- Special Events
The mansion and grounds are available to rent from mid-April through mid-November. Meeting rooms, food service, and overnight accommodations are available from mid-April through mid-November.
Contact the center office for additional information, availability, prices, and to make a reservation.
A two-plug, electric-vehicle charging station is available for public use in the Education Center parking lot.
Please move to another parking space once your vehicle has been charged.
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