Campground Cove and Glendale Lake via Pt Trail and Campsite Trail

This easy loop sits on the west side of Glendale Lake in Prince Gallitzin State Park (Cambria County, Pennsylvania), linking the Point Trail with the Campsite/Campground-side trails around Campground Cove. Expect a mostly shaded walk through mixed hardwoods and hemlock with frequent lake glimpses, a few short rooty/uneven stretches, and lots of “stop-and-look” spots along the shoreline.

You’re looking at roughly 8 km (5.0 mi) with about 100 m (328 ft) of total climbing—spread out in small rises rather than one big hill—so it stays friendly for beginners, families, and anyone wanting a relaxed lake-and-woods outing. (elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov)

Getting to the start (car + public transport reality check)

By car (most practical): - Aim for the Crooked Run Campground area in Prince Gallitzin State Park. The campground’s 911 address is 233 Campground Road, Patton, PA 16668 (a reliable “nearest known address” to use in navigation). (elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov)
- The park office is commonly listed at 966 Marina Road, Patton, PA 16668, which is also a useful landmark if you’re orienting yourself on arrival. (pennsylvaniastateparks.reserveamerica.com)
- From regional highways, the park is reached via routes including PA 36 / PA 53 and connections from I-99 (US-220) toward Patton, then into the park roads for the west-side campground/trailheads. (pa.gov)

By public transport: - There isn’t dependable public transit directly into the park/campground loops. The realistic approach is a bus/train to the broader Altoona/Johnstown area, then a rideshare/taxi to the park (and plan the return—cell service can be patchy in forested pockets). If you’re trying to do this car-free, build in extra time and have a backup pickup plan.

What the walk feels like, step-by-step

From the campground-side access, you’ll quickly settle into a shoreline rhythm: narrow trail, soft forest floor, and periodic openings where the lake appears through trunks and understory. The Campground-side trail network is designed for easy wandering and wildlife viewing—benches are placed specifically for taking breaks and scanning the water. (elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov)

As you transition onto the Point Trail, the character becomes a touch more “trail-like” than “campground stroll.” The park describes the Point Trail as relatively rugged with lots of exposed roots, and it’s the section where you’ll want to slow down a bit—especially if the ground is wet or covered in leaves. (elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov)

The loop structure around Campground Cove is one of the highlights: you’ll alternate between: - Shoreline-hugging segments with the water close by (good for birds and reflections), and
- Slightly higher hillside tread where you’re walking above the lake, catching broader views through the trees. (elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov)

Because the total elevation gain is modest, the “ups” tend to be short rises as the trail rolls around points and small drainages rather than sustained climbs.

Landmarks, scenery, and the best “pause points”

• Campground Cove: a calmer-feeling arm of the lake where the trail repeatedly returns to the water’s edge. On still days, it’s one of the best places to spot surface activity from fish and to watch waterfowl moving between cover.