Frequently Asked Questions

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It is a 200 acre area just outside Mansfield, PA, leased by Mill Cove, Inc. from the US Army Corps of Engineers for the purpose of environmental education, community recreation and native flora and fauna conservation. Mill Cove Environmental Area borders Pennsylvania State Game Lands and the Tioga Reservoir. It offers unique opportunities for hunting, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, shooting (see Range Availability and Requirements), primitive camping, orienteering, bird watching, retreats, competitions and other varied events.

It is located in Tioga Township at 3036 Mill Creek Rd., Mansfield, PA 16933.

Mill Cove is open sunrise to sunset.

Yes, Mill Cove is open year-round. On occasion, the area may be closed to the public for scheduled group events.  Please note the schedule is subject to change. Keep an eye on the Mill Cove Events and Activities calendar for special and scheduled events.

Some scheduled programs may require a fee, however, access to explore Mill Cove is free and don’t hesitate to drop by the site and see the ongoing improvements. If you wish to schedule a program/event at Mill Cove, there may be a fee for reserving the pavilions. Such fees help to offset expenses incurred in hosting events and preserving Mill Cove.  Facilities Reservation

Picnic tables can be found in most pavilions near the east side of Mill Cove. Benches are placed throughout Mill Cove and provide seating in many of the different habitats.

Yes. To reserve pavilions or areas at Mill Cove, please check out the Calendar page as a Facilities Reservation is required. The pavilions are used for educational programs at times so please check the calendar before making your reservations.

Mill Cove does not have traditional playground equipment but it offers plenty of areas for natural play and exploration.

Yes, please check the Events and Calendar Page for available programs or contact Mill Cove at millcovepa@gmail.com a list of available programs. If you wish to reserve space at Mill Cove for an environmental program, team building exercise(s) or retreat you are sponsoring or conducting, please call 570-418-3593 to coordinate Mill Cove reservations.

Once completed, the main floor of the Educational Center will be wheelchair accessible. Accessible restrooms will also be available in the lobby area. The pavilions are close to the main road through Mill Cove and are wheelchair accessible. There is a wheelchair accessible trail to the fishing area just west of the bridge entrance into Mill Cove. Wheelchairs are not recommended on other trails.

Mill Cove offers a primitive approach to the camping experience. Several acres are clear cut and allow for tent camping only; however, the vast majority of the land available for use is heavily wooded. Nearby state parks are recommended for other camping options.

While riding a bike through Mill Cove is not prohibited, the trails are not designed for mountain biking. Riding a bike on a muddy or wet trail can lead to ruts which then require repair to make the trail safe for walking and hiking.

Please email millcovepa@gmail.com to discuss placing a geocache in Mill Cove. Some parts of Mill Cove may be entirely off-limits to geocaching due to sensitive resources. Mill Cove may limit caches in some areas to protect endangered species, keep visitors safe, or limit damages. If your request is approved, a geocache permit will need to be completed before placing a geocache. Please note there are presently geocaches in Mill Cove. Visit, search and locate them at your leisure.

Weddings, birthday parties and other celebrations are allowed on the grounds. Mill Cove is best suited for small to medium events and reservations are required. Please note no glass containers or fireworks are permitted. Please also note there is limited parking on the main road into the pavilion area so other arrangements for larger parties may be necessary for transportation to Mill Cove.

Facilities Reservation.

Dogs and cats can disturb, injure, or kill the wildlife that live in the area. While pets are not prohibited, it is requested that all pets be kept on leashes and restrained from free ranging/running in Mill Cove.

Mill Cove Environmental Area does not accept injured or orphaned wildlife. An animal’s best chance of survival is to be left alone in their own natural habitat. If you encounter a wild animal, always take extreme caution. They may harbor diseases and/or try to defend themselves when fearful. Always be overly cautious of an animal you suspect is sick and, in this scenario, keep yourself, children and pets at a distance; you should contact animal control or the game commission immediately. Mill Cove is not a rehabilitation facility. 

Yes - The Eastern Timber Rattlesnake inhabits the Mill Cove Environmental Area. Hikers and users of the area should be aware of their presence. They are a protected species and cannot be captured or killed. If encountered, observe from a distance and then move away. They likely will crawl away from you.

For more information on the Eastern Timber Rattlesnake, keep an eye on the Mill Cove calendar for an educational program on the rattlesnakes of Pennsylvania coming soon.