Many picnic tables offer nice views of the lake and most are shaded by beautiful oak, maple and ash trees. Charcoal grills are scattered throughout the picnic areas. All picnic areas are open from 8 a.m. to sunset.

There are two picnic areas in Little Buffalo State Park. The Main Picnic Area is a large, shaded lawn surrounding the swimming pools. There are showers, first-aid station, play field, seasonal food concession, playground equipment, boat rental, two picnic pavilions, horseshoe pits, restrooms and many picnic tables. The Main Picnic Area is closed November through April. The East Picnic Area, located by the Little Buffalo Historic District and open year-round, features picnic tables, restrooms, horseshoe pits, environmental interpretive center, picnic pavilion and the Moore Performing Arts Pavilion.

The two picnic pavilions in the west side of the Main Picnic Area seat 80 people, and the picnic pavilion in the East Picnic Area seats 50 people. The picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee by calling 888-PA-PARKS. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first come first served basis.

Little Buffalo State Park offers a wide variety of environmental education and interpretive programs. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and campfire programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources.

Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to schools and youth groups. Teacher workshops are available. Group programs must be arranged in advance and may be scheduled by calling the park office.

Programs are offered year-round. Many programs feature Shoaff's Mill. Over 12,000 people visit the mill annually. For more detailed information on programs contact the park office.

PCCA Festival at Little Buffalo: Held the third weekend of September in the East Picnic Area, this arts and crafts festival features juried craft people and live performers. Over sixty crafters present their wares and demonstrate their skills. Visitors will find anything from basket weaving, to photography demonstrations, to sheepshearing. Entertainers include singers, storytellers, bands, clowns and magicians. The two-day event is organized by the Perry County Council of the Arts and usually attracts several thousand people. An admission fee is charged.

Old Fashion Cider Squeeze: Held the third weekend of October in time for fall foliage, this festival will take your taste buds back to the mid-19th century. You can see and taste apple butter cooked in a large copper kettle in front of Shoaff's Mill. Apples are ground and squeezed in a century-old water powered press. Shoaff's Mill grinds cornmeal, cracked corn and apples. Taste samples of apple cider, apple butter and cornmeal recipes as long as supplies last.

Halloween Night: Held in the East Picnic Area on the Saturday before Halloween, this program features storytelling, pumpkin carving, refreshments and haunted hayrides. Activities start at 6 p.m.

Christmas Walk: This family oriented activity has become a popular holiday event in the county. Thousands of lights and holiday cutouts dot the East Picnic Area and provide the perfect holiday atmosphere. Santa always makes an appearance. Local 4-H Clubs sell cookies and hot chocolate. Local choirs sing carols many of the nights. The program runs December 17th through December 23rd from 6 to 9 p.m.

From PA Route 322, take the Newport Exit and follow PA Route 34 South through the town of Newport. One mile from town turn right onto Little Buffalo State Park Road to the park. From PA Route 322 to the park entrance is 4.6 miles.