Canoe CreekBrochure |
Brochure of Canoe Creek State Park (SP) in Pennsylvania. Published by Pennsylvania State Parks.
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Canoe Creek
Canoe Creek
State Park
A Pennsylvania Recreational Guide for
Pennsylvania State Parks Mission
The primary purpose of Pennsylvania state parks is to provide
opportunities for enjoying healthful outdoor recreation and serve as
outdoor classrooms for environmental education. In meeting these
purposes, the conservation of the natural, scenic, aesthetic, and
historical values of parks should be given first consideration.
Stewardship responsibilities should be carried out in a way that
protects the natural outdoor experience for the enjoyment of current
and future generations.
PAStateParks
2023
CANOE CREEK STATE PARK
WILDLIFE WATCHING
orioles, red-winged blackbirds, and brown thrashers frequent the
fields and wetlands along Mary Ann’s Creek and along the lake shore.
Birdwatchers can see many species of warblers along the woodlands
of Mary Ann’s Creek and Canoe Creek corridors. An extensive cavitynesting trail, consisting of more than 100 nest boxes, is monitored and
maintained throughout the park. Osprey and bald eagles are noteworthy
spring and fall migrants, as are migrating ducks, swans, and warblers.
Because of Canoe Creek State Park’s remarkable biodiversity and
its variety of habitats, the park has been designated an Important Bird
Area by the Audubon Society and is included on the Susquehanna River
Birding and Wildlife Trail.
The 961-acre Canoe Creek State Park is in the scenic and peaceful Canoe
Creek Valley, 12 miles east of Altoona. This beautiful park, in the Ridge
and Valley Province of southern Pennsylvania, features a picturesque
155-acre lake surrounded by wetlands, old fields, mature forests, and the
historic Blair Limestone Kilns.
Canoe Creek State Park is a modern park facility developed during
the Project 70 expansion era of state parks and was dedicated in 1979.
Today, the park offers many recreational opportunities including modern
cabins for overnight lodging.
Directions
Common yellowthroat
GPS DD: Lat 40.480445 Long. -78.290937
The fields, forests, marshes, streams, and lake within Canoe Creek State
Park support approximately 200 species of birds and mammals.
Along Marsh Trail, a boardwalk leads to a small observation blind
which is ideal for observing lake wildlife. Wildlife checklists can be
obtained at the education center or the park office.
To reach Canoe Creek State Park, travel on US 22 to the small village of
Canoe Creek (seven miles east of Hollidaysburg), turn north onto Turkey
Valley Road for one half-mile to the park gate, located on the right.
Reservations
Make online reservations at www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks or call toll-free
888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday
to Saturday.
BIRDING: The park is a resting and feeding stopover for migrating
birds and serves as summer nesting grounds for many breeding birds.
Canoe Lake is a great place to see migrating waterfowl in spring and
fall. Eastern bluebirds, indigo buntings, cedar waxwings, Baltimore
RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Spend the Day
PICNICKING: Scenic, shaded areas on the east and west sides of
the lake provide many opportunities for picnics and gatherings. Many
picnic tables, charcoal grills, and charcoal disposal units are adjacent
to the picnic areas and beach area. A family-friendly playground with
accompanying benches is between the beach and boat rental.
In addition, three large picnic pavilions, each accommodating up to
96 people, are reservable for a fee. These pavilions may be reserved up
to 11 months in advance for a rental fee. Each pavilion has a charcoal
grill with an adjacent charcoal disposal unit. Unreserved picnic pavilions
are free and may be used on a first-come, first-served basis.
BOATING: electric motors only; slow, no-wake speed
The scenic 155-acre Canoe Lake provides ample opportunity for boating,
wildlife watching, and fishing. The park provides modern boat launches
on both sides of the lake. Shoreline boat mooring is available for a fee
at East Shore Day Use Area. A boat rental facility is adjacent to the
swimming area, and rents rowboats, paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes.
Contact the park office for boat rental hours.
Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. Nonpowered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from
any state; launch permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State
Parks, available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
FISHING: Fed by two coldwater trout streams, the beautiful
155-acre Canoe Lake is stocked with game fish species such as walleye,
muskellunge, and trout. Other species include bass, chain pickerel, perch,
catfish, and a variety of panfish. Canoe Lake is in the Big Bass Program
to promote young bass to grow to a larger size. With this program, the
lake has special regulations. An ADA fishing deck is on the east side
of the lake adjacent to Pavilion 3. Please dispose of monofilament
line in monofilament recycling containers adjacent to fishing areas.
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and laws apply.
SWIMMING: Families enjoy the large sand swimming beach, open
from late May to late September, unless otherwise posted. An available
lap lane is marked by buoys. Swimming hours are from 8:00 AM to
sunset. Please follow posted rules for swimming. Swim at your own risk.
The modern shower house includes showers and dressing booths. A
food concession stand at the swimming beach offers a variety of snack
food and drinks and provides a dining terrace overlooking the lake.
DISC GOLF: A nine-basket disc golf course winds through the day use
area. Each basket is served by two tees to challenge players of varying
skill. Players should yield to other park visitors in the area. For more
information and maps, please visit the park office or check the disc golf
bulletin board between parking areas 3 and 4.
BIKING: A wide, stream-side, one-mile bike trail begins at the park
boundary at US 22 and leads into the scenic day-use area in the park.
Bikes are prohibited on hiking and equestrian trails. Cyclists can also
enjoy rail-trail biking along the nearby Frankstown Branch of the Juniata
River on the 17.2-mile Lower Trail. Parking is available at the East Day
Use Area. E-bikes are permitted but must follow all e-bike guidelines.
www.dcnr.pa.gov/Pages/EBikePolicy.aspx
LEARN, EXPERIENCE, CONNECT
Environmental education programs are available year round and explore
a wide variety of ecological and environmental topics. Gain a better
understanding of the park’s natural, cultural, and historical resources
through guided outdoor recreation, hands-on activities, walks, special
events, and other programs. The Terry Wentz Education Center is open
year round and provides exhibits and information on the park history and
wildlife as well as the park’s environmental education programs. Call
ahead for education center hours.
Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to
schools and organized groups. Call the park office to schedule a group
program. A variety of professional development workshops are offered
for teachers.
Contact the park office or explore the online calendar of events,
https://events.dcnr.pa.gov, for more information on programs and other
learning experiences.
HISTORY
HORSEBACK RIDING: Scenic equestrian trails loop through the
northern section of the park. These popular horse trails wind their
way through fields and forests and provide ample opportunity for park
exploration. Mattern, Hartman, and parts of Moore’s Hill trails can be
reached from the parking lot at the end of Mattern Road. Horse rentals
are not available in the area. Horseback riding is permitted only on
designated trails and all roads. Parking for horse trailers is allowed in a
designated area adjacent to the park road near the main parking areas.
The historic Blair Limestone Company Kiln remnants at Canoe Creek
State Park showcase the processing of limestone during the early 1900s.
The Petersburg spur of the Pennsylvania Railroad traveled through
what is now Canoe Creek State Park to connect the lime kilns with the
outside world. Limestone was an important raw material for the iron
and steel industry that was booming in Pennsylvania at the time. The
Blair Limestone Company was a subsidiary of Jones and Laughlin Steel
Company of Pittsburgh, to which it provided quicklime for making steel.
These lime kiln remnants are the focus of historical programs and
displays. The remains of the Calcium Products Company kilns, locally
known as the Hartman Kilns, are also found in the park. The park has
several old quarries located around Moore’s Hill.
HIKING: See HIKING section on reverse side.
HUNTING AND FIREARMS: Around 550 acres of Canoe Creek
State Park are open to hunting, trapping, and the training of dogs
during established seasons. Large areas of forest and field provide
ample opportunity for hunting and trapping. Common game species are
white-tailed deer, pheasant, and rabbit. Many hiking trails wind through
hunting areas, so please hunt responsibly.
Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog
training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through
March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules
and regulations apply. Contact the park office for ADA accessible
hunting information.
Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the
park during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment used for
hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting
areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during
non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the
owner’s vehicle or enclosed trailer. Exceptions include: law enforcement
officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry
Firearms are authorized to carry a firearm concealed on their person
while they are within a state park.
Stay the Night
MODERN CABINS: Eight modern cabins, available for rent year
round, are in a lovely setting on the hill above the lake. Each cabin
sleeps six guests in two bedrooms; one bedroom has two sets of bunk
beds and the other has a double bed. The cabins also have a living room,
dining room, modern bathroom, kitchen (stove, refrigerator, microwave,
coffee pot), electric heat, air conditioning, outside fire ring, and picnic
table. Up to two dogs are permitted in cabins 7 and 8.
The cabins are within walking distance of the swimming beach,
hiking trails, the historic limestone kilns, and the Terry Wentz
Education Center. In the summer, cabin rentals are weekly from Friday
to Friday. Throughout the remainder of the year, a two-night minimum
stay is required.
Model of limestone kilns
FRIENDS OF CANOE CREEK
Canoe Creek State Park is proud to work with the Friends of Canoe
Creek, a non-profit group working through the PA Parks and Forests
Foundation. The Friends works with the park to support the park’s goals
and mission through fundraising and support of environmental education.
www.friendsofcanoecreek.com
Black-eyed Susan
INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS
Canoe Creek State Park
205 Canoe Creek Road
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648-9752
814-695-6807
CanoeCreekSP@pa.gov
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Make online reservations at www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks or call
toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday
to Saturday.
@Canoecreeksp
Enjoy the Winter
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: All hiking, equestrian, and biking trails
are available for cross-country skiing.
ICE SAFETY: Ice thickness is not monitored. For your safety, make
sure ice is at least 4” thick for a single angler or skater, 7” thick for a
small group, or 6” thick for iceboating. Always carry safety equipment.
ICE SKATING: Ice skating is permitted on the lake and the two ponds
in the East Shore Day Use Area. The ice is not groomed for ice skating
conditions.
ICEBOATING: Iceboats must have a launch permit.
ICE FISHING: Ice fishing is a popular winter activity during the
extended trout season. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
regulations and laws apply.
BAT VIEWING: Canoe Creek State Park hosts a winter hibernation
site and summer maternity site for bats including state and federally
endangered species. Due to its important bat habitat, the park is a
Pennsylvania Important Mammal Area.
The Frank Felbaum Bat Sanctuary hosts a nursery colony of little
brown, Indiana, and big brown bats. Historically an important bat colony
due to its numbers, it has attracted both park visitors and biologists over
the years. On warm summer evenings, visitors attend bat programs and
watch the emergence of hundreds of bats. A gated limestone mine serves
as a monitored hibernation site for several species.
Access for People with Disabilities
This symbol indicates facilities and activities that are Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible for people with disabilities. This
publication text is available in alternative formats.
If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a
disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.
In an Emergency
Nearby Attractions
Information on nearby attractions is available from the Explore Altoona
Visitors Bureau. 800-842-5866. www.ExploreAltoona.com
Within an hour’s drive of the park are the world-famous Horseshoe
Curve, Blue Knob Ski Area, Pennsylvania State University, Railroaders
Memorial Museum, Lower Rail Trail, Lincoln Caverns, State Game
Lands 166, and Rothrock and Gallitzin state forests.
Protect and Preserve Our Parks
Please make your visit safe and enjoyable. Obey all posted rules and
regulations and respect fellow visitors and the resources of the park.
• Be prepared and bring the proper equipment. Natural areas may
possess hazards. Your personal safety and that of your family are your
responsibility.
• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
• Because uncontrolled pets may chase wildlife or frighten visitors, pets
must be physically controlled, attended at all times, and on a leash,
caged, or crated. Electronic fences and leashes are prohibited. Pets are
prohibited in swimming areas.
Call 911 and contact a park employee. Directions to the nearest hospital
are posted on bulletin boards and at the park office.
• Do your part to keep wildlife wild! Enjoy wildlife from a safe distance
and do not feed or approach wild animals.
NEAREST HOSPITAL
UPMC Altoona
620 Howard Avenue
Altoona, PA 16601
• Please recycle. Place trash accumulated during your stay in proper
receptacles or take it home with you.
• Soliciting and posting signs is prohibited without approval from the
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
HIKING: 14 miles
Beaver Pond Trail
0.9 mile | Easiest hiking | Out-and-back trail | Orange blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, benches
old Blair Limestone Company quarry and limekilns before intersecting
Mattern Trail along Mary Ann’s Creek.
Limestone Trail
1.2 miles | Easiest hiking | Out-and-back trail | Red blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, picnic tables
This easy trail takes visitors around the ponds located on the east side of
the lake, through thickets and fields, and along gentle slopes. It is a great
trail for birding and lake views.
The loop trail traverses both field and forest, taking visitors almost to the
ridge of Moore’s Hill for scenic views and through diverse habitats on this
multi-use trail.
This scenic trail is a visitor favorite. It follows the old railroad grade to the
Blair Limestone Company kilns and along the beautiful corridor of Mary
Ann’s Creek. Several bridges provide opportunities for creek crossings.
This is a great trail for woodland birds and wildflowers.
Deer Trail
0.5 mile | Most difficult hiking | Connector trail | White blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, equestrian
Challenging hikers with a steep climb from Canoe Creek almost to
the ridge of Moore’s Hill, this steep trail connects Moore’s Hill Trail
to Mattern Trail. The trail travels through dense hardwoods with
opportunities to see birds and other wildlife.
Moore’s Hill Trail
2.8 miles | Most difficult hiking | Loop trail | Blue blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Visitors enjoy a more challenging hike as the trail follows along the
circumference of Moore’s Hill and provides steep switchbacks before
descending through scenic forest trails to meet Canoe Creek and the fields
of lower Moore’s Hill.
Lakeside Trail
0.9 mile | Easiest hiking | Connector trail | Orange blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
A visitor favorite, Lakeside Trail provides a scenic, winding, ADA
accessible boardwalk along the lakefront, with benches and an observation
blind for wildlife viewing. The trail continues along Marsh Road into the
hardwood forest along the lake shore. This trail connects Marsh Road to
Mattern Trail or Moore’s Hill Trail.
Fisherman’s Path
1.4 miles | More difficult hiking | Out-and-back trail | Green blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Visitors enjoy lake views as this trail meanders along the east shore day
use area, through woods, and along Brumbaugh Dam. Anglers can enjoy
the many lakeside fishing opportunities.
The beautiful and winding hiking trails of Canoe Creek State Park allow
hikers to explore forests, fields, wetlands, historic sites, and the lakeshore.
Hiking trails range from easy to difficult and provide ample opportunity
for wildlife watching. On a clear day, visitors can even catch a glimpse of
Blue Knob State Park, over 20 miles away. Information on trails, wildlife,
and geocaching can be obtained at the education center or the park office.
Hikers should be prepared for trail conditions and changing weather
conditions. Since Canoe Creek State Park is a multi-use park, hikers
should wear fluorescent orange when hiking during hunting seasons.
Mattern Trail
2.3 miles | More difficult hiking | Loop trail | Pink blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, backpacking, equestrian
Hartman Trail
1.8 miles | More difficult hiking | Loop Trail | Green blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Lower Trail
0.1 mile in the park, 17.1 miles total | Easiest hiking | Point-to-point
trail | No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, biking, cross-country skiing
recommended
Hartman Trail challenges hikers to climb the slope of Moore’s Hill to
the ridge where the trail becomes a narrow rocky path through scenic
woodlands, overlooking Scotch Valley, and then back down over the
Stretching from the eastern side of the park to Alexandria, this rail trail
follows the Frankstown Branch of the Juniata River and provides yearround recreational opportunities.
Smith Hillside Trail
1.3 miles | Most difficult hiking | Loop trail | Orange blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
This narrow trail ascends the slope on Smith Hillside, meandering along
the top of the ravine before descending through the woods and winding
along Mary Ann’s Creek.
Sugarloaf Trail
1.1 miles | More difficult hiking | Loop trail | Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: benches
Winding around Sugarloaf Hill, the trail provides scenic lake views, as
well as a gentle to steep hike through the woods.
960
CANOE CREEK STATE PARK
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Rev. 10/5/23