Canoe Creek

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. visitPAparks 2017 CANOE CREEK STATE PARK The 961-acre Canoe Creek State Park is located 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 and offers modern cabins for lodging. Enjoy the Winter CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: All hiking, equestrian, and biking trails are available for cross country skiing. Directions 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 gate of Canoe Creek State Park, located on the right. 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. Reservations Make online reservations at www.visitPAparks.com or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations. ICE SKATING: Ice skating is permitted on the lake and on the two ponds at the East Shore Day Use Area. The ice is not groomed for ice skating conditions. ICEBOATING: Iceboats must have a launch permit. For your safety, make sure ice is at least 6” thick. Always carry safety equipment. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION Environmental education and interpretive programs are available year round and explore a wide variety of ecological and environmental topics. Through activity-oriented programs utilizing the park’s resources, participants gain a better understanding of our fragile natural ecosystems. School group programming for all grade levels and teacher workshops are available. Scout, church, civic, and private groups can also arrange for special programs. Advanced scheduling for group programming is required. 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. RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Spend the Day MODERN CABINS: Eight modern cabins are perched in a lovely setting on the hill above the lake and are available for rent year round. Each cabin sleeps six people and is equipped with two bedrooms including one room with two sets of bunk beds and one room with a double bed. The cabins also have a living room/dining room, modern bathroom, kitchen, electric heat, and modern conveniences throughout, including stove, refrigerator, and microwave. Cabins include an outside fire ring and picnic table. The cabins are within walking distance of the swimming area, hiking trails, the historic limestone kilns, and the Terry Wentz Education Center. The rental period during summer is one week. Throughout the remainder of the year, a two-night minimum stay is required. FISHING: The beautiful 155-acre Canoe Lake is stocked with game fish such as walleye, muskellunge, and trout and is fed by two coldwater trout streams. 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. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and laws apply. An ADA fishing deck is on the east side of the lake adjacent to Pavilion #3. SWIMMING: Families enjoy the large sand swimming beach which is open from late May to early 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 bathhouse includes showers and dressing booths. A food concession stand at the swimming beach offers a variety of snack food and drink items and provides a dining terrace overlooking the lake. PICNICKING: Scenic, shaded areas on the east and west sides of the lake provide many opportunities for picnics and gatherings. There are many picnic tables, charcoal grills, and charcoal disposal units adjacent to the picnic areas and beach area. There is also a family-friendly playground with accompanying benches between the beach and boat rental. In addition, three large picnic pavilions, each accommodating up to 90 people, are available for rent. These pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a rental fee. Each pavilion has a grill with an adjacent charcoal disposal unit. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free and may be used on a first-come, first-served basis. 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. GEOCACHING: Park visitors can explore the park to find several approved geocaches. Coordinates for geocaches can be found on www.geocaching.com. Geocaching may take visitors off trail and may be located in both day use and hunting areas. Hikers should be prepared for off trail conditions and wear fluorescent orange during hunting seasons. Geocaching brochures can be obtained at the education center or the park office. 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 16.5-mile Lower Trail. Trailhead access is within a mile of the park. 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. Parking for horse trailers is allowed in a designated area adjacent to the park road near the main parking areas. HIKING: 12 miles of trails The beautiful and winding hiking trails of Canoe Creek State Park allow hikers to explore forests, fields, wetlands, shrubby areas, historic sites, and the lakeshore. Hiking trails range from easy to difficult and provide ample opportunity for wildlife watching. Vistas atop Sugarloaf and Moore’s hills provide scenic views of the park and surrounding area. 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 varied weather. Since Canoe Creek State Park is a multi-use park, hikers should wear fluorescent orange when hiking during hunting seasons. Tell us about your hike at: ExplorePAtrails.com. 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 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. HISTORY The historic Blair Limestone Company Kiln remnants at Canoe Creek State Park showcase the operation of processing 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 and interpretive 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. FRIENDS OF CANOE CREEK BOATING: electric motors only 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 the 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. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launch permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks that are available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. 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 group works with the park to support the park’s goals/mission through fundraising and support of environmental education. For information, visit: www.friendsofcanoecreek.com. FOR YOUR INFORMATION  Nearby Attractions 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 Wildlife Watching Canoe Creek State Park is comprised of a variety of habitats including field, forest, marsh, and stream that support approximately 200 species of birds and mammals. This offers ample wildlife watching opportunities throughout the park. Located along Marsh Trail, a boardwalk leads to a small observation blind is ideal for birding and observing lake wildlife. Wildlife checklists can be obtained at the education center or the park office. 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 bluebird, indigo bunting, cedar waxwing, Northern oriole, red-winged blackbird, and brown thrasher 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 cavity-nesting trail, consisting of more than 100 nest boxes, is monitored and maintained throughout the park. Osprey and bald eagle 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 ICE FISHING: Ice fishing is a popular winter activity during the extended trout season. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and laws apply. Please dispose of monofilament line in monofilament disposals posted around the lake shore. an Important Bird Area, IBA #76, by the Pennsylvania Audubon Society and is included on the Susquehanna River Birding and Wildlife Trail. BAT VIEWING: Because it hosts a winter hibernation site and summer maternity site for bats including state and federally endangered species, the park is a Pennsylvania Important Mammal Area. The Frank Felbaum Bat Sanctuary hosts a nursery colony of little 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 scores of bats. A gated limestone mine serves as a monitored hibernation site for several species. Call 911 and contact a park employee. Directions to the nearest hospital are posted on bulletin boards and at the park office. i Information and Reservations For More Information Contact Canoe Creek State Park 205 Canoe Creek Road Hollidaysburg, PA 16648-9752 814-695-6807 email: canoecreeksp@pa.gov GPS DD: Lat. 40.480445 Long. -78.290937 An Equal Opportunity Employer www.visitPAparks.com NEAREST HOSPITAL UPMC Altoona 620 Howard Avenue Altoona, PA 16601 814-889-2011 Information and Reservations Make online reservations at www.visitPAparks.com or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations. Printed on recycled paper facebook.com/canoecreeksp Pocket Ranger™ App by Parks by Nature 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 and attended at all times and on a leash, caged, or crated. Electronic fences and leashes are prohibited. Pets are prohibited in swimming areas. • 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: 12 miles of trails BEAVER POND: 0.9 mile, orange blazes, easiest hiking This easy trail takes visitors around the ponds located on the east side of the lake, through thickets and fields, and along gentle slopes. Great trail for birding and lake views. MARSH TRAIL LOOP: 0.4 mile, white blazes, easiest hiking A visitor favorite, Marsh Trail provides a scenic winding boardwalk along the lakefront, with benches and an observation blind for plenty of wildlife viewing. FISHERMAN’S PATH: 1.1 miles, green blazes, more difficult hiking Visitors enjoy lake views as this trail meanders along the east shore day use area, through woods, and along Brumbaugh Dam. Anglers enjoy the many lakeside fishing opportunities. MOORE’S HILL LOOP: 3.2 miles, blue blazes, most difficult 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. LIMESTONE LOOP: 1.2 miles, red blazes, easiest hiking This scenic trail is a visitor favorite. It follows the old railroad grade to the Blair Limestone 1000 d Roa ey Vall tch Sco To State Game Lands166, 1.9 Mi. n Ca BLAIR COUNTY oe 1000 Cr ee k 100 0 To Tyrone Buckhorn SUGARLOAF TRAIL: 0.7 mile, yellow blazes, more difficult hiking Winding around Sugarloaf Hill, the trail provides scenic lake views as well as a gentle to steep hike through the woods. MATTERN TRAIL LOOP: 2.2 miles, pink blazes, most difficult hiking The loop trail traverses both field and forest, taking visitors almost to the ridge of Moore’s Hill for scenic views and through diverse habitat on this multi-use trail. HARTMAN LOOP: 1.5 miles, green blazes, more difficult hiking 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 old Blair Limestone Company quarry and limekilns before following Mattern Trail along Mary Ann’s Creek. CANOE CREEK STATE PARK SMITH HILLSIDE LOOP: 0.7 mile, orange blazes, most difficult hiking This narrow trail ascends the side of the slope on Smith Hillside, winding along the top of the ravine before descending through the woods and winding along Mary Ann’s Creek. Company kilns and along the beautiful corridor of Mary Ann’s Creek. Several bridges provide opportunities for creek crossings. 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