Prince Gallitzin

Prince Gallitzin Prince Gallitzin State Park A Pennsylvania Recreational Guide for WELCOME Top 10 Activities to do at Prince Gallitzin 1. Paddle a kayak through the remote areas of Killbuck, Mud Lick, Wyerough or Slate Lick coves. Pennsylvania State Parks Mission The primary purpose of Pennsylvania state parks is to provide opportunities for enjoying healthful outdoor recreation and serve as 2. Catch a glimpse of a bald eagle while birding. outdoor classrooms for environmental education. In meeting these purposes, the conservation of the natural, scenic, aesthetic and 3. Cross-country ski on Hughes Trail. historical values of parks should be given first consideration. 4. Walk along Gibbons Road at dusk and enjoy a beautiful sunset. Stewardship responsibilities should be carried out in a way that protects the natural outdoor experience for the enjoyment of current 5. Spend a beautiful fall weekend in one of the modern cabins. and future generations. Enjoy the Winter Snowmobiling: Registered snowmobiles may use the 20-mile trail network. Snowmobiles may be operated on designated trails and roads from the day following the last deer season in December until April 1, weather permitting. Cross-country Skiing: Seven miles of marked trails are available for this popular wintertime activity. In the 1930s, much of the area that is now Prince Gallitzin State Park was forested and laced with trout streams and beaver dams. The Pennsylvania Game Commission owned much of the land. The local economy was depressed and the population of the area was declining. It was in this atmosphere that the idea of a park was conceived. In 1935, during the Great Depression, the National Park Service proposed to establish several Recreation Demonstration Areas in Pennsylvania. A project was proposed and approved for this area, but was never implemented. The project proposal map is on file in the park office and has an uncanny resemblance to Prince Gallitzin State Park. In 1955, the Patton Chamber of Commerce and the Patton Sportsmen proposed a 30-acre dam in the Killbuck Area. In March of that same year, Dr. Maurice K. Goddard, Secretary of the Department of Forests and Waters, met with the Patton Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Goddard approved of the idea and from that beginning, the original concept rapidly expanded. On April 4, 1957, Governor George M. Leader announced plans for “Pennsylvania’s largest and most complete state park” and land acquisition began. The park was to have a 1,760-acre lake and “provide the people of this State with the finest recreation facilities.” Money derived from the Oil and Gas Lease Fund, recently authorized by the state legislature, was to pay for the proposed two million dollar project. Secretary Goddard said, “No other areas that I have seen in the Commonwealth has this unique combination of characteristics. I predict we will be able to fulfill the desires of the Legislature much beyond their expectations in the development of this outstanding park.” On May 3, 1958, groundbreaking ceremonies were held with Governor Leader in attendance. Glendale Lake began filling on December 2, 1960, and opened for boating in July of 1961. On May 29, 1965, Governor Scranton dedicated Prince Gallitzin State Park. Iceboating: Iceboats must display a state park launch permit. Stay the Night Prince Gallitzin State Park is in northern Cambria County and is reached by PA 36 and 53 and US 22 and 219. From US 219, at Carrolltown, turn onto SR 4015. At Patton, take US 36 east to Glendale Lake Road. From US 22, Cresson Exit, follow PA 53 north. From PA 53, turn at either Frugality or Flinton. At Frugality, following State Park Drive/Marina Road will take you into the major day use areas of the park. From Flinton, Beaver Valley Road will also take you into the park and is a more direct route to the campground. From I-99, Exit 32, follow PA 36 west, turn right at Ashville onto PA 53 north. Make online reservations at: www.visitPAparks.com or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations. Spend the Day Boating: up to 20 hp motors permitted The 1,635-acre Glendale Lake has nine public boat launching areas conveniently located throughout the park, along with three public mooring facilities for sailboats, pontoon boats and runabouts. Marina slips are available at Beaver Valley and at Prince Gallitzin marinas. A watercraft concession and marina provides various services, including: watercraft rentals, lake tours, repairs to boats and motors, and the sale of fuel. Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launching 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. Fishing: The 1,635-acre Glendale Lake is a warm-water fishery with bass, pike and muskellunge as the most common game fish. There is also a good population of panfish that includes crappie, bluegill and perch. Killbuck Run is stocked with trout. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission laws apply. Organized Group Tenting: A rustic tenting area may be reserved by organized adult and youth groups from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. There are picnic tables, restrooms and drinking water. A shower house is within easy walking distance. Reservations RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Picnicking: Picnic tables are available throughout the park. Many picnic tables are adjacent to the swimming area in Muskrat Beaches 1, 2 and 3. Four picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis. Cabins: Ten modern cabins are for rent year-round. Cabins are furnished and have a living area, kitchen/dining area, shower room, and two or three bedrooms. Two bedroom cabins sleep six people (one double bed and two bunks), while three bedroom cabins sleep eight people (one double bed and three bunks). One cabin is ADA accessible. 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 car, trailer or leased campsite. The only exception is that law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms may carry said firearm concealed on their person while they are in the park. Camping: modern sites, some with electric A 398-site tent and trailer campground is open from the second Friday in April to the last Monday in October. Facilities and services offered in the campground include: camp store with coin-operated laundry, swimming beach, boat mooring area, boat rental, playgrounds, paved sites, showers, flush toilets and sanitary dump stations. Camping Cottages: The three camping cottages in the campground have a deck and windows that overlook the lake. Each cottage sleeps five people in a single bunk and double/single bunk beds and has electric lights, outlets and heat. The cottages are available from the second Friday in April to the last Monday in October. One cottage is ADA accessible. WILDLIFE WATCHING  Horseback Riding: All equestrian trails can be accessed from the Beaverdam Boat Launch. A riding stable adjacent to park property on Marina Road offers rides of varying degrees of difficulty and length on park property. Swimming: Muskrat beach is open from late-May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to sunset. Swim at your own risk. Please read and follow posted rules for swimming. A food concession, modern bathhouses, dressing rooms, disc golf, volleyball courts and a large picnic area are in and around the swimming area. Biking: All bicyclists may use park roads open to public travel. Campers may cycle the 2.3-mile multi-use trail around the perimeter of the campground. For an around-the-park road tour, go to www. theAlleghenies.com. Follow the link to Cycling, Cycling on Road, Choose a Tour, Marina Mania tour. Hunting and Firearms: About 5,900 acres are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, turkey and small game. 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 Mountain Biking: In the northern part of the park, the 20-mile snowmobile trail network is open for mountain biking and hiking. Bikers should follow the rules of the road and common courtesies. For more information on mountain biking, contact the park office or: www.theAlleghenies.com. Follow the link to Mountain Biking, Choose a Tour, Killbuck Run tour. The Web site has maps, que sheets and additional information. 10. Take in the scenic view of hills and valleys from the Headache Hill water tower, or stop at the Mud Lick Gazebo for a picturesque view of the Mud Lick Cove. The park was one of Pennsylvania’s largest parks at the time. From July 8 to July 15, 1967, the park hosted the National Campers and Hikers Association convention. There were 26,500 people camped in the fields around Headache Hill. The convention brought national awareness to the park and Pennsylvania. In April of 1970, Crooked Run Campground opened, the docks at Beaver Valley Marina opened, and the first seasonal park naturalist conducted lectures and walks. Further improvements like the addition of hiking trails, cabins and upgrades to facilities continue to make Prince Gallitzin one of the finest recreational facilities in Pennsylvania. Prince Gallitzin a large number of widely scattered farms throughout the region. Father Gallitzin was responsible for establishing the first Catholic Church between the Susquehanna and the Mississippi (St. Michael’s Parish) and the town of Loretto. He arranged the construction of a gristmill, tannery and sawmill. He taught children and for many settlers was their doctor, lawyer and banker. Father Gallitzin never returned to his homeland and died in Loretto on May 6, 1840. His contributions are remembered in several place names in Cambria County, including the town of Gallitzin, Gallitzin Springs, as well as Prince Gallitzin State Park. Father Gallitzin, for all his great deeds and hard work helping the settlers of the region, will forever be known as the “Apostle of the Alleghenies.” Prince Gallitzin State Park is named for Father Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin. Born in Holland (Netherlands) on December 22, 1770, he was the only son of Prince Dimitri Alexievitch Gallitzin, Russian Ambassador to Holland, and his wife Amalia Von Schmettau Gallitzin. In 1792, young Gallitzin arrived in the United States and became intrigued at the contrast between the terrible social and political state of France and the civil and religious liberty that had become fundamental principles in the social structure of the new country. He determined to devote his life to being a Catholic priest and entered the Sulpician Seminary in Baltimore. On March 18, 1795, Gallitzin was ordained as one of the earliest people in the United States upon whom the full orders of the priesthood were conferred. He became a naturalized citizen of the United States and was first assigned to the Conewago mission near the Susquehanna River and south of present day Harrisburg. Prince Gallitzin, the son of Russian nobility, played an important role in the settling of central and northern Cambria County. There were FOR YOUR INFORMATION Photo by Tim Wehnert Directions 9. Spend a day boating and fishing on the 1,635-acre Glendale Lake. HISTORY Ice Fishing: The 1,635-acre Glendale Lake is popular for ice fishing. Common species caught through the ice are perch, walleye, pike and crappies. Ice thickness is not monitored. For your safety, be sure the ice is four inches thick and carry safety equipment. At Prince Gallitzin State Park, the forested hills of the Allegheny Plateau cradle sprawling Glendale Lake. Vistas offer scenic views of the 1,635-acre lake with its 26 miles of shoreline, which is a favorite of anglers and boaters. Campers flock to the large campground and also enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities. The varied habitats of the park make it a home for many types of wildlife, and a rest stop in the spring and fall migrations. 8. Enjoy a family picnic and go swimming at Muskrat Beach. 6. Enjoy a family outing while camping in the largest single campground in the Pennsylvania State Park system. Printed on recycled paper 2012 PRINCE GALLITZIN STATE PARK 7. Horseback ride on Old Glendale Road Trail. Great egrets The diverse habitats of Prince Gallitzin State Park provide great opportunities for viewing wildlife. Please observe wildlife from a distance and do not feed wildlife. The 1,635-acre Glendale Lake, with its 26 miles of shoreline, is home to many species of fish, birds and animals. Wyerough Branch and the upper reaches of Slatelick and Mudlick branches are covered in wetland plants and are a good places to see ducks, herons and rails. In the spring and fall, waterfowl stop at the lake to rest on their migrations north and south. The forests of the park are excellent for seeing many species of birds, especially warblers and vireos. The fields in the park are excellent for seeing butterflies. Prince Gallitzin State Park, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, has begun to enhance the Headache Hill area to improve wildlife diversity and create wildlife viewing areas. Feeding wildlife is prohibited. When animals become dependent on humans for food, this brings animals and humans into close contact which can lead to potentially dangerous situations. Human food is often of little nutritional value to animals and can make animals sick and unhealthy. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION An environmental education specialist offers a wide variety of environmental education and interpretive programs seasonally. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding and develop a sense of stewardship toward the natural and Hiking: see reverse side cultural resources of the park. Recreational programming includes interpretive kayak and pontoon boat tours of Lake Glendale. Curriculum-based environmental education field learning experiences are available for K – 12 school groups, youth organizations and homeschool associations. FRIENDS OF PRINCE GALLITZIN STATE PARK The Friends of Prince Gallitzin State Park formed in January, 2007, to provide already active volunteers at the park additional ways to contribute to the conservation and preservation of the park and its resources The mission of the Friends of Prince Gallitzin State Park is to endeavor to preserve and enhance the natural and built resources of Prince Gallitzin State Park, while promoting education and recreation for all visitors now and in the future. The Friends of Prince Gallitzin State Park formed as a chapter of the PA Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF). PPFF is a private, non-profit organization that works to develop resources which compliment the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). PPFF’s mission is to enhance Pennsylvania’s parks and forests, protect Pennsylvania’s natural resources, and support conservation and environmental programs. 717-236-7644. www.paparksandforests.org If interested in volunteering or donating, contact the Friends of Prince Gallitzin State Park at: 966 Marina Road Patton, PA 16668 814-674-1000 Access for People with Disabilities This symbol indicates facilities and activities that are ADA accessible. 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 Contact a park employee or dial 911. For directions to the nearest hospital, look on bulletin boards or at the park office. Nearest Hospital Miners Medical Center 290 Haida Avenue Hastings, PA 16646 814-247-3100 i Information and Reservations For More Information Contact Prince Gallitzin State Park 966 Marina Road Patton, PA 16668-6317 814-674-1000 (Main Office) 814-674-1007 (Campground Office) e-mail: princegallitzinsp@pa.gov An Equal Opportunity Employer www.visitPAparks.com Information and Reservations Make online reservations at: www.visitPAparks.com or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, (888-727-2757) 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations. Park Ranger™ App by Parks by Nature 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. • Please camp only in designated areas and try to minimize your impact on the campsite. • Firewood Advisory: Firewood may contain non-native insects and plant diseases. Bringing firewood into the park from other areas may accidentally spread pest insects and diseases that threaten park resources and the health of our forests. Campers should use local firewood. Do not take wood home and do not leave firewood - Burn It! • Prevent forest fires by having a fire in proper facilities and properly disposing of hot coals. Do not leave a fire unattended. • Because uncontrolled pets may chase wildlife or frighten visitors, pets must be controlled and attended at all times and on a leash, caged or crated. Pets are prohibited in swimming areas. Nearby Attractions For information on nearby attractions, contact; the Johnstown and Cambria County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 800-237-8590. www.visitjohnstownpa.com HIKING: 32.65 MILES OF TRAILS McDermott Trail: 0.8 mile, easiest hiking This trail leads from a small parking area along Beaver Valley Road to Bosar Point, the peninsula that separates the Killbuck and Mud Lick fingers of Glendale Lake. The point is a great place to view spring waterfowl. Haddie Buck Peninsula Trails (central) Lakeshore Trail: 0.75 mile, easiest hiking Beginning between cabins 7 and 8, this forested walking trail runs along Glendale Lake and has several scenic views. At Muskrat Beach the trail follows the service road to the group tenting area where it meets Hughes Trail. Muskrat Beach Trail: 0.5 mile, easiest hiking This trail links Troxell Point and Plessinger trails to Muskrat Beach. Plessinger Trail: 1.2 miles, more difficult hiking This trail leads from the Prince Gallitzin Marina entrance road to Muskrat Beach Day Use Area 1 and meets Muskrat Beach Trail. Troxell Point Trail: 2.8 miles, more difficult hiking This long trail begins at the parking lot along Marina Road near the Pa. Game Commission maintenance building. This trail crosses the length of Haddie Buck Peninsula to Troxell Point. Many trails intersect Troxel Point Trail providing the opportunity for side loops and alternate pathways. Turkey Ridge Trail: 1.2 miles, more difficult hiking This trail intersects Troxel Point Trail twice and passes through Day Use Area 3. Turkey Ridge Trail passes through a variety of habitats, offering the chance to see a wide variety of animal and bird species. The majority of the trail is relatively flat, making it a good family hike. Branch. The bottom loop of the trail follows the shoreline or a hillside. The trees are a mix of hemlock and hardwoods providing a shady walk. Hughes Trail: 0.9 mile, more difficult hiking This trail begins in the group tenting area and joins Troxell Point Trail. Campground Trail: 2.2 miles, easiest hiking This trail follows the shoreline and topography around the campground. Five benches along the trail are great for relaxing and viewing wildlife. This trail is popular for mountain biking. Point Trailhead/Campground Trails (central west) Deer Trail: 0.7 mile, easiest hiking Follow this trail into State Game Land 108 to discover food plots for wildlife. Lucky hikers can see deer or other animals feeding. This trail intersects with Forest Trail. Forest Trail: 0.4 mile, easiest hiking Watch scampering chipmunks and hear chattering red squirrels while strolling under a canopy of beech, maple and hemlock trees. This short loop is one of the easiest trails in the park. Footprint Trail: 0.8 mile, more difficult hiking Follow this loop for a fleeting view of the Wyerough Branch to the lake. Near the midway point, hikers can relax on the bench and scout for herons, osprey and bald eagle. Poems Trail: 0.6 mile, easiest hiking Learn about nature through poetry. Pick up a trail guide at the trailhead and follow this trail and read the poems that correspond with locations along the trail. This is an easy walking trail with many interesting poems about nature. Point Trail: 2.8 miles, more difficult hiking This relatively rugged trail with lots of exposed roots and numerous blown down trees begins at the Point Trailhead. The top loop of the trail follows Crooked Run Bater Patch Trails (northeast) Old Glendale Road Trail: 1.9 miles, easiest hiking This trail leads from the Glendale Dam across the dam and follows the shoreline along the Slate Lick arm of Glendale Lake to the Bater Patch Trailhead. Along the way it connects to Hagaratty Trail. This is a beautiful walk through the woods with great opportunities to see birds and wildlife. Hagaratty Trail: 1.5 miles, more difficult hiking Starts near the Glendale Dam from the Old Glendale Road Trail and follows along Snake Ridge before descending to meet Old Glendale Road Trail at the Bater Patch Trailhead. Tell us about your hike at: Shomo Fields Trails (north) Slate Lick Trails (southeast) Rhody Trail: 1.1 miles, more difficult hiking This trail takes you through Dixon Hollow starting along Swartz Road and ending at Wyerough Finger. Make a loop by taking Herman Fields or Reed trails along the way. Foster Run Trail: 1.7 miles, more difficult hiking This trail runs from the Bater Patch Trailhead south along a ridge and then down to the lake near Noel Run. This remote area of the park consists of thick brushy woods over rolling hills. During the summer this trail is used primarily for horseback riding, but is also open to hiking, mountain biking and snowmobiling. Reed Trail: 0.6 mile, more difficult hiking This short trail connects Westrick Trail to Rhody Trail. Westrick Trail: 0.7 mile, more difficult hiking This trail begins near Pavilion 1 at Pickerel Pond, crosses Beaver Valley Road and steadily climbs to Shomo Fields then intersects Herman Fields Trail. Herman Fields Trail: 0.7 mile, easiest hiking Starting at an old road gate along Beaver Valley Road, this trail climbs the hill to join Rhody Trail and intersects with Westrick Trail along the way. Noel Run Connector Trail: 0.6 mile, more difficult hiking This short connector tail connects Foster Run Trail to the Glendale Riding Trails. During the summer this trail is used primarily for horseback riding, but is also open to hiking and snowmobiling. Gates Trail: 2.2 miles, more difficult hiking Accessed from Swartz Road or from Bollinger Trail near McKees Run Boat Launch, this trail loops around the hill above McKees Run. Bollinger Trail: 4.1 miles, more difficult hiking This trail stretches from Pickerel Pond to Glendale Dam, passing Beaverdam Marina, the soccer field at Beaver Valley and intersecting many trails. Mountain bikers, horseback riders and snowmobilers all use the trail. Glendale Riding Trails: 1.8 miles, more difficult hiking This is a series of interloping trails that is primarily used as a horseback riding area for the horseback riding concession. Some trails have heavy humps from many years of equestrian use. During the summer the primary use is horseback riding and other users should be aware and yield to horses. The area consists of rolling terrain through woods with heavy underbrush.