French Creek

French Creek SP https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/FrenchCreekStatePark/Pages/default.aspx https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Creek_State_Park French Creek State Park straddles northern Chester County and southern Berks County along French Creek in Pennsylvania. It is located in the Hopewell Big Woods. The park is the home of two lakes: Hopewell Lake, a 68-acre (28 ha) warm water lake, and Scotts Run Lake, a 22-acre (8.9 ha) cold water lake. There are extensive forests, and almost 40 miles (64 km) of hiking and equestrian trails. The park is also friendly to mountain bikers, having some renowned technical trails. Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, which features a cold blast furnace restored to its 1830s appearance, is surrounded by the park.

French Creek French 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 2022 FRENCH CREEK STATE PARK Once an industrial complex for the fledgling United States of America, French Creek State Park is now an oasis for people and wildlife. In the center of the Schuylkill Highlands, the 7,916-acre park is the largest block of contiguous forest between Washington D.C. and New York City. The forests, lakes, wetlands, and fields are a destination for hiking, fishing, camping, and biking. Those same habitats are home to many plants and animals that are rare in the southeastern region of the commonwealth. French Creek State Park is an Important Mammal Area and is part of the Hay Creek-French Creek Forest Block Important Bird Area as designated by the National Audubon Society. The park also includes the 90-acre Pine Swamp Natural Area, an acidic broadleaf swamp with rare and valuable wetland habitat. WILDLIFE WATCHING Directions GPS DD: Lat. 40.19843 Long. -75.79327 Entrances are located on PA 345 (south of Birdsboro) and north of PA 23. 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. Great blue heron RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES HORSEBACK RIDING: Horse-Shoe Trail winds through the park and into adjacent lands. The 140-mile trail runs from Valley Forge National Historic Park to the Appalachian Trail, about 15 miles north of Harrisburg. Horses are prohibited on hiking only trails. ORIENTEERING: French Creek and the Delaware Valley Orienteering Association have developed a permanent orienteering course for use by visitors of all ages. For a healthy, fun way to exercise both mind and body, locate markers in the park using a map and compass. Maps are available at the park office or from www.dvoa.org. FISHING: A fishing license is required for those 16 and over. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and laws apply. Scotts Run Lake: This 22-acre lake offers excellent fishing for trout and other coldwater species. Hatchery-raised trout are stocked throughout the year. Hopewell Lake: The 68-acre lake presents a challenge for anglers. A wide variety of Pennsylvania warmwater species are found in Hopewell Lake, including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge, and many species of panfish. This lake is designated as a Big Bass Lake and specific regulations apply. PICNICKING: Tables and charcoal grills are located throughout the park. Picnic areas and restroom facilities are near Scotts Run and Hopewell lakes. Both locations offer peaceful picnic opportunities. DISC GOLFING: The course winds through the woods on the south side of Hopewell Lake. This year-round activity attracts visitors of all ages. Sometimes referred to as Frisbee golf, disc golf is a great activity for individuals and families who want to be challenged while tossing a flying disc through the woods. Score cards and maps are available at the course and park office. The course begins near the top tier of the day use parking lot at Hopewell Lake. During the winter months, park at the playground parking area near the park office to access the course. SWIMMING: Swimming is available at the swimming pool by Hopewell Lake from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, unless otherwise posted. A fee is charged. The pool is near the shore of the lake and provides a beautiful setting for swimmers and sunbathers. Certified lifeguards are on duty when the pool is open. During the swimming season, an ADA accessible food concession is open at the pool complex. Firewood, charcoal, and other picnic supplies are also sold. A picnic pavilion inside the pool complex is available for rent. Reservations must be made at the pool entrance. All children nine years of age or less must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible individual. Any one person shall supervise no more than five children. Swimming is prohibited in both lakes. Address: 865 Park Road, Elverson, PA 19520 HUNTING AND FIREARMS: The combination of habitats at French Creek offers a variety of hunting opportunities. Over 6,000 acres of the park in Berks and Chester counties are open to hunting, trapping, and the training of dogs during established seasons. Know and follow county specific hunting regulations. Common game species include deer, turkey, rabbit, pheasant, and squirrel. Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundho

French Creek State Park This large tent and trailer camping area in southeast PA is mostly wooded. The campground has modern campsites (electric, non-electric, full-hookup, and pet-friendly), camping cottages, and yurts. ADA accessible shower houses, campsites, yurt, and camping cottage are available for those with disabilities. It also has a sanitary dump station, playground, amphitheater, and modern restrooms with warm showers. Camping cottages sleep five people in single bunk beds and double/single bunk beds. They have a table, chairs, electric heat, lights, and outlets. Outside there is a porch, picnic table, and fire ring. Yurts also have a stovetop and refrigerator. CAMPING SEASON: The campground opens in early March and closes in early January. Some loops open in late spring and close in late October. RESERVATIONS: Most campsites in Pennsylvania state parks can be reserved 11 months in advance to noon of the day of arrival. Campers without a reservation arriving after noon should check at the contact station or near the campground entrance for instructions. Reservations can be made using MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and Discover credit cards; personal, traveler’s, and cashier’s checks; or a Pennsylvania State Parks Gift Card. To receive a confirmed reservation, full payment must be received within ten days of making the reservation. For reservations, call the Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation Center at 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), Monday to Saturday,7:00 AM to 5:00 PM or visit http://pennsylvaniastateparks.reserveamerica.com. CAMPSITE ISSUING: Advance reservations are available for almost all campsites. Unreserved sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If an employee is not available, read posted instructions and check the site availability listing. The appropriate fee must be paid to a park employee or d deposited in a supplied honor system envelope before setting up on a campsite. CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations, changes, or transfers to reservations will be assessed a fee and can be made prior to arrival by the Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation Center. Any cancellation, change, or transfer made upon arrival must be processed through the state park. For complete information on fees, cancellations, changes, transfers, and discount policies, view the Reservation Cancellation/Change Policy at the website above in the "Reservations" section. Campground Rules Protect and Preserve Our Parks CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT TIME: Check-in time is 3:00 PM. Campsites must be vacated by 3:00 PM. Camping cottages and yurts must be vacated by 10:00 AM. Please make your visit safe and enjoyable. Obey all posted rules and regulations and respect fellow visitors and the resources of the park. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all Pennsylvania state parks. • Be prepared and bring the proper equipment. Natural areas may possess hazards. Your personal safety and that of your family are your responsibility. PETS: Pets are permitted in Loop C in this campground. Starting in 2020, pets will also be allowed in Loop A and Cottage 1. Please contact the park office or contact station for pet guidelines. Pets are prohibited in swimming areas, buildings, and all overnight facilities not participating in the pet program. Guide dogs and service dogs are not considered pets. • Prevent wild fires. Fires are only permitted in fire rings or grills. Gas and propane camp stoves are permitted. Fires must be attended at all times and extinguished before leaving a campsite. Properly dispose of hot coals. • Firewood is not provided. Cutting live or standings trees and the operation of chainsaws are prohibited. NOISE: Operation of electric generators that create excessive noise is prohibited. • 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. Use local firewood. Do not take wood home and do not leave firewood. Burn It! MOTOR VEHICLES: Park only in designated areas. Only one vehicle is permitted at a campsite in addition to a camping unit. If permitted, additional vehicles can park on the camping spur for a fee or in the second car parking area at no charge. VISITORS: Visitors are welcome on campsites from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. MINIMUM/MAXIMUM CAMPING PERIOD: Campers may stay in a state park campground up to 14 consecutive nights from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If reserving a Saturday during the summer season, a two-night minimum stay is required. Campers may camp up to 21 consecutive nights during the remainder of the year. HUNTING: 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 hunti