Yellow Creek State Park
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| Yellow Creek State Park, Pennsylvania, USA | |
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| IUCN Category III (Natural Monument) | |
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| Location: | Indiana County, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Nearest city: | Indiana, Pennsylvania |
| Coordinates: | |
| Area: | 3140 acres (12.71 km²) |
| Established: | 1963 |
| Governing body: | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
Yellow Creek State Park is a Pennsylvania state park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania in the United States It is along Yellow Creek and Little Yellow Creek. The old Kittanning Path goes through the 2,981 acres of parkland. The park was established in 1963. An additional 159 acres of developed land were purchased in 1982. Yellow Creek Lake, a 720 acre man made lake, was built in 1969 by an earth and rock dam on Yellow Creek. Yellow Creek State Park is between the boroughs of Ebensburg and Indiana on Pennsylvania Route 422.
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[edit] Hiking
There are 5 miles of trails open to hiking at Yellow Creek State Park. Ridgetop Trail is the most challenging of the trails. It is 2 miles and passes through a variety of habitats. Laurel Run Trail is a 0.5 mile loop trail in the vicinty of the park office. Damsite Trail, the longest trail in the park at 2.5 miles, is a remnant of the roads used to build Yellow Creek Lake in 1969.
[edit] Picnicking
Yellow Creek State Park is a popular destination for groups and families for picnicking. The main picnic area is near the beach with parking for over 4,000 people and a large number of picnic tables. There are three pavilions in the main picnic area. The pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance. Unreserved picnic tables are available on a first come first served basis.
[edit] Camping
Six cottages and 4 yurts are available to rent at Yellow Creek State Park. The cottages are on the lakeshore near McFeather's Cove. They sleep up to five in single or double bunks. They have wooden floors, glass windows, a porch, and electric lights. The yard area of the cottages have picnic tables and fire rings. The yurts also sleep up to five in single or double bunks. They are a bit more modern than the cottages. Each yurt has a refrigerator and stove as well as tables, chairs and electric lights and heat.
[edit] Yellow Creek Lake
Boats up to 20 horsepower are permitted on the waters of Yellow Creek Lake. There are multiple launch areas surrounding the lake. Boats are available to rent in the beach area. All boats must display a current registration from any state or a launch permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
An 800 foot beach is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Lifeguards are posted daily from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. There is a large bathhouse at the beach that also serves as the first-aid station and snack bar.
[edit] Hunting and fishing
Hunting is permitted at Yellow Creek State Park. Hunters are expected to follow the rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The common game species are squirrels, turkey, white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, pheasant, black bear, waterfowl, and rabbits. The hunting of woodchucks is prohibited.
Yellow Creek Lake is a warm water fishery. The common game fish are pike, muskellunge, bass, perch, crappie and bluegill. Laurel Run, Little Yellow Creek and Yellow Creek are cold water fisheries. These streams are stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. All fishers are expected to follow the rules and regulations of the fish commission at all times.
[edit] Nearby state parks
The following state parks are within 30 miles (48 km) of Yellow Creek State Park:
- Blue Knob State Park (Bedford County)
- Keystone State Park (Westmoreland County)
- Laurel Mountain State Park (Westmoreland County)
- Laurel Ridge State Park (Cambria, Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland Counties)
- Laurel Summit State Park (Westmoreland County)
- Linn Run State Park (Westmoreland County)
- Prince Gallitzin State Park (Cambria County)
[edit] References
- Yellow Creek State Park. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved on 2007-01-31.
