Description: French Creek State Park is comprised of nearly 8000 acres of mostly forested rolling terrain. There is a … Other park facilities include a park office and swimming pool. Hunting is permitted on over 6,000 acres (2,400 ha) of French Creek State Park. French Creek State Park has more than 30 miles (48 km) of trails that are open to hiking and in some places horseback riding, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. The common game species are pheasants, squirrels, turkeys, white-tailed deer, and rabbits. 43,249 were here. XC Skiing. 6 miles, white blazes with a red stripe, most difficult hiking. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Almost 40 miles of trails, including 8 miles of the long distance Horse-Shoe Trail, provide easy access to nature in an area so close to the metropolis of Philadelphia (less than an hour’s drive). This hike explores most of the trails in the eastern portion of Pennsylvania's French Creek State Park. 5.5 miles, green blazes, more difficult hiking. Most of this trail is closed to mountain bikes. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Bureau of Facility Design and Construction, Conservation & Natural Resources Advisory Council, Double blazes indicate a change of direction in the trail, Camping is only permitted in French Creek's established campgrounds, Horses are permitted on the Horse-shoe Trail, and on the right berm of public roads (except in overnight areas), Motorized vehicles are prohibited on any park trails, Mountain bikes are permitted on roads and approved trails only, All trails south of Park Road are closed to bikes. 1.7 miles, red blazes, more difficult hiking. Several portions are steep and rocky, so wear sturdy shoes. The area has been designated an important bird area by the National Audubon Society. Hopewell Lake and Scotts Run Lake are popular fishing spots. Mountain Biking. French Creek State Park, Elverson: Address, Phone Number, French Creek State Park Reviews: 4.5/5. There are cabins you can camp in, tent camping sites and RV/car camping spots. Mountain biking is prohibited. We enjoyed hiking in this park very much! It is closed to mountain bikes around Hopewell Lake. Orienteering. 35 miles of trails. Be sure to carry water and wear proper clothing and footwear. Follow the solid green blazes to stay on Lenape Trail or venture off onto one of the many blazed trails that intersect this enjoyable trail. There are 17 moderate trails in French Creek State Park ranging from 2 to 9.7 miles and from 403 to 1,003 feet above sea level. This is a moderate loop trail in French Creek State Park. Horse Riding. Hikers at French Creek have a wide variety of opportunities for quiet reflection, nature study, and physical challenge. Horseshoe Trail runs 130 miles from Valley Forge to the Appalachian Trail near Harrisburg. This trail serves as the most direct route into and out of the eastern portion of French Creek State Park. The hunting of groundhogs is not permitted at the park. More than 35 miles of well-marked trails cover a large portion of the park’s 7,916 acres. This trail makes a loop through the park. Some areas better than others . Circling through the western portion of French Creek, this trail offers a variety of easy hiking mixed with several challenging sections. Once leaving the trailhead at Shed Road and PA 345, you will not cross another road on this backcountry-type loop trail. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! French Creek State Park in Pennsylvania is just about an hour's drive from Philadelphia, making it a great option for even a day-trip from the city, if you didn't want to camp overnight. It is closed to mountain bikes around Hopewell Lake. Overall, French Creek State Park is the 3rd most popular hiking trail of all 30 hikes in Pennsylvania. Photos of French Creek State Park - 9. Disc Golfing. Some views, quiet woods, lots of up & down, interesting rock formation. This loop trail connects all major attractions of French Creek, making it an excellent route to see the park. Ice Skating. Although a small part of it follows the route of the former Pickering Creek Railroad, most of the trail runs along a route much closer to the creek for which it is named. Kalmia is the Latin word for laurel. Swimming. When hiking in French Creek State Park you will notice that almost everyone on the trails has a daypack and a light jacket. The first is off of Fire Tower Road. Please enable scripts and reload this page. Hunters are expected to follow the rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The park offers a variety of outdoor recreation including boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, hunting, picnicking, horseback riding, disc … The terrain for the most part is either dirt or grass and easily navigated. For hikers and horseback riders, this trail touches highlights of the park including Hopewell Lake and Scotts Run Lake. Park as far down as possible. Large oak, poplar, hickory, maple, and beech trees cover much of the park, with a sparse understory of mountain laurel, rhododendron and other brushy plants. A work in progress, the French Creek Trail is one of several trails being developed by East Pikeland Township. There are 17 moderate trails in French Creek State Park ranging from 3.2 to 15.6 km and from 123 to 306 meters above sea level. Proudly founded in 1681 as a place of tolerance and freedom. This state park is 7900 acres with hiking trails ... A review of French Creek State Park in Elverson, PA including the campground, day use area, lakes and pool. We made the parking lot near the lovely Scotts Run Lake our base. Another bonus of French Creek is that there i… The heavily forested, scenic hills of French Creek State Park provide habitat for plants and animals in the ever-expanding urban environment of southeastern Pennsylvania. This trail offers visitors a glimpse of the historic Six Penny Recreation Area where dam ruins and the park's original picnic grounds can be seen. Miller's point, an easily climbable rock formation affords limited views of the Schuylkill River valley only in the winter and early spring before the foliage reappears. See all French Creek State Park trails. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. The park is nearly 8000 acres, and is the largest block of contiguous forest between Washington, D.C. and NYC. Use the connector trail (orange blazes with a green stripe) from the intersection of Boone and Lenape trails west of the campground to get to this loop trail. Wildlife Watch. French Creek State Park is located within the largest block of contiguous forest between DC and New York City. According to the French Creek State Park’s site you can see the ruins of the old recreation area. The Chestnut Hill-Mill Creek Loop hike will take you from the Shed Road trailhead to Mill Creek along a lollipop loop that includes the Lenape and Raccoon Trails. These trails range from 0.1 to 8 miles in length. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, horses, and mountain biking and is best used from December until February. Add Your Photos. Branching off of Raccoon and Mill Creek trails, this trail passes through the Baptism Creek drainage area in the eastern portion of the park. Hikers at French Creek have a wide variety of opportunities for quiet reflection, nature study, and physical challenge. Getting Started. This is the only equestrian trail in the park. This hike … Several portions are steep and rocky so, wear sturdy shoes. About halfway through the hike you will also get a glimpse of the historic Hopewell Furness area (which borders French Creek State Park). It starts 0.25 mile east of Hopewell Furnace’s main gate and ends at Mill Creek. There are two potential parking areas for this trail. French Creek State Park has more than 30 miles (48 km) of trails that are open to hiking and in some places horseback riding, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. 6 miles, blue blazes, more difficult hiking. During the winter, the park remains open for cross country skiing. [6]Boone Trail is a 6-mile (9.7 km) "moderate" hiking trail that is marked with blue blazes. This area is also a little rocky, but manageable for toddlers. Hikers at French Creek have a wide variety of opportunities for quiet reflection, nature study, and physical challenge. 3 miles, yellow blazes with red stripe, more difficult hiking. 3 miles, orange blazes, more difficult hiking. This is also where the hike began to be a challenge. French Creek Trail Description. French Creek State Park, Elverson: Address, Phone Number, French Creek State Park Reviews: 4.5/5. I go for a morning hike at French Creek State Park in Pennsylvania. More than 35 miles of well-marked trails cover a large portion of the park’s 7,916 acres. The trailhead will be on your right. 33 trails on an interactive map of the trail network. Once leaving the trailhead at Shed Road and PA 345, you will not cross another road on this backcountry-type loop trail. There is an unnamed road at 40.209636, -75.812809 which has a parking area to the right shortly after going on to the road. The Insider’s Guide to French Creek State Park Expert Eric Brown, park operations manager, dishes on spotting fisher cats, hooking largemouth bass, … Before hitting the trailhead, visit the Park's main office (accessible from the South Entrance, off PA 345, a couple miles before the trailhead) for a trail map. Picnicking. Ready for some activity? Looking for a great trail in French Creek State Park, Pennsylvania? Several of the better hiking trails are nearby French Creek State Park including Wissahickon Valley and Horse-Shoe Trail. French Creek State Park is in Chester County Pennsylvania and is a large state park that has a lot to offer. Trailhead parking is … Begin this hike from the campground contact station, Scotts Run Lake, Hopewell Furnace Visitor Center, or PA 345/Shed Road. and is a great place to come and enjoy a hike. Stay the Night. French Creek State Park mountain bike trail map. French Creek State Park – Area Recreation & Info. The many trails interconnect well and the blazing is fairly good. Hiking at French Creek State Park. This mountainside trail provides a pleasant experience through mature forests with scattered mountain laurel. Alongside the Kalima Trail, there's another section of rocks similar to areas I've seen scattered throughout French Creek State Park and beyond. French Creek State Park Photo by: Susan Charkes At more than 7,700 forested acres, with two lakes, miles of trails, a swimming pool, playgrounds, campsites, and many other amenities, French Creek State Park is a destination worth heading to no matter what your family wants to do outdoors. This trail is pretty rocky so it is challenging for older kids. When you push deeper into the park, the trails start to get a bit overgrown. Trailhead parking is located in many convenient areas. The park features beautiful forests, lakes, and fields that form the habitats of many plant and animal species. In addition to the great network of hiking trails, the park has much to offer for mountain bikers and horseback riders. Start your trip at Hopewell Lake Boat Launch parking lot, Group Tenting Areas 13-18, campground contact station, or Hopewell Furnace Visitor Center (using connector trails). Park in the lot along Firetower Road and follow the white blazes in either direction. Park at the base of the road leading to the Firetower Picnic Area and follow the white blazes in either direction. French Creek State Park has 32 hiking trails. French Creek State Park, Elverson: See 199 reviews, articles, and 93 photos of French Creek State Park, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 8 attractions in Elverson. Be sure to carry water and wear proper clothing and footwear. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Hunting. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! 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