Recreational Opportunities in Crawford County

State Parks

Pymatuning State Park

One of the largest state parks in the Commonwealth, Pymatuning State Park covers 17,088 acres. Approximately three-fourths of the park is located near Linesville, PA in western Crawford County, the remaining one-fourth lies in Ashtabula County, Ohio.

Many activities are offered at Pymatuning including fishing, boating, swimming, camping, cabins, picnicking, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, natural areas, and environmental education and interpretation.

Pymatuning Lake

photo from www.dcnr.state.pa.us

Oil Creek State Park

Site of the world's first commercial oil well, scenic Oil Creek State Park is a panorama of deep hollows, steep hillsides and wetllands lying between Titusville, Crawford County and Oil City, Venango County. Activities that can be enjoyed in the park include hiking, canoeing, hunting, fishing, and environmental and historical interpretation.

Lakes

Canadohta Lake

Conneaut Lake

Pymatuning Reservoir

Tamarack Lake

Woodcock Creek Lake

Conneaut Lake

Erie National Wildlife Refuge

Located in Crawford County, the Erie National Wildlife Refuge consists of two separate land divisions. The Sugar Lake Division, located on the outskirts of Guys Mills, contains 5,206 acres lying in a narrow valley with Woodcock Creek draining to the north and Lake Creek draining to the south. The Seneca Division, located about ten miles north of the Sugar Lake Division, consists of 3,594 acres of forested valley with Muddy Creek and Dead Creek providing most of the wetland habitat.

The Erie Wildlife Refuge is the only refuge in the nation protecting endangered Northern riffleshell and clubshell mussels. It is also designated an Important Bird Area and a Globally significant Watershed. Three distinct habitats - forest, fields and water's edge - support 47 species of mammals, and 37 species of amphibians and reptiles. Numerous wildflowers abound during the spring, summer and fall along the Refuge trails.

Besides outdoor areas to observe and enjoy the wildlife of the Refuge, there is also an indoor bird observation area equipped with microphones to enjoy identifying and hearing some of the approximately 237 species of birds attracted to the area. Hunting is allowed with a refuge permit and fishing is allowed with special conditions.

Hunting

The Pennsylvania Game Commission manages the Commonwealth's wildlife resources and is funded primarily by license sales, game land timber, mineral and oil/gas revenues, and federal excise tax on sporting arms and ammunition. The Game Commission receives no state General Fund appropriations. There are thirteen State Game Lands located in Crawford County.

Common game animals in Crawford County include white tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, ruffed grouse, ring neck pheasant, quail, rabbit, squirrel, woodcock, coyotes and woodchucks. Excellent duck and goose hunting is also found throughout the county. Waterfowl and migratory game bird seasons are established in accordance with federal regulations.

Hunting and trapping seasons are scheduled and licenses are required. Consideration regarding license cost is given to junior and senior citizens, military personnel and disabled persons.

Fishing and Boating

Pennsylvania's aquatic resources are protected and managed by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Licensing and regulations apply to both fishing and boating, and are dependant upon locations, species and seasons. Consideration regarding license cost is given to junior and senior citizens, military personnel and disabled persons.

Sporting fish found in the numerous lakes and streams in Crawford County include trout, bass, walleye, perch, muskellunge, pike, blue gill, crappie and catfish.

Biking / Hiking Trails

Beaver Run

Bossard Nature Trail

Clear Lake

Deer Run

East Branch Trail

Erie Extension Canal Towpath

Ernst Bike Trail

Highway Bike Route A

Oil Creek Gorge

Pymatuning Spillway Trail

Scenic Route 6 Bike Route

Tunga

National Parks

While not located in Crawford County, the Allegheny National Forest definitely needs mention!

One cannot live so close to the Allegheny National Forest and ignore its beauty, history, natural wilderness, wildlife and recreational opportunities. The only national forest in Pennsylvania, the Allegheny Forest covers around 513, 325 acres across four counties. The closest point into the forest from Crawford County is a distance of only about 15 miles into adjacent Warren County.

The Allegheny has several distinct forest types; the Allegheny Reservoir and Kinzua Dam; two nationally designated wildernesses; two national wild and scenic rivers; scenic, natural and recreational areas; scenic, recreational and interpretive trails; the Kane Experimental Forest; and so much more. All of which provide abundant opportunities for recreation and enjoyment including, camping, hiking, canoeing, swimming, biking, climbing, geocaching, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, ATV trails, water activities, and on and on and on. Right in our own back yard!

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Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County

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04/21/2008