Yellow Creek State Park is a Pennsylvania state park on 2,981 acres (1,206 ha) in Brush Valley and Cherryhill Townships, Indiana County, Pennsylvania in the United States. The park encompasses parts of Yellow Creek and Little Yellow Creek. The old Kittanning Path goes through the parkland. The park was established in 1963. An additional 159 acres (64 ha) of developed land were purchased in 1982. Yellow Creek Lake, a 720-acre (290 ha) 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 U.S. Route 422.
Environmental awareness
Yellow Creek State Park became the first Pennsylvania state park to switch from gasoline-powered lawn mowers to propane powered lawn mowers in 2008. This is part of a statewide effort to make the state parks more environmentally friendly. The propane mower reduces emissions by 90% and boosts fuel efficiency by 10%. Yellow Creek state park has taken other steps to reduce man's impact on the environment. These include installing wind turbines to provide electric power to the environmental education building. The buildings have been remodeled with better window placement in order to take advantage of the sun's rays. A new boat that uses less fuel has been purchased to patrol Yellow Creek Lake. Lastly, park rangers and educators are using bicycles instead of trucks whenever possible.[3]
Hiking
There are 5 miles (8.0 km) of trails open to hiking at Yellow Creek State Park. Ridgetop Trail is the most challenging of the trails. It is 2 miles (3.2 km) and passes through a variety of habitats. Laurel Run Trail is a 0.5-mile (0.80 km) loop trail in the vicinity of the park office. Damsite Trail, the longest trail in the park at 2.5 miles (4.0 km), is a remnant of the roads used to build Yellow Creek Lake in 1969.[1]
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.[1]
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.[1]
Yellow Creek Lake
Boats up to 20 horsepower are permitted on the waters of Yellow Creek Lake. There are three launch areas on the lake. All boats must display a current registration from any state or a launch permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.[1] Boats are available to rent near the beach area, including canoes, kayaks, sailboats, paddleboats, and motorized pontoon boats.
Shoreline during a late winter day.
An 800-foot (240 m) beach is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Beginning in 2008 lifeguards will not be posted at the beach.[4] There is a large bathhouse at the beach that also serves as the first-aid station and snack bar.[1]
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.[1]
Nearby state parks
The following state parks are within 30 miles (48 km) of Yellow Creek State Park:[5][6][7]
^2007 General Highway Map Indiana County Pennsylvania(PDF) (Map). 1:65,000. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Planning and Research, Geographic Information Division. Retrieved July 27, 2007. Note: shows Yellow Creek State Park
Eastern Shore of Yellow Creek Lake, near Camp Seph Mack (BSA)
View of Yellow Creek Lake showing southern marsh area
Northern view of Yellow Creek Lake from the water, near McFeaters Cover Boat Launch
View of Yellow Creek Spillway, with lake waters flowing into Yellow Creek
Yellow Creek Lake alongside dam and Spillway into Yellow Creek
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