National and State Parks - Recreational Areas
Home Page
Parks Starting With:
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
I |
J |
K |
L |
M |
N |
O |
P |
Q |
R |
S |
T |
U |
V |
W |
Y |
Z
Hills Creek State Park
State Park Information
State Park Overview
Nature of the Area
Wildlife abounds in and around Hills Creek State Park. Along with an active beaver colony, there are other water-loving creatures including muskrat, wood duck, great blue heron and
osprey. Bald eagles are frequent visitors to the park.
Visitors may see a transient black bear - flock of wild turkey, or a deer. Hills Creek is also a perfect habitat for rabbits, grouse, pileated woodpeckers and woodchucks.
In the spring, Hills Creek Lake becomes home to migrating waterfowl like loon, bufflehead and
common merganser.
Camping
Camping modern sites, some with electricityThe 102-site camping area is at the north end of the park and is reached by the main park road. The campsites range from grassy open areas to sites dominated by immense hemlock trees. The campground opens the second Friday in April and closes the third weekend in October.
Modern washhouses with warm showers, restrooms and
water fountains are in central locations throughout the camping area. A sanitary dump station is just outside the camping area. Six sites are accessible.
Camping Cottages Three cottages sleep five people in single bunks and double/single bunks and
have wooden floors, windows, electric heat porch, picnic table, fire ring and electric lights and outlets.
Organized Group Tenting
Qualified adult and youth groups may use this 40-person capacity area equipped with picnic tables, pavilion, fire rings, water and flush toilets. Campers may shower in the campground. This wooded peninsula is open from the second Friday in April to the third Sunday in October, weather permitting. Advance reservations are recommended. This area is rustic in nature and as a result, no vehicles are permitted in the camping area. Some of the larger hemlock, beech, maple and ash trees in the park are found on this very picturesque peninsula.
Trails
Hiking 5 miles of trails
Lake Side Trail1.5-mileThis trail begins at the entrance to the camping area and follows the lakeshore in a westerly direction for about one mile, finally arriving at the Beaver Hut Boating Area. A beaver house plus many signs of beaver activity may be seen in this area. From the boating area the trail generally follows the lakeshore in a southerly direction for about one mile, ending at the dam breast of Hills Creek Lake. This section of the trail offers an excellent variety of bird life attracted by seeds from white spruce, red-osier dogwood and viburnums that dominate this moist area. The trail then follows the park road past Picnic Area No. 1 and the park office. It ends at a parking lot beyond the gate on the main entrance road - distance of about 0.5-mile.
Tauschers Trail1.5-mileThis trail circles the northeast section of the park from the cabin area. It winds through pine plantations, dense stands of alder and fields containing numerous wildflowers. Wildlife abounds in this section of the park and it is not uncommon to startle deer or grouse along the trail.
Yellow Birch Trail1-mileThis trail starts at the entrance to the camping area but travels in an easterly direction for about one mile. Although short in length, this trail leads through a diversity of forest habitats from stands of hardwoods to hemlock swamps and marsh areas. The observant hiker may see a variety of wildlife and animal signs along with interesting tree development.
Picnicking
There are two picnic areas and three reservable picnic pavilions. Picnic Area No. 1 is at the south end of the lake - the breast of the dam. Picnic Area No. 2 is just north of the swimming beach along a large cove of the lake.
The picnic areas have picnic tables, charcoal grills or fireplaces, picnic pavilion, charcoal disposal units, centrally located drinking fountains and modern comfort stations. The picnic areas are open year-round, but all other day use facilities are closed. Picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis.
Boating
Boating electric motors only
The 137-acre Hills Creek Lake has three boat mooring areas with a total capacity of 30 boats. Two of these areas also double as boat launching areas with concrete launching ramps. Sailboating is quite popular. Rowboats, paddleboats, kayaks and canoes may be rented from the boat rental, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting.
Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats must display one of the following boat registration from any state launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks that are available at most state park offices launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Swimming
Fishing and Hunting
Fishing
The warm waters of the 137-acre Hills Creek Lake provide excellent fishing for warm-water species. Common fish are muskellunge, walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie and
yellow perch. This lake is on the Bass Masters Tournament Rotation. Largemouth Bass weighing over eight pounds have been pulled from the lake. A valid PA fishing license is required. All Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission laws apply.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing success in the 137-acre Hills Creek Lake is exceptional for yellow perch and bluegill and an occasional walleye. Be safety conscious when on the ice.
Hunting
With the abundance of both large and small game in the area and the additional bonus of 13,000 acres of rugged State Game Land 37 within walking distance of the park, it is easy to understand why hunting and trapping are popular around the park. Hills Creek State Park is closed to hunting because of its small size, but there is an abundance of nearby private and public lands available for this popular sport.
History of the Area
More Info
Date of last update **/**/** Hills Creek State Park. SITE IDENTIFICATION. Site Name Hills Creek State Park Site Location Township Road T-680 County Tioga Municipality Charleston township US...
...ga County Visitors Bureau in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania.
...ga County Visitors Bureau in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania.
.. (BGRASS-L) July 13, 2002 Hills Creek State Park, Wellsboro, Pa. ***Thanks to Benedicts
in beautifully scenic Wellsboro, Pa. and Hills Creek State Park Summer Bluegrass is coming #cD67201370#
...h Annual Canyon Country Bluegrass Festival. on Sat. Sat. July 13th, 2002. at Hills Creek State Park in Wellsboro, Pa. featuring. Mountain Heart. Special Consensus. also The Hickory Project,
...kpacking, hiking and camping tips and links for Pennsylvania
Area Campgrounds
R V's Mountaintop Campground
Scenic View Dr
Tioga, PA
(570) 835-5863
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Mc Divitt's Sporting Goods
Bliss Rd
Nelson, PA
(570) 827-2818
Area Resorts and Lodging
Penn Wells Lodge
4 Main St
Wellsboro, PA
(570) 724-3463
Lakeview Lodge Restaurant Lounge & Motel
Bliss Rd
Lawrenceville, PA
(570) 827-2112
Stony Fork Creek Campground
658 Stony Fork Creek Rd
Wellsboro, PA
(570) 724-3096
Hills Creek State Park