130 miles (8 miles in the park), yellow blazes, more difficult hiking. Park as far down as possible. This trail serves as the most direct route into and out of the eastern portion of French Creek State Park. French Trail is a 6.8 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Elverson, Pennsylvania that features a lake and is rated as moderate. During the winter, the park remains open for cross country skiing. This is a moderate loop trail in French Creek State Park. French Creek State Park – Area Recreation & Info. There is a … Begin this hike from the campground contact station, Scotts Run Lake, Hopewell Furnace Visitor Center, or PA 345/Shed Road. Hikers at French Creek have a wide variety of opportunities for quiet reflection, nature study, and physical challenge. 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. Protect clean air, clean water, and public health and conserve working farms, forests, and natural lands. There are cabins you can camp in, tent camping sites and RV/car camping spots. French Creek State Park has 32 hiking trails. It starts 0.25 mile east of Hopewell Furnace’s main gate and ends at Mill Creek. AllTrails has 19 great hiking trails, trail running trails, mountain biking trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. There a lot of hiking, trail running and biking trails; a disc golf course; and a lake where you can boat. Hiking at French Creek State Park 35 miles of trails More than 35 miles of well-marked trails cover a large portion of the park’s 7,916 acres. Orienteering. Boating. Straddling the Schuylkill Highlands, the 7,730-acre park is the largest block of contiguous forest between Washington D.C. and New York City. Sledding. Getting Started. French Creek State Park, Elverson: Address, Phone Number, French Creek State Park Reviews: 4.5/5. Some views, quiet woods, lots of up & down, interesting rock formation. The area has been designated an important bird area by the National Audubon Society. Hunting. Review of French Creek State Park. 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. Mill Creek Trail: 6 miles - white blazes with a red stripe - most difficult hiking Add Your Photos. 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. 1 mile, purple blazes, more difficult hiking. It is closed to mountain bikes around Hopewell Lake. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, horses, and mountain biking and is best used from December until February. Fishing. Branching off of Raccoon and Mill Creek trails, this trail passes through the Baptism Creek drainage area in the eastern portion of the park. I go for a morning hike at French Creek State Park in Pennsylvania. French Creek State Park, which is located in the ecologically fragile Pennsylvania Highlands region, has a lot to offer folks seeking day hikes near the Philadelphia metro area. Description: French Creek State Park is comprised of nearly 8000 acres of mostly forested rolling terrain. Your localized Hiking weather forecast, from AccuWeather, provides you with the tailored weather forecast that you need to plan your day's activities Mountain biking is prohibited. This hike … Once an industrial complex for the fledgling United State of America, today French Creek State Park is an oasis for people and wildlife. 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. 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. 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. The park is nearly 8000 acres, and is the largest block of contiguous forest between Washington, D.C. and NYC. Be sure to carry water and wear proper clothing and footwear. Other park facilities include a park office and swimming pool. 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. We made the parking lot near the lovely Scotts Run Lake our base. 3.6 miles - white blazes - more difficult hiking. Park at the base of the road leading to the Firetower Picnic Area and follow the white blazes in either direction. Trailhead parking is located in many convenient areas. Hopewell Lake and Scotts Run Lake are popular fishing spots. The park features beautiful forests, lakes, and fields that form the habitats of many plant and animal species. See all French Creek State Park trails. French Creek State Park, Elverson: Address, Phone Number, French Creek State Park Reviews: 4.5/5. Consider using Raccoon and Lenape trails to add some variety for your return trip. For hikers and horseback riders, this trail touches highlights of the park including Hopewell Lake and Scotts Run Lake. We enjoyed hiking in this park very much! Several of the better hiking trails are nearby French Creek State Park including Wissahickon Valley and Horse-Shoe Trail. 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. The first is off of Fire Tower Road. People who are looking for a place to camp at for a weekend would enjoy French Creek State Park. Some areas better than others . Horse Riding. Wildlife Watch. Be sure to carry water and wear proper clothing and footwear. Several portions are steep and rocky so, wear sturdy shoes. [7] Boone Trail is a 6-mile (9.7 km) "moderate" hiking trail that is marked with blue blazes. 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. Another bonus of French Creek is that there i… When you push deeper into the park, the trails start to get a bit overgrown. Most of this trail is closed to mountain bikes. Hunting is permitted on over 6,000 acres (2,400 ha) of French Creek State Park. Swimming. Overall, French Creek State Park is the 3rd most popular hiking trail of all 30 hikes in Pennsylvania. Ice Skating. 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). 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. 3 miles, orange blazes, more difficult hiking. Hunters are expected to follow the rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Several portions are steep and rocky, so wear sturdy shoes. This area is also a little rocky, but manageable for toddlers. Many of these trails are also shared with mountain bikers, so be alert. This loop trail connects all major attractions of French Creek, making it an excellent route to see the park. Stay the Night. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! 35 miles of trails. This hike explores most of the trails in the eastern portion of Pennsylvania's French Creek State Park. There are two potential parking areas for this trail. 3 miles, yellow blazes with red stripe, more difficult hiking. The hunting of groundhogs is not permitted at the park. Circling through the western portion of French Creek, this trail offers a variety of easy hiking mixed with several challenging sections. French Creek Trail Description. Kalmia is the Latin word for laurel. Trailhead parking is … In addition to the great network of hiking trails, the park has much to offer for mountain bikers and horseback riders. Disc Golfing. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! 33 trails on an interactive map of the trail network. DCNR > State Parks > Find a Park > French Creek State Park > Maps of French Creek State Park. This trail is pretty rocky so it is challenging for older kids. Once leaving the trailhead at Shed Road and PA 345, you will not cross another road on this backcountry-type loop 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. The many trails interconnect well and the blazing is fairly good. 5.5 miles, green blazes, more difficult hiking. French Creek State Park, Hiking Trails In Detail Boone Trail - Blue Blaze, 6 mile loop, moderate difficulty: This trail goes through a number of features in French Creek State Park. When hiking in French Creek State Park you will notice that almost everyone on the trails has a daypack and a light jacket. 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. The terrain for the most part is either dirt or grass and easily navigated. Mountain Biking. [6]Boone Trail is a 6-mile (9.7 km) "moderate" hiking trail that is marked with blue blazes. Keystone State. The park offers a variety of outdoor recreation including boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, hunting, picnicking, horseback riding, disc … More than 35 miles of well-marked trails cover a large portion of the park’s 7,916 acres. and is a great place to come and enjoy a hike. These trails range from 0.1 to 8 miles in length. According to the French Creek State Park’s site you can see the ruins of the old recreation area. French Creek State Park mountain bike trail map. Picnicking. 6 miles, blue blazes, more difficult hiking. Hiking. 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. #10 - Mill Creek Trail to Raccoon Trail Loop. XC Skiing. This is the only equestrian trail in the park. Photos of French Creek State Park - 9. As you get beyond Hopewell Furnace and re-enter into French Creek State Park, you start to see the trail markers again. Official page of French Creek State Park, located in Berks and Chester Counties, PA. Alongside the Kalima Trail, there's another section of rocks similar to areas I've seen scattered throughout French Creek State Park and beyond. A work in progress, the French Creek Trail is one of several trails being developed by East Pikeland Township. 43,249 were here. Hiking at French Creek State Park. 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. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. French Creek State Park is in Chester County Pennsylvania and is a large state park that has a lot to offer. The Insider’s Guide to French Creek State Park Expert Eric Brown, park operations manager, dishes on spotting fisher cats, hooking largemouth bass, … This mountainside trail provides a pleasant experience through mature forests with scattered mountain laurel. Once leaving the trailhead at Shed Road and PA 345, you will not cross another road on this backcountry-type loop trail. Please enable scripts and reload this page. It is closed to mountain bikes around Hopewell Lake. French Creek State Park is located within the largest block of contiguous forest between DC and New York City. More than 35 miles of well-marked trails cover a large portion of the park’s 7,916 acres. About halfway through the hike you will also get a glimpse of the historic Hopewell Furness area (which borders French Creek State Park). This trail makes a loop through the park. The common game species are pheasants, squirrels, turkeys, white-tailed deer, and rabbits. 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 is also where the hike began to be a challenge. Proudly founded in 1681 as a place of tolerance and freedom. 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. 6 miles, white blazes with a red stripe, most difficult hiking. 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. The trailhead will be on your right. In the case of the six mile Mill Creek Trail, it is strongly recommended to go in boots with full hiking gear, it is a rugged experience to be savored in the eastern part of the park. This loop trail connects all major attractions of French Creek, making it an excellent route to see the park. 1.7 miles, red blazes, more difficult hiking. Hikers at French Creek have a wide variety of opportunities for quiet reflection, nature study, and physical challenge. 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. Park in the lot along Firetower Road and follow the white blazes in either direction. 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. Looking for a great trail in French Creek State Park, Pennsylvania? 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. To access this trail, you will need to walk about 0.6 miles pass the gate barrier across from the Lot C sign. 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