|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
        
 Reporter |
Summary: This hike explores most of the trails in the eastern portion of Pennsylvania's French Creek State Park. Before hitting the trailhead, I recommend visiting the Park's main office (accessible from the South Entrance, off PA 345, a couple miles before the trailhead) for a trail map. 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. Many of these trails are also shared with mountain bikers, so be alert. Although there were a fair number of other hikers and bikers one unseasonably warm March weekend, my companion and I did find a reasonable amount of seclusion, considering the proximity of several major metropolitan population centers. This hike was moderately difficult due to the constant up and down of the topography. I consider this to be a tasty appetizer to the coming hiking season. Trailhead: From the PA Turnpike (Interstate 76), take exit 312 to PA 100 north. Turn west onto PA 23, then north onto PA 345. It is about 4.6 miles to the east entrance of French Creek State Park, and then another 0.2 miles to the intersection on PA 345 and Shed Road where there is a small parking area and the trailhead. (Lat:40.21668 Lon:-75.77611) Trail Guides for Eastern French Creek State Park: 50 Hikes in Eastern Pennsylvania by Tom Thwaites (The Countryman Press) Best Seasons: Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: French Creek State Park, 610-582-9680 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jeremy Taitelbaum, who has posted 9 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by RM on 9/7/2009 The trails are serene and offer a nice view of the lake. We visited the park/trails in May 2009. It was a little nerve-racking to see signs on some of the trails saying "beware of hunters" and hearing rare and distant gunshots. I advise wearing bright and reflective clothing. The difficulty is really mild-moderate. Get the map. We would visit it again with the more "sightly" clothing. 
Reviewed by sns on 8/25/2009 I live nearby. Great trails. Being able to switch/mix trails provides variety. Have been hiking the park for the last 15 years on a weekly bais. Please go to the park office and get a map. There are location maps where a trail meets a road. But please don't be like Andy G. Dogs are to be on a leash, park rules. My leashed dog was attacked by an unleashed dog in a secluded area. By the time the owners made it up the hill to answer my cries, my husband had knocked it away. I believe he killed it. Horrible experience for all involved. We continue to hike the park with my dog, but we both carry pepper spray. Remember this is a PUBLIC park. There may be adults or children who are afraid of dogs. Or a dog that doesn't like other dogs.
Reviewed by Bob on 3/30/2009 I am somewhat biased in that French Creek is about 20 minutes from where I live. As for the reviewer that said Mill Creek does not allow Mtn Biking, this is untrue. It does allow Mtn Bikes, but you don't see many in the winter. There are other trails closed to Mtn Biking however, and the trail maps clearly state which ones they are. There is quite a bit of variety in the entire park. Everything from a walk around the Hopewell Lake to the more difficult Mill Creek Trail. The Horseshoe Trail(http://hstrail.org) also goes through the park. My personal favorites are the Mill Creek(starting at Shed Road) and Six-Penny sections(starting at Scott Lake), usually mixed with other surrounding trails.
Reviewed by Christa W. on 3/23/2009 I went here over the weekend with my dog. Went on a trail where no bikes were allowed (Mill Creek) and it was very peaceful. Saw a few people along the way, but otherwise very quiet. We were out for about 2.5 hours and could have easily spent much more time out there. Can't wait to go back again.
Reviewed by Andy G on 2/20/2008 I've been hiking the trails of French Creek State Park for close to 30 years. I'm on my third dog. There isn't a trail or old abandoned woods road I haven't been over many times. What keeps me coming back over and over again is the solitude. Once you've gotten away from the more populated areas of the park and way out in the woods you usually don't run into another soul all day. The dog can run free and so can my thoughts. At 47 years old I hope to have at least another 30+ years of walking the trails at FCSP. The absolute best time to hike the Park is winter, especially in the snow. It's SO quiet you have trouble believing your in SE PA. You can see well into the woods and watch a group of whitetails bound away. I love this place!
Reviewed by Jackchuck on 10/14/2007 Nice hike. Depending on time of year, Park office may be closed and no maps available outdoors. VERY good idea to print a map before you leave home: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/frenchcreek/frenchcreek_mini.pdf Trail is well blazed but no maps and very few indications of directions out there on the trail.
Reviewed by stefan on 9/1/2007 We hiked the Boone Trail, which is a 6 mile loop with varied terrain, a moderate amount of ups and downs, and nice views of Hopwell Lake. It was very enjoyable, not too crowded and very few bugs. I'll definitely be back for some of the other trails, and probably also to camp and fish. 
Reviewed by T on 4/11/2006 I don't see where in this site you provide a description of the hike; am I missing something, or are you trying to get me to buy the book? (for example: start E on Mill Creek trail (white/red blazes; go X miles to Y and bear right (green). Go X m ...) Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Pennsylvania Hiking, Pennsylvania Trails, Pennsylvania Hikes, Chester County Hiking, Chester County Trails, Chester County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||