French Creek State Park

Set amidst the old, quaint and picturesque farmland of southeast Pennsylvania, French Creek offers two lakes--Hopewell and Scotts Run, extensive forests and almost 40 miles of hiking trails. Adjacent to the park lies Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site that features a cold-blast furnace restored to its 1830s appearance. French Creek State Park is featured in a 30-minute video created in partnership with the Pennsylvania Cable Network, which is available for purchase at their Web site. www.pcntv.com/stateparks.html

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Directions - Weather  - Recreation  - Trails  - Winter Report  - Environmental Education  - Calendar of Events  - Accessibility  - History  - Nearby Attractions  - Volunteers  - Rules and Regs  - In an Emergency  - Contact Us  - Downloadables and Maps

Park Advisories

Directions

French Creek State Park is in Berks and Chester counties. You may reach the park from PA 345 south of Birdsboro, north of PA 23, and from the Morgantown exits (1A and 1 B) of the PA Turnpike. DMS: 41o20’39.756” N 75o53’29.979” W DD: 40.198 N 75.198 W On the Downloadables and Maps page is a directions map.

Recreational Opportunities

Trails  - Trail Biking  - Horseback Riding  - Picnicking  - Swimming  - Boating  - Fishing  - Hunting  - Disc Golf  - Orienteering  - Wildlife Watching  - Organized Group Cabin Camps  - Organized Group Tenting  - Yurts  - Cabins  - Camping Cottages  - Camping

Fishing:
Scotts Run Lake: This 22-acre cold water lake offers excellent trout and other cold water species fishing. Hatchery raised trout are stocked pre-season, during the season and in the winter.

Hopewell Lake: 68 acres of prime water presents a challenge for anglers. A wide variety of Pennsylvania warmwater species is found at Hopewell Lake, including: northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and many species of panfish. This lake is designated as a big bass lake and specific regulations apply.

Special Note: All Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission rules and regulations apply to all boating and fishing on state park waters. A fishing license is required for people age 16 and over.

For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Boating: electric motors permitted
Boat launching is provided at each lake, as noted on the map. Seasonal boat mooring spaces are available from April 1 to November 1 at each lake. Contact the park office for mooring information.

Boat rentals are available daily at the Hopewell Lake pool complex from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on weekends during May and September.

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.

Inflatable watercraft devices used on Pennsylvania State Park waters must meet the following requirements: the craft must be made of a tough material, have more than one buoyancy chamber, and be a minimum of seven feet long.

Air propeller driven boats, sea planes, air mattresses and surf boards are not permitted.

For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Swimming: Swimming is offered at the swimming pool by Hopewell Lake from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, unless otherwise posted. A fee is charged. The pool is located near the shore of the lake and provides a beautiful setting for swimmers and sunbathers. Certified lifeguards are on duty when the pool is open. During the swimming season, a food concession is open at the pool complex. Firewood, charcoal, and other picnic supplies are also sold. A picnic pavilion inside the pool complex is available for rent. Reservations must be made at the pool entrance.

All children nine years of age or less must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible person. One such person shall supervise no more than five children. Swimming is not permitted in either lake.

Picnicking: Tables are located throughout the park with two specific areas noted on the map. Picnicking near Hopewell Lake offers easy access to peaceful place for a family picnic.

Disc Golf: Two courses, winding through the woods by Hopewell Lake, attract visitors of all ages, year-round. This activity (sometimes referred to as Frisbee golf) is a favorite sport for individuals and families. The challenge of tossing a flying disc through the woods is unmatched by any other sport. Friendly local enthusiasts are always willing to give advice to first-time golfers. Score cards and maps are available at each course.

Orienteering: The art of map and compass reading has made French Creek State Park a favorite stop for novices and experts. Considered by some as the “Orienteering Capital of North America,” French Creek has developed a permanent self-guiding course for use by visitors of all ages.

The objective is to locate markers in the park with the aid of a map, and if you like, a compass. Traveling in groups or alone, running or walking, orienteering is a healthy, fun way to exercise both mind and body. Maps are available at the park office.

Hunting and Firearms: The combination of habitats at French Creek offers a variety of hunting opportunities. Over 6,000 acres of the park are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, turkey, rabbit, pheasant and squirrel.

Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for ADA accessible hunting information.

Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's car, trailer or leased campsite. The only exception is that law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms may carry said firearm concealed on their person while they are within the park.

Approximately three miles southeast of the park is State Game Land 43, administered by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. These game lands consist of more than 1,800 acres of land and add considerably to the public land available to the hunters of the area. A public firing range is located at the end of Laurel Road. Hunting is prohibited on property belonging to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site.

For complete information on hunting rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission Web site.

Trails: 35 miles of trails
More than 35 miles of well-marked trails cover a large portion of the park’s 7,475 acres. Hikers at French Creek have a wide variety of opportunities for quiet reflection, nature study and physical challenge. Trailhead parking is located in many convenient areas. Explore Trails for complete trail descriptions.

Horseback Riding: 8 miles of trails
Horses are permitted on the Horse-shoe Trail, and on the right berm of public roads (except in overnight areas). Horse-shoe Trail touches highlights of the park including Hopewell Lake and Scotts Run Lake. The Horse-shoe Trail runs 130 miles from Valley Forge to the Appalachian Trail near Harrisburg. This is the only equestrian trail in the park.

Trail Biking: Bikes are permitted on roads and approved trails only. All trails south of Park Road are closed to bikes. Explore the park map the see on which trails biking is permitted.

Stay the Night

Camping: Camping is available year-round at 201 wooded modern sites that are within easy access to shower and flush toilet facilities. Over 60 sites have electric hookups and more may be added in the future. Pets are permitted on designated sites. Explore the campground map.

Explore camping for more information.

Make a reservation

Camping Cottages: Three 13’ by 15’ cottages are in the campground. Each cottage sleeps five people in single bunks and double/single bunks. The cottages have wooden floors, windows, porch, picnic table, fire ring, and electric lights and outlets. Restrooms are nearby.

Make a reservation

Yurts: These two Mongolian-style tents are round, on a wooden deck and sleep 4-5 people in single bunks and double/single bunks. Each yurt has a cooking stove, refrigerator, countertop, table, chairs, electric lights, electric heat, outlets, fire ring, and picnic table. A shouwerhouse is nearby.

Cabins: Ten furnished modern cabins, nestled among the hardwoods, offer a pleasant alternative to state park camping. Each cabin features sleeping for six, electric heat, kitchen, private bath with shower, and wall to wall carpeting. Bring your own dishes, cookware and bedding. Cabins can be reserved year-round. Explore cabins for more information. Make a reservation

Organized Group Tenting: Qualified organized groups can camp in the primitive group tenting area. One site holds 60 people and 16 other sites each hold 30 people. A portion of this area is open year-round. Reservations are required.

Explore organized group tenting for more information.

Organized Group Cabin Camps: Group camps are open to organized youth and adult groups from April 15 to October 15 of each year. These facilities include dining halls, central washhouses, camper cabins and staff quarters. Camp One holds 135 people. Camp Two holds 68 people. Applications are accepted from September 15 to November 15, for first consideration. Explore organized group camps for more information.

Environmental Education and Interpretation

The park naturalist leads walks and hikes and gives evening talks and demonstrations, during the spring, summer and fall seasons. Check the park activity schedule, bulletin boards, or at the park office for program times and locations. Organized groups such as scouts and schools may schedule activities by calling the park office. Explore the Calendar of Events for a listing of events from today forward. Explore environmental education and interpretation for more information.

Wildlife Watching

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. 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. Wetlands and pristine streams flowing through rich, damp creek valleys offer additional habitats for plants and animals.

This large, diverse environment supports many animals that take advantage of the high quality of the resources found at French Creek. If you are observant while at the park you will see deer, squirrels, raccoons, songbirds, and numerous other small animals and birds. The park sustains good populations of resident birds and animals, but also serves as an important stop for migratory species using the woodlands, streams, lakes, and wetlands for food and cover.

Access for People with Disabilities

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.

Nearby Attractions

For information on nearby attractions, contact: Reading and Berks County Visitors Bureau. www.readingberkspa.com

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site: The site features a cold-blast furnace restored to its 1830s appearance. Hopewell Furnace serves as an example of an early American iron-making community. Ore for the furnace was obtained from the local area. The iron produced was used to make many items including arms used by American patriots during the Revolutionary War period. The air needed to keep the furnace burning was provided by bellows powered by a huge water wheel that gathered its strength from the waters of French Creek.

During summer months, costumed historical interpreters demonstrate, describe and tell the story of Hopewell’s iron-making years (1771-1883). Hopewell Furnace is open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the year, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. There is an admission fee. For more information contact Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, 2 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson, PA 19520, 610-582-8773. www.nps.gov/hofu/.

In an Emergency

Contact a park employee or dial 911.
For directions to the nearest hospital, look on bulletin boards or at the park office.

Nearest Hospital:
The Reading Hospital and Medical Center
6^th Avenue and Spruce Street
West Reading, PA 19611
610-988-8000

For More Information Contact

French Creek State Park
843 Park Road
Elverson, PA 19520-9523
610-582-9680
Manager: Eric Brown

E-mail: frenchcreeksp@state.pa.us
An equal opportunity employer

Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations.