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EXPERIENCE OUR PARKS
Crooked Creek Lake and Mahoning Creek Lake, maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers, are two of the 16 flood-control projects in the Pittsburgh District. While they provide flood protection for the lower Allegheny and Ohio rivers, they also store water and release it downstream during dry periods to improve water quality and quantity.
Crooked Creek Lake
114 Park Main Rd, Ford City | 724-763-3161 | lrp.usace.army.mil/missions/recreation/ lakes/crooked-creek-lake/
The scenic Crooked Creek Lake and surrounding countryside provide unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation. A boat launch with ample trailer parking is available for boaters, while swimmers can enjoy the lake’s sandy, family-friendly beach in the summer months. There is also an abundance of fish in the lake for fishermen, including bass, crappie, muskie, and sunfish.
For those looking for a relaxing visit, there are several picnic areas and shelters with tables and charcoal grills. Visitors can camp by reservation only from the end of May to the beginning of October. Reservations can be made at recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
Other activities at Crooked Creek Lake include a 9-hole disc golf course, horseback riding at Crooked Creek Horse Park, birding, hunting, and attending educational programming at the Outdoor Discovery Center.
Mahoning Creek Lake
145 Dam Site Rd, New Bethlehem | 814-257-8811 | lrp.usace.army.mil/missions/recreation/ lakes/mahoning-creek-lake/
Situated among steep-sided valleys and forested hillsides, Mahoning Creek Lake is surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The lake boasts clean water and a varied, thriving fish population, including walleye, muskie, channel catfish, crappie, and bass. Boating is limited to 10 horsepower on Mahoning Creek Lake, and swimming is not permitted. The Milton Loop Boat Launch is open from mid-April to mid-October, and the Sportsman’s Area is open from mid-March to mid-December.
Outside of fishing and boating, visitors can hike, picnic, or simply enjoy the flora and fauna of the Mahoning area. Modern restrooms, grills, picnic tables, playground facilities, an overlook, and walking trails are available near the dam.
Rangers conduct group tours of Mahoning Dam that include learning its purpose and functions and overlooking the rushing discharge of the outflow from atop the dam. To arrange a tour, contact the Park Office.
Community Parks
Elderton-Plumcreek Recreation Park | Calhoun St, Elderton
Ford City Memorial Park | 4th Ave, Ford City
Freeport Community Park | 115 Community Park Rd, Freeport
Freeport Riverside Park | Riverside Dr, Freeport
Gilpin-Leechburg Park | Park Rd, Leechburg
John Whelan Park | W High St & N Jefferson St, Kittanning
Kittanning Community Park | Community Park Rd, Kittanning
Kittanning Riverfront Park | N & S Water St, Kittanning
Owens Grove Park | 631 N 2nd St, Apollo
Parker Ballfield | Euclid Ave, Parker
Roaring Run Recreation Area | Kiski Twp, Apollo
Shannock Valley Community Park | Route 85, Rural Valley
Sugarcreek Community Park | 1511 PA-268, Cowansville
Washington Township Memorial Park | Watersonville Rd, Cowansville