French Creek State Park Trails

Directions:

French Creek State Park is located on Rt. 345, south of Birdsboro, Pennsylvania, and north of Rt. 23. It is about 7 miles northeast of the Morgantown exit (22 ) of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

General Description:

French Creek State Park is situated amidst the picturesque farmland of southeastern Pennsylvania. Designated a Pennsylvania Scenic River, the French Creek winds through mixed upland and lowland hardwood forest of oak, poplar, hickory, maple, and beech. The park's two lakes; Hopewell and Scotts Run, creek valleys and wetlands and the sparse understory of mountain laurel, azalea and dogwood, offer a haven for a variety of wildlife including possum, skunk, deer, turkey, and the pileated woodpecker and also serves as an important pit stop for migratory species.

Over 40 miles of trails are available for hiking, mountain biking, horse back riding and other outdoor recreational activities. Other facilities include: camping, swimming pool, picnic areas and pavilions, food concession at the pool area in season, guided ranger programs and boat rentals.

Adjacent to the park lies Hopewell Furnace, a National Historic Site that features a cold-blast furnace that has been restored to its 1830s appearance (see Historical Note below).

French Creek State Park Trails:

A network of more than 40 miles of well-marked and maintained, multi-use trails cover a large portion of the state park's 7,339 acres. The 25+ miles of trails available for mountain biking are challenging and geared towards moderate and advanced riders in good physical condition. Official trail maps are available at the park office. Double blazes indicate a change of direction in the trail.

Note: Motorized vehicles are not permitted on any of the park trails. Mountain bikes are permitted on roads and designated trails only. All trails south of Park Road are closed to mountain bikes.

Boone Trail: blue blaze - 6 miles (moderate to advanced)
This loop trail connects all major attractions of French Creek, making it an excellent route to see the park. 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). Several portions are steep and rocky with rock drop-offs.

Note: Boone Trail closed to mountain bikes around Hopewell Lake.

Buzzards Trail: yellow blaze with red stripe - 3 miles (moderate to advanced)
Branching off of Raccoon Trail and Mill Creek Trail, this trail passes through the Baptism Creek drainage area in the eastern portion of the park.

Lenape Trail: green blaze - 5.5 miles (moderate to advanced)
Twisting single-track with some rocky sections. Watch out for deadfall. Begin at the Campground Contact Station, Scotts Run Lake, Hopewell Furnace Visitor Center, or Route 345/Shed Road. Follow the solid green blazes to stay on the Lenape Trail or venture off onto one of the many blazed intersecting trails.

Mill Creek Trail: white blaze with a red stripe - 6 miles (advanced)
Once leaving the trailhead at Shed Road and Route 345, you will not cross another road on this back country-type loop trail. You will encounter rocky sections, logs, steep climbs and descents. Consider using the Raccoon and Lenape trails to add some variety for your return trip.

Raccoon Trail: red blaze - 1.7 miles (moderate to advanced)
This trail serves as the most direct route into and out of the eastern portion of French Creek State Park. It starts .25-mile east of Hopewell Furnace's main gate and ends at Mill Creek. Steep climbs and descents.

Turtle Trail: white blaze - 3.6 miles (moderate to advanced)
Circling through the western portion of French Creek, this trail offers a variety of easier terrain mixed with several challenging sections. Park at the base of the road leading to the Firetower Picnic Area and follow the white blazes in either direction.

Historical Note:

Hopewell Furnance
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is one of the finest examples of a rural American 19th century iron plantation. The buildings include a blast furnace, the ironmaster's mansion, and auxiliary structures. Hopewell Furnace was founded in 1771 by Ironmaster Mark Bird. The furnace operated until 1883. Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is surrounded by French Creek State Park and makes a fascinating historical adjunct before or after your ride.

For more information:

French Creek State Park
843 Park Road
Elverson, PA 19520-9523

Phone: (610) 582-9680
TTY: Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks (888) 537-7294 or 711 (AT&T Relay Services)
Website: French Creek State Park

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