Elk State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elk State Park |
|
|---|---|
|
IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
|
|
The East Branch Clarion River Lake at Elk State Park
|
|
 Elk State Park
Location in Pennsylvania
|
|
| Location | Pennsylvania, United States |
| Area | 3,192 acres (12.92 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,778 ft (542 m) |
| Established | 1963 |
| Named for | Elk |
| Governing body | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Website | Elk State Park |
Elk State Park is a large state park in Pennsylvania. It covers about 3,192 acres (1,292 hectares) of land. You can find it in Jones Township and Sergeant Township. These areas are in Elk County and McKean County.
A big part of the park is the East Branch Clarion River Lake. This is a man-made lake that stretches over 1,160 acres (470 hectares). Both the lake and the streams in the park are filled with different kinds of fish. The park also has 3,151 acres (1,275 hectares) of woods where people can go hunting.
Fun Things to Do
Elk State Park offers many ways to enjoy the outdoors. It's a great place for fishing, boating, and hunting.
East Branch Clarion River Lake
The East Branch Clarion River Lake was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. They built a dam across the East Branch of the Clarion River. This dam was approved to help control floods.
The lake is one of many projects managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. It helps protect the Clarion River valley from floods. It also helps keep the lower Allegheny River and upper Ohio River safe. The dam was finished in 1952. It has prevented a lot of damage from floods over the years. For example, it was very important during the floods caused by Hurricane Agnes in 1972.
The East Branch Clarion River Lake is also a popular spot for fun activities. During dry summer months, water is released from the dam. This helps keep the water clean and plentiful for homes and businesses. It also makes it easier for boats to travel on the rivers. Plus, it helps the plants and animals that live in the water.
The lake is a favorite place for both anglers and boaters. You can find many types of fish here, like walleye, smallmouth bass, and muskellunge. There are also different kinds of trout, including brook, lake, rainbow, and brown trout. The smaller creeks in the park are stocked with fish by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Some small streams even have their own natural brook trout.
Boats of any power can be used on the lake. All boats must be registered with any state. When winter comes, the lake becomes a great place for ice fishing and ice boating.
Hunting in the Park
A large part of Elk State Park, about 3,151 acres (1,275 hectares), is open for hunting. Hunters must follow the rules set by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Some common animals hunted here include black bears, squirrels, white-tailed deer, and turkeys. However, hunting groundhogs is not allowed. Hunters also use the park to get to nearby State Game Lands and Elk State Forest.
Other Parks Nearby
If you're looking for more outdoor adventures, several other state parks are close to Elk State Park. They are all within 30 miles (48 km):
- Bendigo State Park (in Elk County)
- Bucktail State Park Natural Area (in Cameron and Clinton Counties)
- Kinzua Bridge State Park (in McKean County)
- Parker Dam State Park (in Clearfield County)
- Sinnemahoning State Park (in Cameron and Potter Counties)
- Sizerville State Park (in Cameron and Potter Counties)
