Hills Creek State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hills Creek State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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A view of Hills Creek Lake from the main parking area near the park office.
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 Hills Creek State Park
Location in Pennsylvania
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| Location | Charleston, Tioga, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Area | 407 acres (165 ha) |
| Elevation | 1,614 ft (492 m) |
| Established | 1953 |
| Named for | Hills Creek |
| Governing body | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Website | Hills Creek State Park |
Hills Creek State Park is a fun place to visit in Pennsylvania. It's a 407-acre (165 ha) state park located in Charleston Township, Tioga County. The main attraction here is Hills Creek Lake, a 137-acre (55 ha) lake made by people. You can enjoy this park all year round! Hills Creek State Park is in the Allegheny Plateau area of Pennsylvania. It's just north of U.S. Route 6, close to the towns of Wellsboro and Mansfield.
Contents
A Look Back: The History of Hills Creek Park
Hills Creek State Park first opened to the public in 1953. Before it became a park, the land was used to dig up special dirt for making paint. The park gets its name from Hills Creek, a stream that flows through it. This creek was blocked by a dam to create Hills Creek Lake. The creek itself was named after Captain William Hill, who was one of the first people to settle in this area around 1820. In 2000, Hills Creek State Park became part of a larger group of parks called the "Hills Creek State Park Complex." This group includes eight state parks in Potter and Tioga counties, all managed together.
Exploring Hills Creek Lake
Hills Creek Lake is a 137-acre (55 ha) lake that was created by building a dam. An "earthen dam" (a dam made of earth) was built across Hills Creek in the early 1950s. This dam is 34 feet (10 m) tall and 422 feet (129 m) long.
Before the dam was built, much of the area that is now underwater was often flooded by beaver dams. Beavers are still very common at Hills Creek State Park today.
Fishing Fun at Hills Creek Lake
Hills Creek Lake is known as a "warm water fishery." This means it's a great place to catch fish that prefer warmer water. You can find many kinds of fish here, including walleye, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and muskellunge. Some anglers (people who fish) have even caught largemouth bass weighing more than eight pounds!
When winter arrives, people enjoy Ice fishing on Hills Creek Lake. Ice fishermen often catch yellow perch and bluegill. Sometimes, they even reel in a walleye.
Swimming and Boating at the Lake
You can swim at Hills Creek Lake, but remember to swim at your own risk. There is a sandy beach that opens around Memorial Day and stays open until just after Labor Day. During the summer, you'll also find a bathhouse and a snack bar open for visitors. There are no lifeguards at the beach, so it's important to always swim safely.
To keep the lake peaceful and clean, boats with gas-powered motors are not allowed. You can only use boats with electric motors. Sailboats, rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats are all welcome on the lake. Just make sure all boats are properly registered with the state.
Camping Adventures at Hills Creek Park
Hills Creek State Park offers a large camping area with 102 different campsites. These sites offer various types of scenery. Some are in open, grassy areas, while others are in beautiful forests with huge hemlock trees. All campsites are just a short walk from warm showers, restrooms, and water fountains.
Cozy Cottages and Cabins
The park has three cottages that you can rent. These cottages can sleep up to five people in single and double bunk beds. They have wooden floors, a porch with electric heat, glass windows, picnic tables, and a fire ring for campfires. All cottages also have electric lights and outlets.
There are also ten cabins available at Hills Creek State Park. These cabins come furnished and have a kitchen/dining area. They also have a shower and two bedrooms. You'll need to bring your own sheets, blankets, and kitchen utensils, as these are not provided.
Unique Yurt Stays
If you're looking for something different, you can rent a Yurt. A yurt is a round tent-like structure built on a wooden deck. Each yurt sleeps four people in two bunk beds. They also have a cooking stove, a refrigerator, a countertop, a table and chairs, electric heat, and outlets. Outside, you'll find a fire ring and a picnic table. Yurts are also close to a water pump for fresh water.
Group Camping Peninsula
For large groups, there's a special campsite located on a peninsula (a piece of land almost surrounded by water) in Hills Creek Lake. This area can hold up to 40 people. It has picnic tables, a covered pavilion, a fire ring, water, and flush toilets. Campers here can use the showers near the RV campsite. This group campground is surrounded by some of the biggest hemlock, beech, maple, and ash trees in the park.
Amazing Wildlife at the Park
Hills Creek State Park is home to many different wild animals. You can find an active beaver colony near the lake's edge. Other animals that love water, like the muskrat, wood duck, and great blue heron, can be seen in and around Hills Creek Lake.
Birds of the Sky
Birds of prey, such as the osprey and bald eagle, can be seen flying high above Hills Creek State Park. The park is also a stopping point for migrating waterfowl (birds that live on water), like the loon, bufflehead, and merganser. If you're a sharp-eyed bird watcher, you might even spot a pileated woodpecker.
Woodland Creatures
Many woodland animals also live in this park. You might occasionally see a black bear, wild turkey, or white-tailed deer. Ruffed grouse, rabbits, and groundhogs are commonly seen throughout the park.
Nearby State Parks for More Fun
If you're looking for more outdoor adventures, these state parks are within 30 miles (48 km) of Hills Creek State Park:
- Colton Point State Park (Tioga County)
- Leonard Harrison State Park (Tioga County)
- Mt. Pisgah State Park (Bradford County)
- Pinnacle State Park and Golf Course (New York)
