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Reeds Gap State Park facts for kids

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Reeds Gap State Park
IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
Reeds Gap State Park.jpg
A picnic area at Reeds Gap State Park
Reeds Gap State Park is located in Pennsylvania
Reeds Gap State Park
Reeds Gap State Park
Location in Pennsylvania
Location Armagh, Mifflin, Pennsylvania, United States
Area 220 acres (89 ha)
Elevation 820 ft (250 m)
Established 1938
Governing body Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Website Reeds Gap State Park

Reeds Gap State Park is a 220-acre park in Pennsylvania. It is located in Armagh Township, Mifflin County. The park is mostly a wild area. It has many large white pine and hemlock trees.

Honey Creek flows through the park. This creek is a great home for trout. Reeds Gap State Park is about 7 miles from U.S. Route 322. It is near Milroy and Bald Eagle State Forest.

The Story of Reeds Gap State Park

What is a Water Gap?

Reeds Gap is a special natural spot. It is called a "water gap." This happens when a creek cuts through a ridge. Honey Creek created this gap in a ridge called Hightop.

This water gap was a natural meeting place. Wild animals gathered here. So, it became a hunting ground for Native Americans. Later, European settlers also used it for hunting.

These settlers named the area New Lancaster Valley. The gap became a place for homesteaders to meet. They held "bush meetings" here. People listened to traveling speakers and enjoyed time together. These meetings continued until the 1920s.

From Sawmill to State Park

In the mid-1800s, Edward and Nancy Reed built a sawmill. It was located along Honey Creek. At this time, Pennsylvania's mountains had a big lumber boom. Many trees were cut down for wood.

The Reeds ran their sawmill for many years. Their son, John, later moved it to Virginia. Soon, most of the trees were gone. The state of Pennsylvania bought the land on January 15, 1905. Parts of this land became Reeds Gap State Park. Other parts became Poe Valley State Park.

Fun Things to Do at Reeds Gap State Park

Hunting and Fishing Adventures

You can go hunting in 96 acres of Reeds Gap State Park. Hunters must follow the rules of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Common animals to hunt include ruffed grouse, squirrels, turkey, white-tailed deer, and black bears.

Honey Creek is stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. This means new trout are added to the creek. There are also native trout living in Honey Creek and its smaller streams.

Picnics and Past Fun

A swimming pool was built in 1965. It replaced a dam in Honey Creek. The pool was shallow at both ends and 5 feet deep in the middle. Diving was not allowed. Lifeguards were on duty from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. A smaller "kiddie" pool was next to the main pool.

In 2009, it was announced that the pools would not reopen. This was due to safety worries and structural problems. The pool was later taken down and not rebuilt.

The park has four picnic areas with trees. There are also three picnic pavilions. These are great spots for a meal outdoors.

Hiking, Skiing, and Camping

Reeds Gap State Park has five hiking trails. The Reeds Gap Spur Trail is the longest. It is 18 miles long. This trail starts at the park office. It crosses Reeds Gap and goes to Poe Valley State Park.

The other trails are shorter, less than 2 miles long. They go through the woods and follow Honey Creek. In winter, you can use these trails for cross-country skiing.

If you like camping, you can use tents in the rustic camping area.

Other Parks Nearby

Here are some other state parks close to Reeds Gap State Park (within 30 miles):

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