Yellow Creek State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Yellow Creek State Park
IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
Yellow Creek Lake
Yellow Creek State Park Location in Pennsylvania
Location	Indiana, Pennsylvania, United States
Area	3,140 acres (12.7 km2)
Elevation	1,316 ft (401 m)
Established	1963
Governing body	Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Website	Yellow Creek State Park

Yellow Creek State Park is a fun state park located in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, USA. It covers about 2,981 acres (1,206 ha) of land. The park is home to parts of Yellow Creek and Little Yellow Creek. An old Native American trail, the Kittanning Path, also runs through the park.

The park first opened in 1963. Later, in 1982, another 159 acres (64 ha) were added. A big, man-made lake called Yellow Creek Lake was created in 1969. This 720-acre (290 ha) lake was formed by building a large dam on Yellow Creek. You can find Yellow Creek State Park between the towns of Ebensburg and Indiana along U.S. Route 422.

Caring for Our Planet at Yellow Creek

Yellow Creek State Park is a leader in protecting the environment. In 2008, it became the first state park in Pennsylvania to use propane-powered lawn mowers instead of gasoline ones. This change helps reduce air pollution by 90% and saves fuel.

The park has done even more to be eco-friendly:

• They installed wind turbines to power their environmental education building.
• Buildings were updated with better windows to use more natural sunlight.
• A new, fuel-efficient boat was bought to patrol Yellow Creek Lake.
• Park rangers and educators now use bicycles instead of trucks when they can.

Explore the Trails: Hiking Adventures

Yellow Creek State Park has about 5 miles (8.0 km) of trails perfect for hiking.

• Ridgetop Trail: This is the toughest trail at 2 miles (3.2 km) long. It takes you through many different natural areas, called habitats.
• Laurel Run Trail: This is a shorter, 0.5-mile (0.80 km) loop trail located near the park office.
• Damsite Trail: At 2.5 miles (4.0 km), this is the longest trail in the park. It follows the old roads that were used to build Yellow Creek Lake in 1969.

Fun for Everyone: Picnicking Areas

Yellow Creek State Park is a great spot for families and groups to have a picnic. The main picnic area is close to the beach. It has parking for over 4,000 people and lots of picnic tables.

There are also three pavilions in this main picnic area. You can reserve these pavilions up to 11 months ahead of time. If a picnic table isn't reserved, you can use it on a first-come, first-served basis.

Stay Awhile: Camping Options

If you want to stay overnight, Yellow Creek State Park offers six cottages and four yurts for rent.

• Cottages: These are located by the lake near McFeather's Cove. They can sleep up to five people in bunk beds. Cottages have wooden floors, windows, a porch, and electric lights. Outside, each cottage has a picnic table and a fire ring for campfires.
• Yurts: These are a bit more modern than the cottages. They also sleep up to five people. Each yurt comes with a refrigerator, stove, tables, chairs, electric lights, and heat.

Yellow Creek Lake: Water Fun

Yellow Creek Lake is a 720-acre (290 ha) man-made lake perfect for water activities. Boats with engines up to 20 horsepower are allowed on the lake. There are three places where you can launch your boat. All boats need to show a current registration or a launch permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

If you don't have your own boat, you can rent one near the beach! They offer canoes, kayaks, sailboats, paddleboats, and even motorized pontoon boats.

The park also has an 800-foot (240 m) beach for swimming. It's open from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend. There is a large bathhouse at the beach. It also has a first-aid station and a snack bar.

Hunting and Fishing at the Park

You can go hunting at Yellow Creek State Park. Hunters must follow all the rules set by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Some common animals hunted here include eastern gray squirrels, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, common pheasant, black bear, waterfowl, and eastern cottontail rabbits. However, hunting groundhogs is not allowed.

Yellow Creek Lake is a great place for warm water fishing. You might catch pike, muskellunge, bass, perch, crappie, and bluegill. The smaller streams like Laurel Run, Little Yellow Creek, and Yellow Creek are good for cold water fishing. These streams are stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Everyone fishing must follow the rules of the fish commission.

Nearby State Parks to Explore

Here are some other state parks within 30 miles (48 km) of Yellow Creek State Park:

• Blue Knob State Park (Bedford County)
• Keystone State Park (Westmoreland County)
• Laurel Mountain State Park (Westmoreland County)
• Laurel Ridge State Park (Cambria, Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland Counties)
• Laurel Summit State Park (Westmoreland County)
• Linn Run State Park (Westmoreland County)
• Prince Gallitzin State Park (Cambria County)