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Recreation
Fishing, hiking, biking, boating, rock climbing, hunting, canoeing, camping and enjoy the view. The best part about the Oil Region just might be what Mother Nature put here a long time ago. You've got to experience it to believe it.
PARKS & TRAILS
The Oil Heritage Region has four asphalt-paved recreational trails covering approximately 50 miles (more sections are due to be paved in the near future) for biking, hiking, skating or walking. Enjoy the combination of natural beauty and historical significance as you ride the 9.7 mile Oil Creek State Park Trail that follows the development of the oil industry in the 1860s and the original railroad grade in the valley. Interpretive signs are along the trail between Titusville and Petroleum Centre
The Samuel Justus Trail is approximately eight miles in length, along the Allegheny River between Oil City and Franklin, and meets the Allegheny River Trail. This trail takes you through two railroad tunnels: the Kennerdell Tunnel, 15 miles south of Franklin is 3,350’ long; and the Rockland Tunnel, 21 miles south of Franklin is 2,868’ long. Be sure to bring a light since both tunnels are very dark. There is a one-half mile break about 14 miles south of Franklin, where riders/hikers follow a well-marked detour on a private, dirt drive.
Two Mile Run County Park has about 20 miles of mountain bike trails, single-track and challenging. Be sure to get a map of the park if you are unfamiliar with the area. Two Mile Run County Park is a ten/fifteen minute drive from Oil City, Titusville or Franklin.
Natural Attractions
The Oil Heritage Region also contains an abundance of natural attractions.
Oil Creek State Park is a natural wonderland of 7,245 acres spanning Venango and Crawford counties, created to preserve the Oil Creek valley, the heart of the oil boom era. The park adjoins Drake Well Museum and the city of Titusville to the north. Its southern border is four miles north of Oil City.
Approximately 52 miles of hiking and interpretive trails travel through areas of historic and scenic interest. Overnight camping is available along the 36-mile Gerard backpacking trail in 12 Adirondack-type shelters for a minimal fee.
A 9.7-mile paved recreational trail winds through Oil Creek Gorge with trailheads at Drake Well Museum and Petroleum Centre. Both of these sites offer canoe launching, provided the water level is sufficient for canoeing. Hunting for a variety of small and big game is permitted on 6,250 acres of the park during hunting seasons. Oil Creek State Park contains a visitors’ center with environmental programs offered during the spring and summer.
Kennerdell Tract of Clear Creek State Forest covers 3,200 acres in Venango County with six miles of shoreline along the Allegheny River. As you explore the Kennerdell Tract you will see the influence of man, past and present. From the iron furnace at Bullion Run, to the abandoned oil fields of the last century, people have lived and worked in this area for hundreds of years.
Excursions
Fishing in the Oil Region
Justus Lake at Two Mile Run Park is fed by a pristine trout stream, providing great fishing for both coldwater and warm water species. You'll find big deepwater trout in the middle of the lake and lunker bass along the weedline. In the winter, it is a popular ice fishing spot. The Allegheny River is home to small-mouth bass and walleye, and large flathead catfish can be found in the deeper pools. French Creek is the most biologically diverse stream in Pennsylvania . Below the surface swim more species of fish than in any other stream in the state (over 80 types). Good catches on French Creek are walleye and small mouth bass. Oil Creek offers excellent fly-fishing and is known for its bass and trout. For fishing licenses and Pennsylvania regulations, check with the PA Fish and Boat Commission . The canoeing season on Oil Creek is generally March to June, and there are several access areas within Oil Creek State Park. Canoe, rowboats and paddleboats are available for rent at Two Mile Run County Park, which also has a boat launch. For Pennsylvania boating regulations, check with the PA Fish and Boat Commission.
Fishing with Darl Black
Phone: 814.425.8011
Website: http://www.smallmouthquest.com/
Allegheny Adventures
Consider a leisurely float from Franklin or Oil City downriver to Fisherman's Cove, Kennerdell or Emlenton. Allegheny Adventures offers Jet Boat Rides on the Allegheny River.
211 Byers Rd
Harrisville, PA 16038
Phone: 724.967.1248
Website: http://www.alleghenyadventures.com
Captain Hall’s Allegheny River Tours,
Phone: 814.677.5560
Riffle Runners
Riffle Runner Excursions
P.O. Box 2
Kennerdell, PA 16374
Phone: 814.758.1833
Website: www.parivertours.com
Wiegel Brothers Marine
Full service marine retailer of both new & used boats with a factory authorized service and repair shop specializing in inboard and outboard jet boats.
704 1/2 Elk St.
Franklin, Pa. 16323
Phone: 814.437.2077
Website: http://www.wiegelbrothersmarine.com/
OUTDOOR GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES
PA Game Commission
Common game species in the Oil Region are deer, rabbit, squirrel, black bear, grouse, pheasant, turkey and ruffed grouse. During established PA Game Commission seasons, hunting is permitted in designated sections of Oil Creek State Park and Two Mile Run County Park. Pennsylvania State Gamelands 39, 45, 47, 96 and 253 are all found within the Oil Region.
Pennsylvania Game Commission - Northwest Regional Office
1509 Pittsburgh Road
Franklin, PA 16323
Phone: 814.432.3187
Website: www.pgc.state.pa.us
PA Fish and Boat Commission
1601 Elmerton Ave
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone: 717.705.7800
Website: sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Fish_Boat/mpag1.htm
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Rachel Carson State Office Building
PO Box 8767
400 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8767
Phone: 717. 787.2869
Website: www.dcnr.state.pa.us or www.getoutdoorspa.state.pa.us
GOLF
Cross Creek Resort
One of Pennsylvania's finest golf resorts is found in the Oil Region. Cross Creek Resort features a 27-hole championship course with paved cart paths, ponds, streams and tree-lined fairways. Call the resort to find out about golf packages and special promotions.
3815 State Route 8
Titusville, PA 16354
Phone: 800.461.3173
Website: http://www.crosscreekresort.com/
Wanango Country Club
1 E. Fourth Street
Reno, PA 16343
Phone: 814.676.5512
Whitetail Run Golf Course
514 Sunville Rd
Franklin, PA 16323-7440
Phone: 814. 676. 0633
Speers Golf Course
Franklin Rd. RD 4
Oil City, PA 16301
Phone: 814.676.3890
Sleepy Hollow
Rt. 427
Franklin, PA 16323
Phone: 814.374.4111
River Ridge Golf Course
RR 2
Franklin, PA 16323
Phone: 814.676.3712
Lucky Hills
136 Warren Road
Franklin, PA 16323
Phone: 814.432.3900
Green Acres
Green Acres Golf Course
39272 State Highway 408
Titusville, PA 16354
Phone: 814.827.3589
SPORTING CLAYS
Busted Flush
1162 Shreve Road
Titusville, PA 16354
Phone: 814.827.4030
RECREATION
Middle Allegheny River Water Trail
The American Canoe Association has selected the Middle Allegheny River Water Trail as one of the twelve recommended water trails. These trails have outstanding recreational paddling opportunities with minimal impact on the natural environment.
Website: http://sites.state.pa.us/PA Exec/Fish Boat/watertrails/trailindex.htm
Website: http://sites.state.pa.us/PA Exec/Fish Boat/watertrails/aleg/trailguide.htm
Website: http://sites.state.pa.us/PA Exec/Fish Boat/watertrails/aleg/trailmap.htm
Tri-City Speedway
For fast-paced family fun, Tri-City Speedway offers exciting stock car, Fastrak Late Models and modifieds racing in addition to special events like demolition derbys and school bus races.
Route 417 North
Franklin, PA 16323
Phone: 814.676.1681
Website: http://www.tricityspeedway.com
