French Creek State Park

French Creek State Park
Hopewell Lake in autumn
Map showing the location of French Creek State Park
Map showing the location of French Creek State Park
Location of French Creek State Park in Pennsylvania
Map showing the location of French Creek State Park
Map showing the location of French Creek State Park
French Creek State Park (the United States)
LocationPennsylvania, United States
Coordinates40°12′42″N 75°47′31″W / 40.21167°N 75.79194°W / 40.21167; -75.79194
Area7,977 acres (32.28 km2)[1]
Elevation781 ft (238 m)[2]
Established1946
Named forFrench Creek
Visitorsover 883,000[1]
Governing bodyPennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
WebsiteFrench Creek State Park
CCC barracks near the park office

French Creek State Park is a 7,977-acre (3,228 ha) Pennsylvania state park in North Coventry and Warwick Townships in Chester County and Robeson and Union Townships in Berks County, Pennsylvania.[3] It straddles northern Chester County and southern Berks County along French Creek. It is located in the Hopewell Big Woods. The park is the home of two lakes: Hopewell Lake, a 68-acre (28 ha) warm water lake, and Scotts Run Lake, a 22-acre (8.9 ha) cold water lake. The state record smallmouth bass was caught in Scotts Run Lake. There are extensive forests, and almost 40 miles (64 km) of hiking and equestrian trails. The park is also friendly to mountain bikers, having some renowned technical trails. Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, which features a cold blast furnace restored to its 1830s appearance, is surrounded by the park. The Six Penny Day Use Area and Group Camp are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. French Creek State Park is located off of Pennsylvania Route 345 to the south of Birdsboro.

French Creek State Park was chosen by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and its Bureau of State Parks as one of "25 Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks".[4]

  1. ^ a b "PA DCNR Acquires 45-Acre Tract Adjoining French Creek State Park". The Earth Times. Retrieved April 9, 2008.
  2. ^ "French Creek State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. August 2, 1979. Retrieved March 4, 2008.
  3. ^ "26 Acres Added to French Creek State Park". Pennsylvania Highlands. December 8, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
  4. ^ "Find a Park: 25 Must-see Parks". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Archived from the original on September 26, 2011. Retrieved May 26, 2015.