Marsh Creek State Park in Pennsylvania

Trip Overview

What a great place to paddle for the day! Being the 4th of July the park was packed with people and once we unloaded our yaks I had to park a good quarter mile away. Once we launched everything was fine and even though the park was jamming with people the lake wasn't. The lake is electric motors only so you don't have to worry about wakes from speeding boats.

The shorelines of this lake are very interesting because the water is fairly clear and it lets you get a good look at the underwater wildlife that this lake has to offer. Along with tons of fish that can be seen in the water we also spotted several different species of turtles undisturbed by us floating above them for the most part. One turtle I spotted was 18-20" in diameter. It was a MONSTER! I have to get a turtle ID book for my next time I paddle here. We also spotted an immature Great Blue Heron and a Green Heron while paddling.

Marsh Creek Lake is a great day trip that offers allot of places to explore and enjoy nature at an easygoing pace. We paddled around the entire lake and it ended up being close to nine miles of easy paddling. I'll be heading back here many more times this summer. Give this place a shot! You wont be sorry.

Accommodations:

Bathrooms, food stand, boat rentals, swimming pool.

Fees:

Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks that are available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Directions:

The park is about two miles west of the village of Eagle on PA 100. Access to the park from the Pennsylvania Turnpike is via PA 100 north. At Eagle, signs direct you to the park.

Resources:

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/marshcreek.aspx