If you’re looking for the best things to see and do at Raccoon Creek State Park in Beaver County, you’re in the right place!
Raccoon Creek State Park is a 7,572-acre recreational area located 30 miles west of Pittsburgh.
101-acre Raccoon Lake lies at the heart of the park, which began as a Recreational Demonstration Area operated by the National Park Service in the 1930s.
What follows is a list of some of the best things to see and do at Raccoon Creek State Park, chosen by the Pennsylvania DCNR as as one of “25 Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks”
1. The Wildflower Reserve
The 314-acre Wildflower Reserve, located on the eastern side of Raccoon Creek State Park, is home to one of the most diverse concentrations of wildflowers in western Pennsylvania.
Over 700 species of plants can be found in the Reserve.
The Wildflower Reserve almost feels like a park within a park, complete with its own Interpretive Center.
The Wildflower Reserve has 4.45 miles of trails running through it, which can be combined to form various loop hikes.
Some of those trails follow the banks of the park’s namesake Raccoon Creek.
April and August are said to be the peak months for wildflower viewing at the park.
Even if you have only a causal interest in wildflowers, you’ll find the trails in this part of the park easy to follow and enjoyable to hike.
2. Frankfort Mineral Springs Falls
Frankfort Mineral Springs Falls is a 10-foot tall waterfall located just off of Route 18 at Raccoon Creek State Park.
In the mid-1800s, an enterprising individual named Edward McGinnis built a resort called “The Frankfort House” on the hillside above the waterfall.
Visitors flocked to the resort not to see the waterfall, but to drink spring water purported to have medicinal qualities emanating from the rocky hillside opposite the waterfall.
I wrote an in-depth article about the history of the health spa and the waterfall, which you can read HERE.
3. Camping at Raccoon Creek State Park
Camping is another big draw at the park.
The campground at Raccoon Creek State Park has 172 modern tent and trailer campsites.
There are also ten modern cabins available for year-round rent at Raccoon Creek State Park.
And if you need to buy “far wood”, there are stores just outside the park happy to oblige.
4. Fishing on Raccoon Lake
Raccoon Lake is open for year-round fishing, with the common game fish being bullhead catfish, bluegill, yellow perch, crappie, walleye, muskellunge, and both large and smallmouth bass.
5. Boating on Raccoon Lake
There are two boat launches available at the park – only electric motors or non-powered boats are permitted.
In the spring and summer months, the Raccoon Creek Boat Rental is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am – 7 pm.
Here you can rent, among other things, a canoe, rowboat, kayak, or hydrobike.
6. Hiking at Raccoon Creek State Park
The park offers 44 miles of hiking trails of various lengths and degrees of difficulty.
You can view/download a map of the park’s trails HERE.
7. Swimming at Raccoon Lake
The 500-foot sand beach at Raccoon Creek State Park is open from late May until mid-September, from 8:00 A.M. to sunset.
8. Picnicking at Raccoon Creek State Park
Approximately 200 picnic tables are available throughout the park, as well as several picnic areas with modern restrooms.
Hours and Directions
The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset, with day use areas closing at dusk.
The park office is located at 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050.
Nearby Attractions
The Best Waterfalls Near Pittsburgh Road Trip describes a 178 mile round-trip road trip to see the best waterfalls near Pittsburgh, and even includes downloadable driving directions.
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