PA State Parks

Exploring Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County

This collage contains four images from Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. The top left photo shows a wooden dock with a bench overlooking the reflective waters of a lake surrounded by autumn-colored trees. The top right photo depicts an open grassy area with red autumn trees and a view of the lake in the distance. The bottom left image features the park's brown entrance sign with white lettering, set against a backdrop of greenery and fall foliage. The bottom right photo shows a sandy beach area with a picnic table, the lake, and forested hills in the background under a cloudy sky.

If you’re looking for information about visiting Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, you’re in the right place!

A picturesque autumn view at Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. It features a tree with striking red leaves on the shore of Yellow Creek Lake, its branches reaching out over the tranquil water. The lake reflects the cloudy sky and the surrounding foliage, with colors ranging from green to vibrant reds and oranges. A rocky shoreline anchors the scene in the foreground. — The shoreline of Yellow Creek Lake in October.

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Indiana County, Yellow Creek State Park beckons with its 2,981 acres of pristine beauty and endless outdoor recreation.

A tranquil spot at Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, featuring a wooden bench overlooking Dragonfly Pond. The water is still, reflecting the vibrant autumn foliage of the surrounding trees, which exhibit a spectrum of colors from green to yellow, orange, and red. The grey, cloudy sky above mirrors on the pond's surface, enhancing the quiet and reflective mood of the setting. The ground is strewn with fallen leaves, indicating the autumn season. — Fall foliage views at Dragonfly Pond.

At the heart of the park lies the 720-acre Yellow Creek Lake, a destination for boaters, anglers, and swimmers.

A wooden boat dock at Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. The perspective is from the shore, looking out toward the water. The dock extends into the lake, flanked by metal railings and equipped with vertical posts for mooring boats. The water is still, mirroring the cloudy sky and the vibrant fall foliage on the distant hills. The trees display an array of colors, including yellow, orange, and red, indicative of the autumn season. — Yellow Creek Lake is a 720-acre manmade lake.

The park is named for the Yellow and Little Yellow creeks, which flow into the lake and are characterized by the yellow clay on their banks and bottoms.

A serene scene of Little Yellow Creek running through Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. The creek meanders gently through a forested area, with trees displaying a vivid array of fall colors such as yellow, gold, and green. The reflection of the trees in the water adds to the tranquility of the setting. Overcast skies hint at the crisp weather typical of autumn in this region. — Little Yellow Creek is stocked with brown and brook trout and provides excellent trout fishing.

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a weekend warrior seeking a nature escape, this gem of a state park in western Pennsylvania has something for everyone.

So lace up your boots and get ready to explore the best things to see and do at Yellow Creek State Park!

Park entrance side near the North Shore of Yellow Creek Lake.

Top Activities at the Park

The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset, with day use areas closing at dusk.

A tranquil lakeside view at Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. The foreground displays a grassy shore with scattered leaves and a concrete ramp leading to the water, bordered by rocks. A collection of trees in the midst of autumn transition, with leaves in vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, lines the bank. One tree leans dramatically over the still lake, which reflects the cloudy sky and the colorful foliage. The distant shore across the calm water is lined with trees showing peak fall colors under a soft, overcast sky. — Scene from the boat launch on the North Shore at the park.

The park office is open specific hours – call (724) 357-7913 to reach park staff.

The park office at Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. The small, one-story building has a dark brown brick exterior with a lighter brown trim around the windows and doors. A white wooden bench sits in front of the building. The American and Pennsylvania state flags are flying on a flagpole to the left of the entrance. The office is set against a backdrop of trees displaying autumn foliage in shades of yellow and orange. — The park office is located at 170 PA-259, Penn Run, PA 15765, just off Route 422.

Hiking

The park features five miles of trails, winding through lush forests, meadows teeming with wildflowers, and past the glistening waters of Yellow Creek Lake.

A serene autumn view at Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. A tree with golden yellow leaves stands on the left, while a tree with bright red foliage leans out over the water on the right. The ground is covered with a carpet of fallen leaves. The lake is calm, reflecting the cloudy sky and the colorful trees along its bank. The far shore is lined with trees exhibiting the full spectrum of fall colors, and the horizon is dotted with the gentle hills of the park. — Yellow Creek State Park makes for a perfect autumn getaway.

Camping

Six cottages and four yurts are available to rent at Yellow Creek State Park, all located on the North Shore near McFeather’s Cove.

Boating

Boats are available to rent near the beach area, including canoes, kayaks, sailboats, paddleboats, and motorized pontoon boats.

Boat rental near the beach.

Boats up to 20 horsepower are permitted on the waters of Yellow Creek Lake.

A floating dock at Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, with two pontoon boats moored to it. One of the boats is equipped with a canopy and appears ready for use, while the other is partially covered with a tarp, possibly for maintenance. The water is calm with a scattering of lily pads, reflecting the cloudy sky. The background showcases a vibrant display of autumn foliage with trees in shades of yellow, orange, and red. A label on the boats indicates they are property of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) of Pennsylvania. — Motorboats up to 20 horsepower are permitted on the waters of Yellow Creek Lake.

Swimming

An 800-foot, non-guarded beach is open from late-May to mid-September, 8:00 A.M. until sunset.

A tranquil lakeside scene at Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. It shows a sandy beach in the foreground with a single picnic table and bench, inviting a peaceful rest with a view. The lake stretches out toward the horizon, bordered by a lush, hilly landscape adorned with a mosaic of autumn colors. A lifeguard chair stands empty, signaling the off-season. Overhead, the sky is partly cloudy, suggesting a cool autumn day. — The beach at Yellow Creek.

A changing house with an outdoor shower, playground, and a snack bar are all located in the beach area as well.

A children's playground at Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. The playground equipment includes a blue canopy, a green slide, and various climbing structures set on a bed of wood chips. In the foreground, there is a metal picnic table on a grassy area, offering a spot for families to relax. The backdrop is a calm lake surrounded by trees with autumn leaves in shades of yellow, orange, and red. The overcast sky above suggests a cool, quiet day at the park. — Playground on the beach area.

Fishing

Yellow Creek Lake and Dragonfly Pond are stocked with most warmwater game fish and panfish.

A scenic view along the north shore of Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. The lake's edge is lined with a rocky embankment and a tree with bright yellow autumn leaves. In the background, the opposite shore is covered with a forest showcasing a colorful mix of fall foliage in shades of red, orange, and green. The water is calm, reflecting the cloudy sky and the autumnal trees. — The common game fish in Yellow Creek Lake are pike, muskellunge, bass, perch, crappie and bluegill.

Dragonfly Pond is set aside for fishing by people with disabilities and for children 12 years and younger.

A wooden sign at Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, reading "DRAGONFLY POND" in bold yellow letters against a dark background. Below, the sign lists "Environmental Learning Classroom" and "Maintenance Complex," followed by "Yellow Creek State Park," indicating the amenities and the park's name. The sign is positioned at the side of a road, with a stone wall and greenery at its base. In the background, a hilly landscape with trees beginning to show autumn colors can be seen under an overcast sky. — Dragonfly Pond is set aside for for fishing by kids 12 and under and people with physical disabilities.

Mountain Biking

The park features 18 miles of mountain bike trails on both the north and south shores of Yellow Creek Lake, for use by both hikers and bikers.

The entrance to the Stake Church Trail, a mountain bike trail, in Yellow Creek State Park, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. On the left, there's a sign with an icon of a cyclist, indicating the trail's use, labeled "MOUNTAIN BICYCLE TRAIL". To the right is a trail marker with symbols indicating the difficulty level or direction for trail users. The trailhead is surrounded by lush greenery and foliage with hints of autumn colors beginning to show. — Stack Church Trail.

Picnicking

Picnic tables. picnic pavilions, and charcoal grills are located at various spots around the park.

A picnic pavilion at Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. The pavilion has a wooden gabled roof supported by metal beams and houses several picnic tables made of wood with metal frames. The pavilion overlooks a scenic view of a lake with trees displaying autumn colors on the far shore. The ground outside the pavilion is covered with grass and fallen leaves, indicative of the fall season. The sky is overcast, and the peaceful lake reflects the grey clouds above. — Picnic pavilion at Yellow Creek State Park.

Fall Foliage

Visit Yellow Creek during the fall foliage season, when the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows painted across the landscape are a sight to behold!

A serene autumnal scene at Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. The image captures a wooden dock overlooking Dragonfly Pond, with the calm waters reflecting the vibrant fall foliage. The trees display a palette of warm colors ranging from yellow to orange and red, contrasting against the evergreens. The sky is overcast with dynamic cloud formations, and the peacefulness of the scene is palpable. — Fall foliage reflections on Dragonfly Pond.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s a family picnic under a pavilion, a solitary hike to clear your mind, or a weekend camping trip with friends, Yellow Creek State Park is a great place to make lasting memories.

A peaceful lakeside picnic area at Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. In the foreground, there is a wooden picnic bench tipped on its side and a metal fire pit, ready for a campfire. The ground is covered with fallen leaves, indicative of autumn. Tall trees with yellow leaves stand between the picnic area and the lake, offering a scenic view of the water and the colorful forest on the opposite shore. The overcast sky suggests a cool, tranquil day. — Fire pit near the rental cabins.

At Yellow Creek State Park, the natural beauty of Pennsylvania is always on full display, making it a paradise for outdoor adventurers!

A vibrant lakeside landscape at Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. In the foreground, there are large rocks and a variety of plants, including tall grasses, wildflowers, and bushes with purple leaves, all indicative of the diverse flora of the region. The calm lake reflects the surrounding foliage, which is a tapestry of autumn colors, with trees ranging from green to shades of yellow, orange, and red. The scene is under a partly cloudy sky, suggesting a cool autumn day. — Photographers will find plenty of inspiration at Yellow Creek State Park.

Nearby Attractions

There are four remaining covered bridges in Indiana County, all located in close proximity to one another in an area north of the college town of Indiana.

Harmon Covered Bridge in Indiana County Pennsylvania — Harmon Bridge is one of four remaining covered bridges in Indiana County.

Exploring the Covered Bridges of Indiana County includes directions to and photos of all four.

Thomas Covered Bridge was built by Amos Thomas and is the longest covered bridge in Indiana County PA. — Thomas Covered Bridge was built by Amos Thomas and is the longest covered bridge in Indiana County.

Buttermilk Falls in Indiana County is part of a county-owned park that was once the childhood playground of Fred Rogers, AKA Mister Rogers of children’s television fame.

View of Buttermilk Falls in Indiana County from the top of the stairs.

A modern series of stairs and walkways means that today you can safely stand BEHIND those same Buttermilk Falls that Fred Rogers explored as a child.

View from behind Buttermilk Falls in Indiana County.

The Jimmy Stewart Museum in Indiana County preserves the legacy of Indiana, Pennsylvania’s favorite son – actor Jimmy Stewart.

Entrance to the Jimmy Stewart Museum on Philadelphia Street in downtown Indiana PA. — Entrance to the Jimmy Stewart Museum on Philadelphia Street in Indiana, PA.

The Jimmy Stewart Museum displays an extensive collection of memorabilia related to all phases of his life – from early childhood, through his military career, and of course his extensive acting career.

A collection of Jimmy Stewart movie posters on display at the Jimmy Stewart Museum in Indiana Pennsylvania. — A collection of Jimmy Stewart movie posters on display at the museum.

The Ghost Town Trail, a rail trail which spans more than 50 miles across Indiana and Cambria counties, is an adventure rich with history and natural beauty.

Four images from a bike ride along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania. The first image shows a cyclist riding over a wooden bridge surrounded by lush green trees. The second image features a sign for the Eliza Furnace Historic Site, with a stone furnace and informational displays in the background. The third image captures an orange bicycle parked in front of a graffiti-covered wall that reads "Ghost Town Trail" amidst dense forest. The fourth image depicts a narrow, tree-lined trail with steep rock walls, where the same orange bicycle is parked on the path. — Scenes from the Ghost Town Trail.

Dean’s Diner is a 24-hour beacon for hungry motorists traveling along Route 22 near Blairsville, Indiana County.

Dean's Diner along Route 22 in Blairsville, Pennsylvania. — Dean’s Diner in Indiana County.

The Cross at Hilltop Baptist Church in Indiana County was erected in May 2023, and at 108 feet-tall, it’s the tallest Cross in Pennsylvania.

The Cross at Hilltop Baptist Church stands 108 feet tall, making it te tallest cross in Pennsylvania. — The Cross at Hilltop Baptist Church stands 108 feet tall, making it the tallest cross in Pennsylvania.

Did you enjoy this article?

If so, be sure to like and follow PA Bucket List on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Pinterest to learn more about the best things to see and do in Pennsylvania!

Click on any of the icons below to get connected to PA Bucket List on social media.