French Creek State Park
French Creek State Park is a 7,730-acre Pennsylvania state park in northern Chester County, representing the largest contiguous block of forest between Washington D.C. and New York City. The park features two lakes - 68-acre Hopewell Lake and 22-acre Scotts Run Lake - and connects to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, preserving 19th-century ironmaking heritage. With over 30 miles of trails winding through diverse habitats and connections to National Park Service lands, French Creek offers an exceptional combination of natural beauty, wildlife viewing, and historical exploration.
Free
Visiting with Dogs
Keep dogs leashed; clean up after them; welcome on all trails, campground, cabins; 30+ miles (Lenape to Hopewell). No pool/swimming.
Visitor Tips & Reviews
What Visitors Say
Spacious wilderness near Philadelphia; Hopewell Furnace link; extensive trails for solitude or challenge; excellent birding, clean campsites, lake fishing.
Tips from Visitors
- Lenape Trail to Hopewell Furnace is the signature hike combining nature and history
- Largest forest between DC and NYC makes this exceptional for wildlife viewing
- Mill Creek Trail connects to Six Penny Trail for 9+ mile adventures
- Swimming pool at Hopewell Lake gets crowded on summer weekends - arrive early
- Excellent birding - over 200 species recorded in the park
- Horseback riding and mountain biking trails are extensive and well-maintained
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Explore these attractions near French Creek State Park:
- Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site19th-century ironmaking village with restored furnace, trails connecting to French CreekWithin the park
- Daniel Boone HomesteadBirthplace of American frontiersman Daniel Boone with historic buildings8 miles away
- Marsh Creek State ParkLarge lake recreation area with sailing and swimming10 miles away
Things to Do at French Creek State Park
Camping at French Creek State Park
French Creek State Park: tent/RV sites, cabins/yurts; 200+ sites with hookups, restrooms/showers. Reserve via ReserveAmerica (up to 11 months) Apr–Dec.
Hiking Trails
Lenape Trail
ModeratePopular trail connecting French Creek State Park to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, passing through diverse forest habitats with moderate elevation changes.
Mill Creek Trail
ModerateScenic trail following Mill Creek through the park, connecting with other trail systems for extended hikes. Moderate difficulty with some rocky sections.
Six Penny Trail
ModerateLoop trail through mixed forest with connections to Lenape and Mill Creek trails for longer adventures. Named for historic Six Penny Creek.
Hopewell Lake Trail
EasyEasy lakeside trail circling Hopewell Lake with gentle terrain suitable for families. Scenic water views throughout.
Directions
French Creek State Park is located in northern Chester County. From the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76), take Exit 298 (Morgantown) and follow PA Route 10 north about 8 miles to PA Route 345. Turn right and follow signs to the park. From US Route 422, take PA Route 345 south. The park office is on Park Road. GPS: 843 Park Road, Elverson, PA 19520.