Yellow Creek State Park
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Yellow Creek State Park encompasses 2,981 acres in Indiana County, centered around the scenic 720-acre Yellow Creek Lake. The park sits along the historic Kittanning Path, one of Pennsylvania's first highways used by Delaware and Shawnee nations. The park's name derives from creeks containing yellow clay in their banks and bottoms. With 5 miles of diverse trails ranging from easy lakeside walks to challenging ridge hikes, the park offers hiking variety despite its modest trail mileage. Comprehensive facilities include a swimming beach, modern campground, environmental education programs, and excellent fishing. The park's location in the Laurel Highlands region provides four-season recreation from summer swimming to winter ice fishing and cross-country skiing.
Free
Visiting with Dogs
Leashed dogs allowed on five miles of trails, campground, day-use and picnic areas; swimming beach prohibited. Bring water, clean up.
Visitor Tips & Reviews
What Visitors Say
Peaceful, well-maintained park: sandy family swim beach, reliable bass/catfish fishing, modern campsites with hookups, scenic spillway waterfall, varied trails.
Tips from Visitors
- Damsite Loop Trail is the longest at 2.5 miles with dam spillway waterfall views
- Historic Kittanning Path ran through this area - interpretive information available
- Swimming beach is family-friendly with gradual entry
- Lake fishing is excellent for bass, catfish, and panfish
- Environmental education programs run April 1 to October 31
- Winter ice fishing is popular when lake freezes
Amenities
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Nearby Attractions
Explore these attractions near Yellow Creek State Park:
- Conemaugh DamU.S. Army Corps of Engineers dam with visitor center and recreation areas10 miles away
- Jimmy Stewart MuseumMuseum dedicated to legendary actor Jimmy Stewart in his hometown of Indiana, PA12 miles away
- Ghost Town Trail36-mile rail trail passing through historic coal mining communities15 miles away
Things to Do at Yellow Creek State Park
Hiking Trails
Damsite Loop Trail
EasyYellow-blazed loop trail leading to the dam which periodically has a scenic spillway waterfall. Easy terrain suitable for families with good lake views.
Ridge Top Trail
ModerateRed-blazed multi-use trail following the north shore ridge of Yellow Creek Lake. Moderate terrain with elevation changes and lake views from above.
Laurel Run Trail
EasyYellow-blazed easy loop starting at park office following Laurel Run. Beautiful in spring with wildflowers. Gentle terrain.
Billy Goat Trail
ModerateYellow-blazed hiking-only connector trail through young hardwood forest. More difficult terrain making a small loop off Damsite Trail.
Directions
From Indiana, PA, take PA-286 East to PA-403 South. Follow PA-403 to PA-259 South and follow signs to the park. From the Pennsylvania Turnpike, take Exit 57 (Somerset) to PA-711 North to PA-403 North to PA-259 South. The park entrance is on Route 259.