CANOE CREEK STATE PARK
Canoe Creek State Park, 12 miles east of Altoona, is a modern day use facility developed during the Project 70 expansion era of state parks and was dedicated in 1979. The vast openness of this 958-acre park is exemplified with a panoramic view when cresting the hill on Canoe Creek Road. A 155-acre lake provides excellent year-round fishing, a popular swimming area and enjoyment for small pleasure boaters. Fields and woodlots are managed to provide diversified habitat for small game species and a variety of wildlife.
Canoe Creek?s proximity to nearby communities allows local residents to take a short pleasure drive and enjoy an evening of fishing, picnicking or walking.
Geologic formations in and around the park are rich in limestone. This limestone was extracted and used for many purposes, including supplying a raw material for the once thriving iron and steel industry of Pennsylvania. The park has several old quarry operations. Two calcining plants (limekilns), the Hartman kilns site and the Blair Limestone Company kilns site, operated in the park during the early 1900s. The Blair Limestone Company Kiln remnants are the focus of historical and interpretive programs and displays. This company was a subsidiary of Jones and Laughlin Steel Company of Pittsburgh, PA. The preservation and interpretation of this industrial limekiln site is part of the Path of Progress heritage tour route in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Eight modern cabins overlook the lake. They are within walking distance of the swimming area and are available for year-round rental. The rental period in the summer is one week. During the remainder of the year, they may be rented for a minimum of two days.
The sand beach is open from late-May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to sunset. Lifeguards are on duty from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, unless otherwise posted. Please read and follow posted rules for swimming when lifeguards are off-duty.
The sand beach is 350 feet long and has a grass sunning area and sand play areas. The bathhouse has showers and dressing booths.
A snackbar by the swimming beach carries a variety of fast food and drink items.
Boating: electric motors only
The 155-acre Canoe Lake has boat launching areas are on both sides of the lake. Boat mooring spaces are available along the eastern shoreline. On the west side of the park, the boat rental has rowboats, paddleboats, kayaks and canoes.
Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. 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.
Enjoy fishing in two lakes and several streams, home to trout, bass, catfish and panfish. A wheelchair-accessible pier is available.
Canoe Creek State Park is located near Altoona, Duncansville and Hollidaysburg
Areas on the east and west sides of the park provide numerous picnic tables. Picnic areas also contain charcoal grills and charcoal disposal units. Three picnic pavilions are available for rental. Picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis.
Biking: The one-mile Bike Trail runs between US 22 and Mattern Road, passing through the day use area.
Horseback Riding: A bridle trail loops around the northern part of the park. Riding horse rentals are not available in the area.
Hiking: 8 miles of trailsThe trails pass through forests, fields, shrubby areas, historic areas and along the lake shore. Please wear fluorescent orange when hiking during hunting seasons.
Canoe Creek State Park offers a wide variety of environmental education and interpretive programs. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources.
Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to schools and youth groups. Teacher workshops are available. Group programs must be arranged in advance and may be scheduled by calling the park office.
Programs are offered year-round. For more detailed information contact the park office. An interpretive center highlights the historical and natural resources of the park. Near the modern cabins, the center is open seasonally and at other times by group appointment.
The park offers a variety of birding opportunities with over 200 species recorded. It features two waterfowl blinds and several trails ideal for spotting birds, including the Limestone Trail and Moore's Hill trail. The Blair County Christmas Bird Count also takes place here annually. A highlight is observing bats from an old church turned bat house during summer evenings.
Lou's Tackle Box
906 8th Ave
Altoona, PA
(814) 949-0385
To reach Canoe Creek State Park, travel on US 22, until you arrive at the small village of Canoe Creek (seven miles east of Hollidaysburg), turn north on the Turkey Valley Road for one half mile to Canoe Creek Road, on the right.
The Sunday service at the ampetheater is a great idea,however we wished it could start at nine am more people would attend,even those leaving could make it.We cant sing that early!Lol
I LOVE CANOE CREEK!! my family has gone there since i was very young every summer and we stay in the cabins for a week and it is just BEAUTIFUL!
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