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Weekend Backpacker: Pittsburgh
Gerard Hiking Trail
By Sandra Downs
Ride the Oil Creek and Titusville railroad |
You've heard of Quaker State Motor Oil? Well, before"Black Gold" became "Texas Tea," Pennsylvania had the world's first crude oil boom. In 1859, Colonel Edwin Drake—tempted by tales about the bubbling black springs in the creek—successfully drilled the world's first oil well. A new industry was born. Dozens of small boomtowns sprang up and vanished as quickly as fortunes were made and lost over oil speculation.
It's quiet in this valley now, save the output of McClintock No. 1, a well drilled in August, 1861, that still produces Pennsylvania grade crude oil. But its tiny operation has little impact on the reforestation that kicked off when the boomtowns went bust. Oil Creek State Park preserves the history of this unique region, and the Gerard Hiking Trail provides a great overview of the park. Stretching more than 36 miles, the trail loops around the entire park, visiting scenic vistas and waterfalls as well as historic sites.
Getting There
Oil Creek State Park lies 2½ hours north of Pittsburgh. Follow I-79 north to I-80; I-80 west to PA 8; PA 8 north through Franklin and Oil City up to the park entrance near Titusville.
Maps
Contact Oil Creek State Park for a map of the hiking trail, or stop in at the park office at Petroleum Centre.
Permits
Reservations are required in advance for use of the trail shelters; call (814) 676-5915. A nominal fee applies. Camping is permitted only at the shelter areas.
Practical Information
The trail is blazed in yellow. Shelter areas at Cow Run and Wolfkill Run contain six three-sided shelters plus campsites and may only be used overnight for one night. Like the comfy shelter areas of the Laurel Highlands Trail, these include fireplaces, a stock of wood, latrines, and a water supply.
Need a jumpstart for a shorter trip? At the Drake Well Museum, you can catch a ride on the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad and carry your backpack along for a one-way trip into the park. Or just ride the train for fun (27.5 miles, 2.5 hours) and send a postcard from the only working railway postal car in the United States.
Who to Contact
Oil Creek State Park
R.R. 1, Box 207
Oil City, PA 16301-9733
(814) 676-5915
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