Oil Creek State Park — Attraction in Cornplanter Township

I must confess that despite living only 16 miles from the southern border of this park, I never spent much time here until about 3 years ago. I had the "if it's close to home, it can't be any good" mentality and always went to Cook Forest or Clear Creek for my "outdoor fix". Then I saw an article online titled "Ten Must See State Parks In Pennsylvania" and Oil Creek was on that list. I began to explore the place more in depth and by doing so, met up with some people whom I knew from my photography hobby. They introduced me to things like the backpacking shelters, the group camping area and the interpretive trails in Wildcat Hollow. Now I spend time at Oil Creek in every season. I find something new with every visit. My experience with the park staff has always been pleasurable. In closing I will say that I think I am not alone in my former manner of thinking about OCSP because I encounter so many people when I am at the park who travel INSANE distances just to visit. Then, I will strike up a conversation with people who live locally who have never set foot within the park's boundaries. You owe it to yourself to visit Oil Creek State Park. The newspaper and magazine articles are right...... this IS one of the ten "must see" parks in...

Took the Gerard trail from the Rynd Farm RR station north to the park office - 4 miles. A " 7 " on the difficulty scale so not too rigorous but a good stretch of the legs to be sure. Some steep climbs and soggy in a few spots with a couple of narrow side hill / deep dropoff paths. Scenic second / third growth hemlock/maple/oak/cherry forest with some flats and dark ravines, saw a few deer and a bunch of squirrels. Came across an old building that housed some type of motor (steam?) connected to a bizarre system of steel rods that spread out in all directions. That this hilly terrain had all a those derricks and storage tanks is astonishing. The scars of the oil industry's infancy remain today with the many pipes, rods and sinkholes still visible. An interesting and invigorating hike, highly...

The restrooms I guess are to be as expected for a park.. but I do feel they need some work.. so gross.. However our family as well as many others have been committing to the slide and the pool down in the creek! It's getting super long and works great lol. The kids have been having a blast every time! We enjoy it.. so relaxing, then go up and cook on the grills... having covid brought in may have just brought back the family Sunday fundays.. maybe ppl will continue to dedicate their time to family/ friends time.. making memories & fun the old fashioned way?! I think so.. I enjoy that! ♡ maybe just maybe ppl will get back to reality a little and realize how much has been lost in the worldly ways .. it's easy to get lost in, so this brings you back! We are outdoor ppl and have truly...