Description - Kettle Creek State Park is named after the popular trout stream that flows through the area. The original park was located in the lower campground. This area was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930's. The Alvin R. Bush Dam was opened in 1962 for flood protection by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the lower Susquehanna watershed area. The area above the dam was developed for recreation and administered by the Bureau of State Parks. Development of facilities has continued both above and below the dam. Kettle Creek State Park is a wonderful park offering a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. The reservoir offers boating, fishing, swimming and boat launch facilities. Many people enjoy the park year-round. There is a shady family campground and a large playground conveniently located near the picnic grove. There is a softball and volleyball area. Winter activities abound including snowmobile trails, cross-country trails, ice fishing, ice skating and sledding. Kettle Creek State Park serves as trail access for the 53-mile Donut Hole Trail with an access parking lot across from the lower campground. This trail connects with several other cross-country trails. There is a 5-mile mountain bike trail which starts at the day-use parking lot and immediately travels onto state forest land before returning to the parking lot. There is also an equestrian trail that is 15 miles in length. It begins at Beaverdam Run and heads into the state forest land. The park shares an environmental interpreter during the summer months with Ole Bull State Park. Hunting is permitted at the park and at the adjacent 278,000 acre Sproul State Forest.
Attractions
- Kettle Creek State Park is named after the popular trout stream that flows through the area. The original park was located in the lower campground. This area was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930's. The Alvin R. Bush Dam was opened in 1962 for flood protection by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the lower Susquehanna watershed area. The area above the dam was developed for recreation and administered by the Bureau of State Parks. Development of facilities has continued both above and below the dam. Note: The nearest store, gasoline and garage services is located at Tamarack, 10 miles northeast of the park along Route 144. All services, including medical are available at Renovo, 16 miles southeast along Route 120.
Recreation - Kettle Creek State Park is a wonderful park offering a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. The reservoir offers boating, fishing, swimming and boat launch facilities. Many people enjoy the park year-round. There is a shady family campground and a large playground conveniently located near the picnic grove. There is a softball and volleyball area. Winter activities abound including snowmobile trails, cross-country trails, ice fishing, ice skating and sledding. Kettle Creek State Park serves as trail access for the 53-mile Donut Hole Trail with an access parking lot across from the lower campground. This trail connects with several other cross-country trails. There is a 5 mile mountain bike trail which starts at the day-use parking lot and immediately travels onto state forest land before returning to the parking lot. There is also an equestrian trail that is 15 miles in length. It begins at Beaverdam Run and heads into the state forest land. The Sproul State Forest page offers details on these trails. The park shares an environmental interpreter during the summer months with Ole Bull State Park. Both the history and environment of the area are used to educate park users of all ages. Children's programs, guided walks, and campfire programs are scheduled throughout the week. Program schedules are available at the park office. Special requests are welcome and may be directed to the park office. Hunting is permitted at the park and at the adjacent 278,000 acre Sproul State Forest. Deer, turkey, bear, grouse and squirrels are plentiful in both locations. Pennsylvania Game Commission laws and regulations apply in all areas. With the exception of: 1) hunting of woodchucks also known as groundhogs is prohibited and 2) dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day to March 31 in designated hunting areas. Climate - Pennsylvania generally has a moist climate with cold winters and warm summers. The Kettle Creek State Park area has cold winter months with temperatures averaging around 22 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees Celsius). The area's average summer temperatures range around 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius). Precautions should be made when traveling this snowy area in the winter. Location -
Kettle Creek State Park is located in the north central area of the state amidst numerous other state parks and forests. From Williamsport take US 220 west about 20 miles turning north (right) onto SR 120. Travel it about another 20 miles then follow signs.
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