Friends of Oil Creek State Park

Friends of OCSP is a chapter of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF). PPFF is a private, non-profit organization that works to develop resources which compliment the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) in the areas of State Parks and Forests through the actions of people and assets.

The primary purpose of Oil Creek State Park is to tell the story of the changing landscape. Just south of Titusville, along Oil Creek, Colonel Edwin Drake struck oil at a depth of 69.5 feet in August 1859. Drake's Well marks the birth of the world's oil industry. The early petroleum industry's oil boom towns and important oil well sites are long gone. They have been replaced by clean trout streams and forested hillsides seen today throughout the park. Few oil wells are still active in the park, but newer gas wells are common. The events of the exciting 1860's, the time of the original oil boom, receive special emphasis in park's trails and by park personnel. The early history of the oil region is served well by Drake Well Museum just north of the park.

Today, Oil Creek State Park features the 36 mile volunteer maintained Gerard Hiking Trail along with 4 other interpretive hiking trails, a 9.7 mile paved biking trails along Oil Creek and other day use activities. The park also offers picnic areas at Blood Farm and Egbert Farm (Petroleum Centre), with fresh drinking water, restrooms and playfields. Fishing is enjoyed in Oil Creek, Boughton Run, Toy Run and Jones Run. Hunting is permitted on approximately 6,250 acres of land. Canoeing and kayaking along Oil Creek, which is classed as beginner's waters, is best from March to June.

Several shelters may be reserved for a fee. Call Oil Creek State Park at 814-676-5915 or DCNR reservations at 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757)

Two Organized Group Tenting area are available at Wild Cat Hollow and the ski hut area.

Try Cross-country skiing during the cold winter months.

Use the Projects menu at the top of the page to get more detailed information about volunteer projects.

View the interactive map of the park and views of Oil Creek on YouTube.

Trail workday.

May 4, May 18, and June 1, 2014

To improve the skiing conditions, the Friends group is planning several trail workdays.

The plan is to add additional drain pipes in wet sections of the trail. These should allow water to drain away from the trail and improve hiking and prolong skiing.

Work crews will meet at the ski hut off Petroleum Centre Road at 1 PM.

Bring gloves and tools.

Some tree and brush cleanup may be done also.

For additional information email Peg

New Woman's Program