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The Ultimate Camping Guide to Crawford County

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The warm crackle and pop of firewood, the delicious gooey goodness of chocolate and marshmallows, and the absolute awe of seeing nature at its finest.

Those memories and so many more are central to any camping trip, and some of the best campgrounds in northwestern Pennsylvania are located in Crawford County! Here are a few tips to keep in mind for your camping trip, so you don’t sweat the little stuff and can enjoy the enriching experience of becoming a part of nature for a few days.

The Supplies

When you go on a camping trip, there are four primary pieces of equipment that you’ll need: A tent, sleeping bags, camp lights, and cookware. If you’re purchasing these items for the first time, it is important to keep two things in mind:

  • Portability

    You want to be able to carry and pack these essentials easily so you want to be on the lookout for supplies that are easy to fold, come with carrying bags, or have plenty of handles for hooking onto a backpack for easy carrying to a campsite.

  • Quality

    At the same time you don’t want to sacrifice the quality of your camping equipment. By investing in a great tent and sleeping bags from the get go, you can get years of use out of them, meaning that your camping trips in the future will be as simple as packing up your supplies and finding a great campsite.

At the same time you don’t want to sacrifice the quality of your camping equipment. By investing in a great tent and sleeping bags from the get go, you can get years of use out of them, meaning that your camping trips in the future will be as simple as packing up your supplies and finding a great campsite.

Pro-tips

  • When purchasing a tent, always size up: if you expect to fit two people in a tent, get one for three people. Believe us, you will really feel the difference.
  • Pay attention to what the temperature and environment settings are for your sleeping bag. If you expect to do a lot of early/mid-spring camping, you might want a sleeping bag that is a little warmer than one that you would use if you camp primarily in the summer months.
  • Keep your backpack light by packing light in terms of cookware. The best way to do this is planning out your meals before you trek off. Plan meals that only require the use of one pot, and bring along only as many plates, spoons and cups as you need. Your back will thank you later.

The Location

Crawford County has been blessed with a number of great campsites, so it might be difficult to decide where exactly you should camp. If this is your first go at camping, you might want to look for campsites that have amenities such as toilets and showers. You might also want to look for campsites that are near a town, so that you can run in and purchase something that you forgot or feel closer to civilization.

We’ve also created this handy Google Map that lists out our favorite camping spots in Crawford County.

Setting Up and Tearing Down

Practice pitching your tent before you go on your camping trip! Consider doing a test run by spending a night in your yard to give you an idea of what this will be like, saving you time and stress when you get to the campsite because you’ll have a complete understanding of your equipment.

When you first arrive at your campsite, look for a clear area with even ground to pitch your tent, pitching the back of the tent against the wind.

After a weekend to remember while you’re packing up to go home, remember to clean up any trash and clear up the site — always leave the site as close as possible to how you found it.

This post was proudly sponsored by Bull Moose Marketing.

Must-See Hiking and Walking Trails in Crawford County

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When you hear the word hiking, it can be easy to imagine places like Yellowstone, the Lewis and Clark National Trail, or even more locally, the Great Allegheny Passage. However, hiking doesn’t have to be an enormous voyage.

By taking advantage of local trails, hiking can be a great, inexpensive way to discover the beauty of your “local wilderness.” It’s also a wonderful way to introduce kids to nature and the great outdoors, or even mix-up your dog walking routine.

Here in Crawford county, several trails fit the needs of hikers of all experience levels. We’ve compiled a few of our favorite local trails for you to enjoy.

Pymatuning State Park – Linesville

Featuring seven trails of various difficulty levels, Pymatuning State Park is a real hiking gem. The Spillway Trail specifically is great for a casual walk or bike. Photography enthusiasts will find that the sunsets on this path are breathtaking. Bird watchers can see numerous duck species, swans, grebes, and even the occasional eagle. The Spillway trail is 2.5 miles long. Those looking for a more challenging hike can try the Log Cabin Trail which begins at the Tamarack trailhead and proceeds to the right, running behind the Jamestown cabins and ending at the Jamestown campground. This trail is about a mile long.

French Creek Recreational Trails (Ernst Trail) – Meadville

French Creek Recreational trail (known locally as Ernst Trail), is located in the lush French Creek valley and is one of the most geographically interesting in the area. The paved portion of this trail is just about 5 miles long making it ideal for low impact walks, runs, and biking. The full trail is just over 7 miles. Originally built in the 1880s and 90s to gain access to the Meadville-Linesville Railroad, the trail is dotted with meadows, marshes, and hemlock thickets. Photographers can also find beautiful outgrowths of wildflowers. Several bird species also nest along these trails making them great for bird watchers.

This trail is not a loop, however, so plan to double back to the trailhead you started at!

Trolley Line Trail – Cambridge Springs

The Trolley Line Trail is a great choice for history aficionados and outdoor adventurers alike. The out-and-back trail follows a historic rail line constructed in 1913 to bridge Cambridge Springs and Titusville, but was never completed. Mostly flat, the round trip 3.5 mile trek is perfect for a low-challenge, relaxing walk.

Wooden foot-bridges and an old stone tunnel (or culvert for those versed in trains) are certainly highlights and make for great picture opportunities. On your visit, you’ll even traverse an archaeological site! There is no shortage of natural beauty to appreciate on this trail either, it’s dotted with wildflowers and surrounded by lush greenery. A portion of it is marsh-y, so be prepared to brave some wet areas!

Woodcock Dam & Trail – Saegertown

Walk out-and-back on the breezy Woodcock Dam to enjoy a beautiful lake view on one side and rolling hills on the other. The Dam is 1.8 miles long one way, totally flat, and paved; ideal for a short but picturesque walk. Sitting areas overlooking the water are perfect for relaxing and enjoying sunsets.

If you reach the end of the Dam, still ready for more, you can follow an unpaved offshoot with a few branches leading to Woodcock Lake Park and campground. A small stream runs through the wooded area along these offshoots, and wooden foot-bridges punctuate the path. From the Dam to the end of the offshoot is just shy of 2 miles, with some elevation but relatively low-impact. Don’t forget to allow plenty of time to get back to your starting point!

East Branch Trail – Spartansburg

East Branch Trail is an out-and-back rail trail with room for walkers, runners and bicyclists. Paved, with gentle elevation only and just over 6 miles long one way, this path is great for a long walk or moderate bike ride. While you stroll or bike, take in the sights of Clear Lake and even explore the rebuilt trestle. This quiet trail is definitely a hidden treasure.

While you’re in the area, be sure to stop at Clear Lake Park and hit Spartansburg’s charming downtown to say hi!

These trails are somewhat secluded, so plan to be safely off the paths by dusk. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to bring along a bottle of water to keep from getting dehydrated.

Enjoy these paths and form a connection with the flora and fauna of Crawford County. Interested in more outdoor adventures? Click here to explore other activities.

Celebrate the Fall Season with Port Farms

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As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change and drop to the ground, signs of fall prompt all of us to crave the cozy family activities that make the season feel festive and fun. Just outside of downtown Waterford lies Port Farms, a haven for pumpkin lovers, corn maze cravers, and people of all ages who love to celebrate the arrival of fall.

My stepdaughter’s school holds a family fall fest day at Port Farms every year, and the giant slide and corn box are her favorite activities. She also mines for gems and conquers the “no left turn” maze while I sip cider and challenge other parents to a game of Giant Jenga. As a third-grader, my stepdaughter loves that she has upgraded from the Little Farmers Playland with the hippity hops, small tire fort, and sound garden to the big kid activities. She challenges my wife to see who can stay on the massive jumping pillows the longest without getting tired.

This year, the eight-acre puzzle corn maze celebrates 50 years of Sesame Street. Make sure you visit all nine stations to see the maze design before taking it easy on the hayride to rest up before stocking up on pumpkins and gourds.

Pumpkins range in both size and colors and can be purchased on your way out so you don’t have to carry them around the farm. Prices are determined by weight, and the plumpest ones are perfect for carving.

From September 14th through October 31st, Port Farms is open for the Fall Harvest Festival on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9-6, Thursdays and Fridays from 9-7, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10-7. After October 31st, the farm closes to prepare for its Christmas activities and reopens on November 29th.

Admission is $8 on Monday and Wednesday (closed Tuesday), and $12 from Thursday through Sunday. Season passes are also available for $29. Kids ages two and under are free, as are those who show their military ID.

Port Farms is offering a new online ticket sale option this year, so plan ahead and grab your tickets through the website (https://portfarms.com/).

See you and the whole family this fall season at Port Farms!

Author: Beth McDonough

Photo Credit: Kibbe Photography: http://www.kibbephotography.com/

Baldwin Reynolds House Museum at Mt. Hope

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In a picturesque setting, atop a hill overlooking the once Erie Feeder Canal in downtown Meadville, sits the historic Baldwin – Reynolds House Museum. This was the dream home of Supreme Court Justice Henry Baldwin and his wife Sally. The home was modeled after a residence in Tennessee named Hunter Hill, which Henry fell in love with while visiting his son. Construction on this southern styled Greek Revival mansion was completed in 1843 and at that time was nicknamed “Mount Vernon of Meadville”. The original 2 story structure was lived in by the Judge for less than one year when he suddenly passed away.

The property was then briefly a girl’s finishing school before it was deeded to William Reynolds, Sally’s nephew. William and his wife Julia along with their daughter, moved into the residence in 1847 and William became the first mayor of Meadville.

The mansion transformed from the once southern plantation interior into the Victorian interior it is today. A third story was added for more children and servants and the couple lived in their beloved home for the next 60 years.

The youngest of William and Julia’s four children, John Reynolds become the next to own and love this family home and he married Katherine Shryrock. The couple were pillars in the community and John was mayor of Meadville for three terms and Katherine was one of the charter members of the Meadville Garden Club.

After the couples’ death, the home was purchased by the Crawford County Historical Society in 1963 and has remained a special place in Meadville’s history.

The now museum is filled with furniture, art, and historical items which can be toured by the public. Located at 639 Terrace St Meadville, Pa and open June, July and August for general tours Wednesday through Sunday. The tours begin on the hour at noon, 1 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm and reservations are not required. The general tour for the summer of 2019 are provided FREE courtesy of Armstrong Cable. Admission fees may be required for special events. A calendar of events can be found here

Imagine playing crochet on the front lawn as it was done so many years ago in a much simpler time. Time period clothing is encouraged to make the experience magical during this annual event called the Eleanor Davies Croquet Classic and Garden Party and tickets are on sale now.

How about a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater or a Monster Mash Halloween Costume Party just in time for the crisp fall days? A great time to celebrate with your friends and have a chance to show off your best costume or sleuthing abilities. Grab a few friends and reserve your spots before the witching hour comes.

If Christmas time is more your style, then the biannual Trees of Christmas (next one is 2021) may just be your ideal event. The Meadville Garden Club, which has a large part of its history due to the mansions’ former owner Katherine Reynolds, decorates a Christmas tree for nearly every room in the first and second floor to a different theme each event. Generations have attended and many have admired not only the trees, but the wonderful home.

In keeping with the Christmas theme, the annual Fezziwig’s Christmas Dinner is sure to please. Enjoy a glass of wine and dinner as the characters from the classic Charles Dickens tale meander through the crowd. Meet Scrooge, Marley, the Ghost of Christmas Past, and even Tiny Tim as you eat, drink and be merry. The tickets for this years’ event are already on sale, so be sure to reserve your spot in what is becoming a very popular event.

How about a classy New Years Eve party with a Great Gatsby theme? Get gussied up in your gown or tuxedo and dance the night away to bring in the new year. 2020 is approaching and what a year it will be, so be sure to join the fun.

As you can see, this historic mansion is so much more than just another old house with old stuff. It is a magical place which is transformed with the seasons for events and gatherings, a place memories are made and family traditions are started.

http://baldwinreynolds.org/

 

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