What to Do ~ Outdoors
Hiking and Biking in Crawford County
Nature has given Crawford County a wealth of wildlife species and habitats, which is unique to Pennsylvania ’s Great Northwest. Glacially sculpted into a landscape of rolling hills, flowing streams, marshes and natural lakes, the county’s diverse ecologies support an abundance and range of plant and animal species that is truly remarkable.
Places for Outdoor Activities in Crawford County:
Avalanche Xpress
15630 Middle Rd.
Meadville, PA 16335
814-333-2827
Fax: 814-333-2247
www.golfwhisperingpines.com
Winter snow tubing resort
Bookamer Family Farm
7868 Dutch Hill Rd.
Meadville, PA 16335
814-425-3450
Email: bookamers@bookamerfamilyfarm.com
www.bookamerfamilyfarm.com
The Bookamer Family Farm is a circle farm, meaning all animals, plants, land and caretakers work together to have a farm eco-system that works using each other to the benefit and well being of the whole. We use The Bookamer Family Farm is a circle farm, meaning all animals, plants, land and caretakers work together to have a farm eco-system that works using each other to the benefit and well being of the whole. We use the animals for not only the products for which the produce or give, but also in the protection of each other, fertilizer (composting manure, also rotational pasturing) of land and plants, and reduction of pests, each working for and with each other. Our animals include: fish pond, ducks, geese, chickens (laying and meat), rabbits (for fiber), cows (both dairy and beef, stressing grass based using what is called the "throw away" dairy bull calves for the beef but also the traditional beef breeds also), pigs (fed the whey from cheese making and healthy diets with no animal by-products), mini-donkeys (used in the protection of the fiber animals, it is mama and daughter, the daughter is one of the first mini-animals with a pace maker.), Alpacas (again for fiber, but also can be used for meat. Our oldest daughter Billie, is a spin-off judge for the state shows of Alpacas. She also has her own fiber design business spinning all types of fiber, from dog to sheep, alpaca, etc...), we also have Icelandic sheep with the traditional herding dogs, and cats for rodent control. I forgot about our "Mini-breed" of Jersey cows. They are not miniature in the now since as these are the original jersey cows of the past, smaller therefore not as intimidating as the bigger commercial cows of today; a true family cow. We grow many gardens with orchards and feel we can help someone with any size land from a lot to many acres learn how to live more efficiently (green if you will) with waste being a word of the past. Waste is created by not knowing the next use for something. We even have a composting outhouse for the use of our guests! Learn how to use your own "waste" in a productive and safe manner.
We offer educational tours to families, schools, organizations, etc. BY RESERVATION. It is a 2 1/2 hour tour of our circle farm, with discussions on the concepts of the circle farm, talks of animal husbandry (the care of the animals, housing, nutrition, general care and needs of the certain animals), uses of the animal's products, also the use of composting of the animal and human manure for fertilizers, etc.
We also offer a day trip to the farm which includes the educational tour and a farm picnic. This starts at 10am and lasts till 4 in the afternoon. We also include spinning demonstrations, hayride, butter making, ice cream making, sawmill demo and playing traditional farm games (such as throwing horseshoes, catching crawdads in the creek), for a fun filled trip to the farm. BY RESERVATION ONLY.
Our farm has a farm cottage for overnight stays. It has 2 double beds, full bath, full kitchen, TV and AC. Overnight guests are welcome to participate in all tours and farm activities of the day. Call for rates.
Come to the farm, join the family!
WE NOW SELL RAW MILK! $2.50 a gallon, bring your own containers. Call for more info!
Canadohta Lake Area Business Association
Union City, PA 16509
814-392-4116 / 814-694-9622
www.canadohtalake.org
Conneaut Lake Bark Park
12810 Foust Rd.
Conneaut Lake, PA 16316
814-382-2478
www.conneautlakebarkpark.com
Facility will include:
Handicap Accessibility,
Off-Leash Areas for large and small breeds,
38 acres of additional acres for usage,
Instruction Area and Educational Programs,
After Dusk Usage,
2 Large Ponds.
IMPORTANT: Please check the Bark Park website for forms to fill out (i.e. veterinarian information)
Erie National Wildlife Refuge
11296 Wood Duck Lane
Guys Mills, PA 16327
814-789-3585
www.fws.gov/northeast/erie/
The Erie National Wildlife Refuge offers 8,777 acres of recreational enjoyment. The diverse habitat types found on Erie Refuge attract over 237 species of birds, 47 species of mammals, and 37 species of amphibians and reptiles. Bird enthusiasts may readily see Canada geese, wood ducks, mallards, blue-winged teal, hooded mergansers, and many others. Come enjoy the visitor center, nature trails, hunting, fishing, and take in nature's beauty!
Forever Friends Pet Memorial Park
12670 Foust Rd.
, Conneaut Lake 16316
814-382-5446
www.foreverfriendspetmemorialpark.com
French Creek Recreational Trails - Rails to Trails
773 N. Main St.
Meadville, PA 16335
814-332-2946
Fax: 814-333-8149
www.ernsttrail.org
Ernst Bike Trail is a Rails to Trails project, EBT is perfect for biking, walking, running, & inline skating. This former railroad bed runs along French Creek and through marshlands, wildflower meadows and beautiful countryside. The trail can be accessed off of Mercer Pike, Rt. 322 or Krider Road.
John's Bait
320 Linden St.
Meadville, PA 16335
814-337-6445
Knapp Farm Bed & Breakfast
43778 Thompson Run Rd.
Titusville, PA 16354
814-827-1092
www.theknappfarm.com
The Knapp Farm is a registered PA century farm, dating back to 1813. The hosts, Vern and Peg, are the sixth generation living on and working the land. The farm consists of a 1000+ acres of private outdoor enjoyment for our guests' entertainment. Our activities are for hunters, anglers, horse lovers, and those who love to relax in the country. We are also a registered Pennsylvania hardwood tree farm.
Knapp Farm Stable is home to 8 well groomed and well mannered horses. Our guides will lead you through a maze of logging trails, open fields and along streams and ponds. With any luck, you may even catch a glimpse of our native deer, turkey, ducks, geese and many others!! Your guide will be happy to answer questions you may have about the horse you are riding, your surroundings or the Farm in general. Your ride will be on private land, you can expect to have exclusive access to our horses, trails and guides.
Knapp Farm Hunting Preserve is a dream for the true sportsman. We offer a diversity of hunting packages, over 1000 acres of private land, and experts in the field to guide you through the adventure. Within the Knapp Farm your will find 3 individual areas designed for the sport of bird hunting. Each hunting area is a minimum of 100 acres and unique from each other in both cover and terrain. Each hunting party is assigned an area, and no other hunters will be hunting there. You might hear each other shoot, but dogs, birds, and shots do not mix. We have many large groups who hunt here, and enjoy a friendly and safe competition.
We hunt pheasant, chukar, hun, quail, wild turkey, and deer. For your safety, a guide or field supervisor accompanies each group. The hunters enjoy the club house, with the goodies, and stories about the days hunts. Many spend the night in the B&B and combine their stay with shooting sporting clays, enjoying the historical sites in the area or just relaxing on the farm.
Meadville Area Recreation Complex
800 Thurston Rd.
Meadville, PA 16335
814-724-6006
www.marc4fun.com
MARC sits on 47 acres. Our main facility houses an ice arena and aquatic center. Ice rink open September-March and Pool open year-round. We have two soccer fields, baseball field, 4 tennis courts, picnic shelter and skate board park.
Penn State Master Gardeners - Crawford County Extension Office
13400 Dunham Rd.
Suite A
Meadville, PA 16335
814-333-7460
Toll Free: 800-982-9019 Ext 460
Email: gardenquestions@hotmail.com
Pennsylvania Environmental Council - Northwest Office
301 Chestnut St.
Meadville, PA 16335
814-332-2946
Fax: 814-724-5446
Email: awalker@pecpa.org
www.pecpa.org
Statewide non-profit organization tha tseeks to protect and restore the natural and built environments through innovation, collaboration, education and advocacy.
Pymatuning Deer Park
102 Aspen Way
Jamestown, PA 16314
724-932-3200
Email: info@pymatuningdeerpark.com
www.pymatuningdeerpark.com
Pymatuning Deer Park is a family-owned and operated Animal Park located at the southern-most point of Pymatuning Lake in Jamestown, Pennsylvania. Established in 1953, Pymatuning Deer Park has been a family tradition passed on from generation to generation for over 50 years.
Featuring over 250 animals and birds from around the world, there’s something for everyone at Pymatuning Deer Park! While strolling through the wooded setting under a canopy of trees, visitors encounter both domestic and exotic animals including Siberian Tigers, African Lions, Camels, Black Bears, assorted Primates and of course, several species of deer.
Some animals you pet and some you don’t! The “Kiddie Zoo” welcomes young and old alike to get up-close and personal with featured baby animals and a variety of domestic farm animals. Petting and feeding in the Kiddie Zoo is a highlight for most park visitors – a truly touching experience! Cracker-crunching deer, bucket-pulling primates, and biscuit-begging black bears make for endless feeding adventures throughout the entire park.pony ride
Two other attractions that can’t be missed are the children’s pony rides and a ride on the “Deer Park Express”. Cowboys and cowgirls at heart get a scenic view as they are led pony-back along a wilderness trail. All aboard the Deer Park Express! Entire families love to count how many deer they can spot as they enjoy their ride through the backwoods! Experienced riders know to watch out for the eager emus looking for a handout!
Before leaving, visitors will find a wide selection of souvenirs and gifts in the Deer Park Gift shop. Take something home to remind you of your adventure at the wildest place in town!
Pymatuning Lake Association
PO Box 1737
Andover, OH 44003
724-927-9493
Email: pymalakeassoc@windstream.net
www.pymatuninglake.com
Pymatuning State Park
2660 Williamsfield Rd.
Jamestown, PA 16134
724-932-3141
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/pymat
Pymatuning is one of the largest state parks in the Commonwealth. Pymatuning Lake is especially lovely in late spring evenings when the sunset gilds the water and colorful sailboats appear to slide across a lake of gold.
Non-powered boats and boats to 10 horsepower are permitted. There are three Pennsylvania boat marinas where floatboats, motorboats, rowboats, canoes and motors can be rented.
With 657 campsites in three areas, Pymatuning is one of the largest camping areas in the Commonwealth. 25 modern rental cabins are available for year-round use.
Anywhere along the lake, there are beautiful vistas.
Unique sights include the dam and the Linesville "spillway." The "spillway" is perhaps one of the best known locations because "ducks walk on the fishes' backs" to compete for food fed by the visitors.
Four bathing beaches are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. In addition, a beach for campers is located in the Jamestown Camping Area. Three of the beaches have bathhouses with sanitary facilities and food concession stands or food vending machines.
In the spring there is ice fishing, ice-skating, sledding, iceboating, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. In addition, Pymatuning hosts the Annual Snow Fun Days. A spring concession at the Jamestown Marina has refreshments, ice skates, and cross-country skis for rent.
Retreat to nature in Pymatuning State Park!
Woodcock Lake and Dam
Saegertown, PA
814-333-7372
Authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1962, Woodcock Creek Lake is one of 16 flood control projects in the Pittsburgh District. the project's purpose is trifold: to reduce downstream flooding as part of the French Creek flood control system, to improve downstream water quality, and to provide a diverse array of general recreation activities.
