Elk State Park is located approximately 8 miles west of Wilcox on State Route 1006 and about 9 miles south of Clermont on State Route 1001. The park consists of 3,192 acres including the 1,160 acre East Branch Lake.
Opportunities
Hunting: 3,151 acres are open to hunting. Common game species are turkey, beer and deer.
Hunting is also permitted on the adjacent Elk State Forest and State Game Lands No. 25.
Fishing: Fishing is very popular. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks muskellunge, walleye, smallmouth bass, brook, rainbow, brown, and lake trout in the lake as well as stocking trout in many of the surrounding streams. Five Mile, Seven Mile, Straight Creeks, Middle Fork and Crook Creek are all stocked streams. Many smaller streams abound in native brook trout.
Boating: Non-powered boats and boats with unlimited horsepower are permitted. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: 1) State Park launch permit, 2) State Park mooring permit or 3) a current Pennsylvania boat registration. Motorized boats must display a current registration.
Water skiing is a popular activity.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also provides a launching ramp by the dam. Therefore, easy access is to be had at either end of the lake.
Picnicking: Twelve picnic tables are available in the park; however, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides a picnic area by the dam.
Swimming is not permitted in the lake. A swimming pool is available at Bendigo State Park which is approximately 13 miles away on State Route 1004.
Ice Fishing and Ice Boating: Park visitors enjoy these winter sports on the frozen lake. Ice boats displaying a current launching permit are permitted on the lake.
History
The development of Elk State Park was authorized by the state legislature in 1961. Initial development completed in 1963 included road improvement, parking lots, latrine, water well, launching ramp and access dock at the Instanter Launch Area.
A nearby area known as the "Uplands" located in Jones Township is of historical interest. This is the former home of General Thomas L. Kane, the founder of Kane, Pennsylvania, and famous general of the Civil War. Later this became the home of Captain A. A. Clay of Civil War fame. United States President Ulysses S. Grant was known to stay at this house during hunting trips.
Another point of interest is the site of the original settlement of New Flanders. New Flanders was a settlement of Belgian glass blowers under the leadership of Count De Hamm. This settlement lasted only a few years before the people learned they could not make a living with their occupation. New Flanders next became a thriving logging and lumbering community by the name of Glen Hazel. The Johnsonburg and Clermont Railroad once passed through the community, which contained many restaurants, hotels and stores.
Nearby Points of Interest
East Branch Dam: The East Branch Dam of the Clarion River was finished in 1952 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The dam provides flood protection and recreational opportunities. For additional information telephone (814) 965-2065 or write to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Building, 1000 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
Bendigo State Park: Located 13 miles away on State Route 1004, Bendigo State Park provides swimming, picnicking, fishing and playfields.
State Game Lands No. 25: This 23,136 acre wooded area consists of long narrow valleys and flat mountain tops.
A large stone marker has been erected at the entrance to State Game Lands No. 25 in Glen Hazel. The marker commemorates the first purchase of land by the Pennsylvania Game Commission in 1920, from the proceeds of hunting license fees. The marker was erected in 1948 by sportsman friends of John MacFarlane Phillips (member of the commission 1905-1924) in recognition of his untiring efforts to develop a state-wide system of public hunting grounds and game refuges.
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