Oil Creek State Park

A state park in northwestern Pennsylvania that preserves the Oil Creek valley and the historic landscape associated with the birth of the U.S. petroleum industry around Titusville and the Drake Well of 1859.

Trails follow the creek through wooded valley scenery and provide opportunities for hiking, birding and paddling. Heritage excursions on the seasonal narrow-gauge tourist railroad run along parts of the valley and connect to historic sites and small visitor centers nearby.

The park conserves the corridor where commercial oil drilling began in the mid-19th century, preserving both natural riverine habitat and elements of the early industrial landscape associated with the petroleum boom around Titusville.

Located in the Oil Creek-Titusville area of northwestern Pennsylvania, the park spans sections of the valley near Titusville and Oil City and is accessed from nearby small towns in Venango and Crawford counties.

• Historic significance: The park preserves the landscape and interpretive context for the U.S. oil industry origins associated with the 1859 Drake Well near Titusville.
• Recreation: Fall foliage and the valley scenery are peak visiting draws; several miles of hiking trails and canoe access run along the creek.

What to See #

• Oil Creek: A braided stream and valley system that the park conserves, offering hiking and canoe routes following the watercourse through the historic oil region.
• Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad: A seasonal heritage railway that operates excursions through the park corridor and connects visitor points with nearby Titusville.