Date of Hike: Saturday, July 11, 2015
Total Distance: 7.42 Miles
Avg speed: 2.2MPH
Avg moving speed: 2.42MPH
Moving Time: 3:04:24
Total Time: 3:22:52
Conditions: Sunny, 84 Degrees
Difficulty: Easy
This past Saturday, I finally made my way back to Marsh Creek State Park. I've been there a number of times over the years and had done some minor hiking but nothing like what I did over this past weekend. Normally, I would have parked on the eastern side of Marsh Creek Reservoir but the majority of the trails at Marsh Creek State Park are on the western side by the boat launch. On the eastern side, there are trails but not nearly as many.
Approximate address:
802 N. Reeds Road
Downingtown, PA 19335
GPS: 40.061552, -75.733969
Take note that if you use Google Maps as your GPS, you can set your driving directions for the Marsh Creek State Park Boat Launch and it'll bring you directly to the parking lot. If you don't use Google Maps, the entrance to the parking lot off Reeds Road is a very short distance from the above address, you won't be able to miss it. As you enter the state park, there's a fantastic view of the lake. For a copy of the trail map, click here. You can also obtain one upon your arrival at the park.
Another item to take note of if you hike at the state parks. If you plan on going, make sure to double check the DCNR's website for an updated map if you plan on printing one to bring with you. It turns out the map I had was outdated and has since been updated with new trails. This explains some of what I found while I was out there.
Marsh Creek State Park was opened to the public for boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, ice sports and sailing in 1974, and the pool and day use area opened in 1979. The trails at the park are also open for equestrian use and mountain biking.
I started my adventure heading south, then southeast alongside Marsh Creek Reservoir. For the first leg of the journey, there isn't a lot of shade so be sure to use some sunscreen if it's hot outside.
Approximately 900 of the 1,727 acres of Marsh Creek State Park are open to hunting. Please be sure to wear the proper safety gear if you decide to go hiking during hunting season.
The Marsh Creek Reservoir is 535 acres with an additional 25 acres of wetlands, holds approximately 4.4 billion gallons of water and at it deepest point, is approximately 80 feet.
Most of the trails at Marsh Creek State Park are in very good condition. Throughout my hike, I only found a few spots where the trail was a bit overgrown but nothing difficult. I also noted that there was very little trash on the trails with the exception of a few reflectors from the pedals of mountain bikes.
As the trail follows the lake and turns back towards the west, I spotted the remains of this building and went in for a closer look. In one section of this old shed/barn, there looked to be what was left of a number of picnic tables and the other half looked to be empty. I went as far as the doorway but didn't go inside.
The old shed/barn was well camouflaged from the opposite side of my approach. Had I been hiking in the opposite direction, I likely wouldn't have even spotted it. Underneath all that green, the shed/barn is hiding.
There are two different boat launches at the park, one on the western side and another on the eastern side which is what you see in the background of this picture. Also on the eastern side is where the swimming pool is. Although I can't confirm, I've read from reviewers of the park that the swimming pool is salt water.
Although it didn't last for the time being, it was refreshing to have a little bit of shade for a short distance. It wasn't too hot outside but being in the sun still makes you work up a sweat.
For the first part of the hike, there were numerous trail markers. This section is the White Trail, as if that wasn't obvious.
Looking across to an open meadow that I would soon be hiking through.
Sometimes, pictures just don't convey what the eyes see. There were a few trees overhanging the trail giving it a look of a sort of tunnel effect. To the right side of this picture was a little clearing where you could take a short break between them.
In this area, you are reaching the end of an inlet of the Marsh Creek Reservoir and slowly making a turn to the southeast.
Once you get to the opposite side of the field, you'll be in the shade for a distance. As I previously mentioned, these trails are open for both equestrian use and mountain biking. I didn't see any horses while I was on the trail but there were a lot of mountain bikers.
The daddy long leg is a part of the arachnid family but is not a spider. Contrary to popular belief, they're said to be one of the most poisonous arachnids on the planet but in truth, they aren't poisonous and don't have fangs to bite with.
Once you get out of this stretch of woods, you'll be approaching the F. Huston (this could also be Houston, when I searched the internet for information about this dam, there seemed to be quite a few websites spelling it Houston instead of Huston) McIlvain Dam and turning to the northeast. Unfortunately, there's not much of a waterfall at the dam to see as it's blocked off, encased in concrete, and is completely covered up with a steel grated top. The dam itself is approximately 90 feet tall and 990 feet long.
Construction on the dam started in May 1970 and was completed in June 1973. The gates to the dam were closed on November 16, 1973. On June 21, 1974 (216 days later), the new lake reached normal pool stage. Prior to the construction of the dam, a town by the name of Milford Mills existed alongside Marsh Creek. The State of Pennsylvania claimed eminent domain over the resident's homes in the town and once all residents were moved out, most of their homes, some of which were 200 years old, they were razed and the dam/reservoir was built.
According to the state, the reasons for damming Marsh Creek and removing the residents from their homes were to alleviate flooding, provide drinking water, and to provide recreational activities. What was once Milford Mills is now under around 40 feet of water.
Looking down the opposite side of the dam to Marsh Creek
One of the trails run alongside and below the dam up until it reaches the tree line, then turns to the southeast (right) alongside the trees.
As you follow the dirt road up a distance, there's another trail head to the left side heading back to the northeast.
A short distance into the woods are the remains of what looks like an old spring house, and not too far from there is a chimney of what was probably a home at one time. There are said to be ruins scattered throughout the park but right now with all the leaves on the trees, I didn't spot any more after passing these ruins. Perhaps returning in the winter will allow for a better sight line into the woods.
If you look to the left side of this chimney, you'll see a small concrete pillar of sorts. In this area, there were a number of them which I'm guessing might have created the foundation of the home that was once there.
Once past the ruins, the trail took another turn to the northeast and was also the area where I got confused since I was unknowingly using an old trail map. Once you get into this section of the park, there are trails that shoot off in several directions, some of which I don't think are even on the newest map. There are said to be 18 miles of trails at Marsh Creek State Park but from what I saw, I wouldn't be surprised if there were more than that.
Also not shown on the trail map are how the trails wind, twist, and turn through the woods in this area. These trails are meant for mountain biking so it's no surprise to see the twisting and turning but for accuracy sake, it would have been easier to follow along the map had they been shown.
This was a steep drop of about 10 or so feet down to the next trail and was where I turned to the north.
As the trail heads northward, it gradually begins a turn to the northwest bordering the outside edge of the park. In some areas, you'll be able to see homes that border the park to your east.
The trail then begins a turn to back to the west. Once you make this turn, you may be able to get a slight view of the reservoir but not a very good one.
There were a few places along the trail where you are close enough to the reservoir to see some of it. I had taken a quick stop to make some adjustments to my backpack and when I did, looked towards the reservoir and spotted this great blue heron.
I didn't take any pictures of them but all along this section of trail, there were red raspberries (or wineberries) that were nice and ripe and quite tasty too!
After taking the above picture of the reservoir, I turned around and spotted this tree with a bunch of beer bottle caps nailed to it. Around the back of the tree, a hammer is attached by a small cable.
By now, the trail had looped to the east, southeast, northwest then back to the south again.
Alongside the trail is this inlet although I have no idea why it's here. Perhaps this is an overflow of sorts in case the reservoir gets too full. The cliffs on either side of this inlet were about 30 feet tall.
Once you reach the bottom of a hill at the far end of the cliffs, the trail turns again to the northwest on the opposite side and back up another hill alongside the above cliffs.
Once on top of the hill, you have a view of the reservoir with a number of "Keep Out" signs as you get closer to the edge (for obvious reasons).
Around this area, you're just about back to the dam. There's a small side trail leading to the water's edge where I took the two shots below.
Once I was done at the water's edge, I walked the dirt road on top of the dam
Once I was past the dam, instead of retracing my steps and following the trail I had been on earlier in the day, I turned away from the reservoir and followed this dirt road heading northwest.
The below barn is part of Hope Springs Farm at Marsh Creek. Their website hasn't been updated in some time by the looks of it but from what it says, they offer horse boarding, trail riding, and horse riding lessons.
Just about at Reeds Road, I turned to the east and by now, was almost back to the parking lot.
The trail splits off with one continuing to the east and the other cutting to the northeast. I took the trail heading to the northeast.
Last picture of the day. It's not the best but there were several barn swallows sitting in a tree alongside the trail, I had to try to get a decent shot.
That was the end of my adventure at Marsh Creek State Park for now. I wanted to go further than I did but I had plans with the family so I had to call it a day. In all, it was a good hike and one worth going back to. For the most part, the trails are clean and well kept although busy with mountain bikers which is to be expected on such a nice day. I'll eventually be returning to explore the rest of this park and also to find out how many more trails I can find that aren't shown on the map.
Until next time, happy hiking and happy exploring!
Please give my Facebook page a like!
This past Saturday, I finally made my way back to Marsh Creek State Park. I've been there a number of times over the years and had done some minor hiking but nothing like what I did over this past weekend. Normally, I would have parked on the eastern side of Marsh Creek Reservoir but the majority of the trails at Marsh Creek State Park are on the western side by the boat launch. On the eastern side, there are trails but not nearly as many.
Approximate address:
802 N. Reeds Road
Downingtown, PA 19335
GPS: 40.061552, -75.733969
Take note that if you use Google Maps as your GPS, you can set your driving directions for the Marsh Creek State Park Boat Launch and it'll bring you directly to the parking lot. If you don't use Google Maps, the entrance to the parking lot off Reeds Road is a very short distance from the above address, you won't be able to miss it. As you enter the state park, there's a fantastic view of the lake. For a copy of the trail map, click here. You can also obtain one upon your arrival at the park.
Another item to take note of if you hike at the state parks. If you plan on going, make sure to double check the DCNR's website for an updated map if you plan on printing one to bring with you. It turns out the map I had was outdated and has since been updated with new trails. This explains some of what I found while I was out there.
Marsh Creek State Park was opened to the public for boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, ice sports and sailing in 1974, and the pool and day use area opened in 1979. The trails at the park are also open for equestrian use and mountain biking.
I started my adventure heading south, then southeast alongside Marsh Creek Reservoir. For the first leg of the journey, there isn't a lot of shade so be sure to use some sunscreen if it's hot outside.
Approximately 900 of the 1,727 acres of Marsh Creek State Park are open to hunting. Please be sure to wear the proper safety gear if you decide to go hiking during hunting season.
The Marsh Creek Reservoir is 535 acres with an additional 25 acres of wetlands, holds approximately 4.4 billion gallons of water and at it deepest point, is approximately 80 feet.
 |
| Cowbirds along the shoreline of Marsh Creek Reservoir |
Most of the trails at Marsh Creek State Park are in very good condition. Throughout my hike, I only found a few spots where the trail was a bit overgrown but nothing difficult. I also noted that there was very little trash on the trails with the exception of a few reflectors from the pedals of mountain bikes.
As the trail follows the lake and turns back towards the west, I spotted the remains of this building and went in for a closer look. In one section of this old shed/barn, there looked to be what was left of a number of picnic tables and the other half looked to be empty. I went as far as the doorway but didn't go inside.
The old shed/barn was well camouflaged from the opposite side of my approach. Had I been hiking in the opposite direction, I likely wouldn't have even spotted it. Underneath all that green, the shed/barn is hiding.
There are two different boat launches at the park, one on the western side and another on the eastern side which is what you see in the background of this picture. Also on the eastern side is where the swimming pool is. Although I can't confirm, I've read from reviewers of the park that the swimming pool is salt water.
Although it didn't last for the time being, it was refreshing to have a little bit of shade for a short distance. It wasn't too hot outside but being in the sun still makes you work up a sweat.
For the first part of the hike, there were numerous trail markers. This section is the White Trail, as if that wasn't obvious.
Looking across to an open meadow that I would soon be hiking through.
Sometimes, pictures just don't convey what the eyes see. There were a few trees overhanging the trail giving it a look of a sort of tunnel effect. To the right side of this picture was a little clearing where you could take a short break between them.
In this area, you are reaching the end of an inlet of the Marsh Creek Reservoir and slowly making a turn to the southeast.
 |
| The open field I had taken a picture of from the opposite side of the inlet |
Once you get to the opposite side of the field, you'll be in the shade for a distance. As I previously mentioned, these trails are open for both equestrian use and mountain biking. I didn't see any horses while I was on the trail but there were a lot of mountain bikers.
The daddy long leg is a part of the arachnid family but is not a spider. Contrary to popular belief, they're said to be one of the most poisonous arachnids on the planet but in truth, they aren't poisonous and don't have fangs to bite with.
 |
| Daddy long legs, also known as harvestmen. |
Once you get out of this stretch of woods, you'll be approaching the F. Huston (this could also be Houston, when I searched the internet for information about this dam, there seemed to be quite a few websites spelling it Houston instead of Huston) McIlvain Dam and turning to the northeast. Unfortunately, there's not much of a waterfall at the dam to see as it's blocked off, encased in concrete, and is completely covered up with a steel grated top. The dam itself is approximately 90 feet tall and 990 feet long.
Construction on the dam started in May 1970 and was completed in June 1973. The gates to the dam were closed on November 16, 1973. On June 21, 1974 (216 days later), the new lake reached normal pool stage. Prior to the construction of the dam, a town by the name of Milford Mills existed alongside Marsh Creek. The State of Pennsylvania claimed eminent domain over the resident's homes in the town and once all residents were moved out, most of their homes, some of which were 200 years old, they were razed and the dam/reservoir was built.
According to the state, the reasons for damming Marsh Creek and removing the residents from their homes were to alleviate flooding, provide drinking water, and to provide recreational activities. What was once Milford Mills is now under around 40 feet of water.
 |
| Huston or Houston? |
Looking down the opposite side of the dam to Marsh Creek
One of the trails run alongside and below the dam up until it reaches the tree line, then turns to the southeast (right) alongside the trees.
As you follow the dirt road up a distance, there's another trail head to the left side heading back to the northeast.
A short distance into the woods are the remains of what looks like an old spring house, and not too far from there is a chimney of what was probably a home at one time. There are said to be ruins scattered throughout the park but right now with all the leaves on the trees, I didn't spot any more after passing these ruins. Perhaps returning in the winter will allow for a better sight line into the woods.
If you look to the left side of this chimney, you'll see a small concrete pillar of sorts. In this area, there were a number of them which I'm guessing might have created the foundation of the home that was once there.
Once past the ruins, the trail took another turn to the northeast and was also the area where I got confused since I was unknowingly using an old trail map. Once you get into this section of the park, there are trails that shoot off in several directions, some of which I don't think are even on the newest map. There are said to be 18 miles of trails at Marsh Creek State Park but from what I saw, I wouldn't be surprised if there were more than that.
Also not shown on the trail map are how the trails wind, twist, and turn through the woods in this area. These trails are meant for mountain biking so it's no surprise to see the twisting and turning but for accuracy sake, it would have been easier to follow along the map had they been shown.
This was a steep drop of about 10 or so feet down to the next trail and was where I turned to the north.
 |
| Looking back at the steep bank/trail I had just climbed down |
As the trail heads northward, it gradually begins a turn to the northwest bordering the outside edge of the park. In some areas, you'll be able to see homes that border the park to your east.
The trail then begins a turn to back to the west. Once you make this turn, you may be able to get a slight view of the reservoir but not a very good one.
There were a few places along the trail where you are close enough to the reservoir to see some of it. I had taken a quick stop to make some adjustments to my backpack and when I did, looked towards the reservoir and spotted this great blue heron.
 |
| Another spot where the trail split off. I had no idea which trail led to where so I just kept taking right turns |
I didn't take any pictures of them but all along this section of trail, there were red raspberries (or wineberries) that were nice and ripe and quite tasty too!
After taking the above picture of the reservoir, I turned around and spotted this tree with a bunch of beer bottle caps nailed to it. Around the back of the tree, a hammer is attached by a small cable.
 |
| Some type of beer has a hiker on its cap! If I'm right, it's made by the Long Trail Brewing Company in Vermont |
By now, the trail had looped to the east, southeast, northwest then back to the south again.
Alongside the trail is this inlet although I have no idea why it's here. Perhaps this is an overflow of sorts in case the reservoir gets too full. The cliffs on either side of this inlet were about 30 feet tall.
Once you reach the bottom of a hill at the far end of the cliffs, the trail turns again to the northwest on the opposite side and back up another hill alongside the above cliffs.
 |
| Looking across towards the trail I was just on. |
Once on top of the hill, you have a view of the reservoir with a number of "Keep Out" signs as you get closer to the edge (for obvious reasons).
Around this area, you're just about back to the dam. There's a small side trail leading to the water's edge where I took the two shots below.
Once I was done at the water's edge, I walked the dirt road on top of the dam
 |
| Looking down the opposite side of the dam to the trail I was on earlier in the day |
Once I was past the dam, instead of retracing my steps and following the trail I had been on earlier in the day, I turned away from the reservoir and followed this dirt road heading northwest.
 |
| The dirt road turned to the west, then made another turn to the north. |
The below barn is part of Hope Springs Farm at Marsh Creek. Their website hasn't been updated in some time by the looks of it but from what it says, they offer horse boarding, trail riding, and horse riding lessons.
 |
| Sumac plant alongside the trail |
Just about at Reeds Road, I turned to the east and by now, was almost back to the parking lot.
The trail splits off with one continuing to the east and the other cutting to the northeast. I took the trail heading to the northeast.
Last picture of the day. It's not the best but there were several barn swallows sitting in a tree alongside the trail, I had to try to get a decent shot.
That was the end of my adventure at Marsh Creek State Park for now. I wanted to go further than I did but I had plans with the family so I had to call it a day. In all, it was a good hike and one worth going back to. For the most part, the trails are clean and well kept although busy with mountain bikers which is to be expected on such a nice day. I'll eventually be returning to explore the rest of this park and also to find out how many more trails I can find that aren't shown on the map.
Until next time, happy hiking and happy exploring!
Please give my Facebook page a like!
