Oil Creek State Park: By Bike, Then By Train

On August 6th and 20th, you can explore the `Valley that Changed the World` by bike, then board a train for the trip back. The Bike and Choo Choo event is a one-way, 10 mile, guided bike ride exploring the ghost towns that sprung up through the Oil Creek Valley. Tour the Petroleum Centre train station, then ride the north bound train back to Drake Well Museum -- there is a fee, and registration is required. For the Bike and Choo Choo, meet at the Jersey bridge in Titusville; the bike portion lasts from 11 a.m. -1:50 p.m. For further information and to make reservations, please call Stacey Marendt at (814) 676-5915.

The Oil Creek Bike Trail is a 9.7-mile paved trail providing recreational opportunities for bikers, hikers and cross-country skiers. It is located within Oil Creek State Park and begins at the historic site of Petroleum Centre, an oil boom town of the late 1800's. From here, it winds its way north through the scenic river valley to Drake Well at Titusville, the world's first commercial oil well.

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy assisted with the creation of the park by acquiring a small, key tract that was going to be sold for timber. Today, the park commemorates the once booming oil industry that defined the valley. The bike trail is built on an abandoned railroad grade. An out-and-back ride provides an outing full of forest and water views for all members of the family, and the path's smooth surface and very gentle grade make it suitable for people of all ages and experience levels. A day of riding can be interspersed with a challenging hike to a scenic overlook, a gentle walk to a picturesque waterfall and/or picnicking.

Parking is available at both ends of the park, and bikes can be rented at the trailhead in Petroleum Centre.

DIRECTIONS: Take Pa. Rt. 8 north of Pittsburgh to Oil City. At Oil City, take the Rt. 8 bypass. After the bypass, continue on Rt. 8 north across a large bridge over Oil Creek. Continue past oil refineries to another bridge over Oil Creek on the north side of Oil City. Look for an Oil Creek State Park sign and a right turn. Follow this road and the signs to the park office.

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