Oil Creek Bike Trail is a Great Ride with a Perfect Lunch Stop
Exploring scenic bike routes less than two hours from Pittsburgh.
You are never far from the water when riding the Oil Creek bike trail in rural Venango County. The 9.7-mile asphalt path, built on a former railroad grade, runs parallel to the creek through the heavily wooded Oil Creek State Park.
A number of short hiking trails lead to the water, which is a popular fishing spot.
The northern trailhead connects to a parking area and a waterfront picnic spot. Also nearby is the Drake Well Museum that includes a souvenir shop, restrooms and more picnic areas.
There are two primary options for accessing the trail:
- The southern trailhead located 3 miles off of Route 8 in Petroleum Center.
- The northern trailhead at the Jersey Bridge next to the Drake Well Museum.
Good to Know
- From south to north, the trail gains 117 feet in elevation at an average grade of less than 1 percent. If you start at the southern trailhead, it’s a slow but easy climb for 9.7 miles. The return trip is nearly all downhill.
- A visitor center, picnic area, playground and restrooms are located at the Petroleum Centre trailhead.
- There is a sign for a restroom at the midway point of the trail, however, no porta-john was found during a recent trip.
- Even on the warmest of days, the trail is a comfortable ride because much of it is in the shade.
Go here to learn more.
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