BRIDGE CROSSING OIL CREEK NEAR SOUTHERN TRAILHEAD | PHOTOS BY RICHARD COOK

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.

OIL CREEK AT NORTHERN TRAILHEAD

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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