Raccoon Creek State Park
Beaver
DESCRIPTION: This 7,323-acre park lies in a largely undeveloped section of southern Beaver County, along the watershed of Little Traverse Creek where that creek flows into the much larger Raccoon Creek. The park is dominated by undisturbed mature forest of varying composition with moderate understory, and so the primary avian inhabitants of the park are those typical of that habitat, for instance, Wood Thrush, Ovenbird, Kentucky Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, etc. During passerine migration the Raccoon Creek and Traverse Creek corridors make for a natural funnel for migrants, and the park also features a small reservoir and some open areas of thick brush, particularly at low-lying areas along the creek. All of these factors make for an impressively diverse bird list. Adjacent to the park is the outstanding Raccoon Creek Wildflower Reserve, which, in addition to the outstanding show of wildflowers (April is the peak), is a prime destination for birding, featuring mature woods and plenty of hiking trails.

DIRECTIONS: A driving tour of the park described here begins at the US 30 entrance. Take Exit 7 (Clinton) from PA 60 North, turn left (right if coming from PA 60 South) and proceed 0.9 miles to a traffic light at US 30. Turn right, the park entrance is 4.8 miles ahead on the left. The driving tour of the park takes a one-way, east-west route through the park with numerous stops. Though the stops listed herein provide the best, most consistently productive birding within the park during peak passage migrants may be found anywhere and birders should pay close attention at all times. There are also several trailheads that you will pass that are not mentioned below. Any of these trails can be productive and all are worth exploring if you have time and energy. Beware that some trails require strenuous hikes as they traverse the ubiquitous hills and valleys of the park.

 

Maps - other than Google (Click on map for larger view)

Sub-sites

Wildflower Reserve
Lakeside Lodge Road
Raccoon Lake
Picnic Areas
Campground Area
West Entrance Area
Nichol Road Area
Wetlands Trail

Photos

Posted: 2009-10-24 00:00:00
Updated: