When you think of Indiana County, images of Christmas trees and Jimmy Stewart may come to mind. But if you don’t already know, Indiana County hosts many opportunities for outdoor recreation. We have activities ranging from hunting and fishing to skate parks and disc golf. If you’re looking for some outdoor fun, take a trip to Indiana County.
First, Indiana County has many outstanding parks geared to people of all ages and abilities. Indiana County Parks & Trails has 2,600 acres of parks, natural areas, historic sites, and an extensive regional trail system located throughout the county. Located near Penn Run is Yellow Creek State Park. Here, you can choose from 5 miles of hiking, fishing and boating on Yellow Creek Lake, swimming at the 800-ft beach, or even spending the night in a cottage or yurt.
For those interested in biking, Indiana County is the home to the Ghost Town, West Penn, and Hoodlebug Trails. The Ghost Town Trail is 33-miles, starting in Black Lick (Saylor Park) and ending in Ebensburg. The West Penn Trail is 17-miles, from Saltsburg to west of Blairsville. Lastly, the Hoodlebug Trail is a 10-mile recreation/commuter trail from Black Lick to Indiana.
In addition to bike trails, a section of the Kiski-Conemaugh River borders the southern end of the county. Natural features such as the Conemaugh Gorge and Packsaddle Gap, and remnants of the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal are visible along the river. There are canoe and kayak launch areas in Blairsville, Saltsburg, and below the Conemaugh Dam. The water trail totals 50 miles from Johnstown to Freeport.
For those interested in less traditional types of outdoor recreation, Indiana County has you covered too! In Indiana, there are two disc golf courses. College Lodge, located at the IUP Co-op Recreation Park, is an 18-hole course weaving through grassy fairways, wooded alleys, and former ski hills (make for great sledding in the winter). Near the Indiana Mall is the 9-hole Getty Heights recreation course, great to play if you have an hour of free time. For more information on both of these courses, visit the Pittsburgh Flying Disc Society.
Indiana County also has two outdoor skate parks. Both feature asphalt surfaces with wooden features. One is located at Mack Park in Indiana the other in Blairsville at the Community Center.
Those who hunt and fish will find Indiana County a great place to visit. There are a total of 5 state game lands throughout the county. Fishing opportunities include Yellow Creek, Little Mahoning Creek, Blue Spruce Park, Hemlock Lake, and a host of other fishing “spots” throughout the area.
There are also educational programs hosted by Friends of the Parks at Yellow Creek State Park and Blue Spruce Park.
For more information about all there is to do in Indiana County, visit the Indiana County Tourist Bureau’s website.
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