Description - Mahoning Creek Lake is surrounded by the rugged and striking terrain of western Pennsylvania. The US Army Corps of Engineers offers the public an opportunity for boating (limited 10 hp), canoeing, fishing, picnicking and hiking. Boaters will especially enjoy floating Mahoning Creek as it meanders in the steep-sided valleys on its way toward the Allegheny River. Visitors will discover a deep, clean, trophy-size fishing lake. Picnickers can relax in one of Mahoning's tree-shaded picnic areas, complete with modern restrooms, grills, picnic tables, playground facilities, an overlook and walking trails. The Outflow Area is accessible for persons with disabilities and includes a restroom, pavilion, picnic sites and fishing access. The Milton Loop Boat Launch is a concrete three lane ramp located off of Route 839. It is open from mid-April to mid-October, but it is only suitable for safe launching from mid-May to mid-October. The Sportsman's' Area is accessible for shore fishing, cartop boat and canoe launching. The use of trailers in this area is prohibited and it is closed from December 15th to March 15th due to no winter maintenance. The Milton Loop Campground offers 52 campsites with modern restroom facilities, a limited number of electric hookups and a sanitary disposal station. Hunting and trapping are permitted in all areas of the project except developed recreation areas and posted areas. A variety of game is found in abundance, in and around the project, including white-tailed deer, black bear, small game species and upland game birds.
Attractions
- Situated among steep-sided valleys and forested hillsides, Mahoning Creek Lake is surrounded by the rugged and striking terrain of western Pennsylvania. The US Army Corps of Engineers invites you to discover Mahoning's breathtaking scenery and its opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors will delight in the scenic beauty that envelops the project. There are wondrous views along forested pathways and small inlets along the lake's shoreline.
Recreation - Boating on Mahoning Creek Lake is limited to 10hp and swimming is not permitted in the lake. Canoeists, fishermen and persons using small boats, however, will appreciate the more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere that is characteristic of the lake and upstream sections of the creek. Boaters will especially enjoy floating Mahoning Creek as it meanders in the steep-sided valleys on its way toward the Allegheny River and exploring the small inlets of the lake. Mahoning Creek Lake is blessed with clean water and a varied, thriving fish population. In 1971, one of the largest northern pike ever recorded (42-7/8") was reeled in from the waters below Mahoning Dam. In addition to prize-sized pike, anglers will find abundant walleye, muskie, crappie and bass inhabiting the lake. In the area near the dam, the Corps maintains facilities for the public's enjoyment. Picnickers can relax in one of Mahoning's tree-shaded picnic areas, complete with modern restrooms, grills, picnic tables, playground facilities, an overlook and walking trails. The Outflow Area is accessible for persons with disabilities and includes a restroom, pavilion, picnic sites and fishing access. The Corps of Engineers leases 860 acres of the project lands and waters to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The lease encompasses the main body of the lake and its adjoining lands including the Milton Loop Boat Launch (subleased to Armstrong County) and the Sportsman's Area. The Milton Loop Boat Launch is a concrete three lane ramp located off of Route 839. It is open from about mid-April to mid-October, but it is only suitable for safe launching from mid-May to mid-October. The Sportsman's' Area is accessible for shore fishing, cartop boat and canoe launching. The use of trailers in this area is prohibited and it is closed from December 15th to March 15th due to no winter maintenance. Armstrong county leases 28 acres from the Corps to operate the Milton Loop Campground. Fifty-two campsites that can accommodate all types of camping units are available. The campground is equipped with modern restroom facilities, a limited number of electric hookups and a sanitary disposal station. The Pennsylvania Game Commission additionally leases 1280 acres of project lands in Indiana County for wildlife management and public hunting. Hunting and trapping are permitted in all areas of the project except developed recreation areas and posted areas. All federal, state, and local laws concerning these activities apply. A variety of game is found in abundance, in and around the project, including white-tailed deer, black bear, small game species and upland game birds. Climate - Pennsylvania generally has a moist climate with cold winters and warm summers. The Mahoning Creek Lake area has cold winter months with temperatures averaging around 22 to 24 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 to -4 degrees Celsius). The area's average summer temperatures range around 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22 Celsius). Location -
From Kittaning, in the western region of the state, travel SR 85 west about 15 miles heading north onto SR 839 to Dayton. Take SR 1023 to the lake. The road will fork about one mile north of Dayton. You will want to bear right in order to get to the water's edge.
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