The 2,981-acre Yellow Creek State Park is in Indiana County along one of the first “highways” in the state, the Kittanning Path. This trail was used by the Delaware and Shawnee nations and by early settlers.

Today, visitors enjoy the sand beach, picnicking, and a variety of educational and outdoor recreation programs. The 720-acre Yellow Creek Lake is a destination for boaters and anglers. Yellow Creek State Park has been classified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and remains an important resting stop for migratory birds.

The park is named after the Yellow and Little Yellow creeks, both of which flow into the lake. Both creeks contain yellow clay in their banks and bottoms.

Seasons and Hours

The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Day-Use Areas close at dusk. The Park Office has limited hours of operation as does the beach & overnight areas; visitors may contact the Park Office for details and additional information. 

Overlook Trail - A short 0.75 mi out-and-back trail beginning at the northwest end of the primary Day-Use Area. Roots and downed trees prevent wheelchair accessibility. The trailhead can be found near a large pavilion located beside the entrance road to the Day-Use Area. 

Ridgetop Trail - This winding trail has several entrances beginning from the primary Day-Use Area. A wide service road leads visitors to a large prairie surrounded by pine and spruce trees. This service road may be wheelchair accessible.