| Marsh Creek State Park | |
|---|---|
 Looking across Marsh Creek Lake towards the West Launch Area | |
  Location of Marsh Creek State Park in Pennsylvania Show map of Pennsylvania Marsh Creek State Park (the United States) Show map of the United States | |
| Location | Chester County, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Coordinates | 40°04′06″N75°43′59″W / 40.06833°N 75.73306°W /40.06833; -75.73306 |
| Area | 1,705 acres (6.90 km2) |
| Elevation | 459 ft (140 m)[1] |
| Established | 1974 |
| Named for | Marsh Creek |
| Governing body | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Website | Marsh Creek State Park |
Marsh Creek State Park is a 1,705 acres (690 ha)Pennsylvania state park inUpper Uwchlan andWallace Townships,Chester County,Pennsylvania in the United States. The park is the location of the 535-acre (217 ha) man-madeMarsh Creek Lake. With an average depth of 40 feet (73 feet at its deepest), the lake is stocked with fish and is a stop for migratingwaterfowl. Marsh Creek State Park is 2 miles (3.2 km) west ofEagle onPennsylvania Route 100. Park road hours 8:00 am until sunset. All other access open 24 hours.
Formation of Marsh Creek Lake was designed to address several water related problems in the region. Foremost, to provide additional drinking water for the Chester County Water Resources Authority, alleviating a previous shortage. Additionally, to limit potential damage caused by seasonal flooding in the area. Finally, to provide a recreation area for residents throughout the region.
The state of Pennsylvania acquired the land that became Marsh Creek State Park between 1964 and 1978. Residents in the area were relocated including those residing in the farming village ofMilford Mills,[2] the site of which was eventually inundated. From 1970-1973 construction cleared the valley of trees, structures and other obstacles. Following completion of the dam, the lake filled over the course of three years. TheLarkin Covered Bridge was removed from its previous location to park property in 1972.[3]
Upon completion of thereservoir, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania bought the land surrounding Marsh Creek Lake, constructed recreational facilities, and opened the land to the public. New facilities built from 1971 to 1979 included administrative and picnic areas, a playground, pool, and wells. The park opened for boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, ice sports and sailing in 1974; and the pool and day-use area opened in July 1979.[2]
Marsh Creek Lake is open to fishing and recreational boating. It is a warm water fishery withlargemouth bass,black crappie,walleye,tiger muskellunge, andchannel catfish all swimming in its waters. The lake is a designated "big bass" lake - only bass 15 inches (38 cm) and greater may be kept. Bass smaller than 15 inches (38 cm) must be released back into the lake.
Gasoline-powered boats are prohibited at Marsh Creek Lake. Boaters are restricted to using non-powered or electric-powered boats. All boats must be properly registered with any state. Boat rentals, includingcanoes,sail boats andpaddle boats, are available.
About 900 acres (360 ha) of Marsh Creek State Park are open to hunting. Hunters are expected to follow the rules and regulations of thePennsylvania Game Commission. The common game species aresquirrels,pheasant,waterfowl,rabbits andwhite-tailed deer. The hunting ofgroundhogs is prohibited.
There is an L-shapedswimming pool that is open at Marsh Creek State Park fromMemorial Day weekend toLabor Day weekend, from 11:00 am until 6:45 pm everyday except Fridays, where it is open 10:00 am until 5:45 pm. A shallow wading pool is available, as well as a bathhouse, splash park, sunning area, and snack bar. Swimming in the lake is not permitted.[2]
There are about 12 miles (19 km) of trails for equestrian use, hiking, and mountain biking open around the lake. Many are available from the Chalfont Road parking area with additional trails from the west boat launch and on the north side of the dam.
Ice fishing,ice boating andice skating on Marsh Creek Lake are popular winter activities.
The following state parks are within 30 miles (48 km) of Marsh Creek State Park:[4][5][6]
