Name: 11-28-2025(F): Oil Creek State Park, PA Two Night Backpacking Trip
Start: 2025-11-28T09:45:00-05:00
End: 2025-11-30T11:45:00-05:00
Location: Jersey Bridge Parking Lot/Trail Head

**11-28-2025(F): Oil Creek State Park, PA Two Night Backpacking Trip**

This is a modified copy from Robert Kelly of the Phoenix Backpack Club Meetup Group’s trip on 3-20-20. So thank you again Rob, it was a great backpacking trip.

Oil Creek State Park is a small but mighty PA SP with a 36-mile loop trail, blazed yellow, called the Gerard Trail. The trail goes down the East side of beautiful Oil Creek (really more of a river than a creek, actually) and back up the West side. There are a few bridges over Oil Creek that allow for hikers to create shorter loops. There are many very scenic drainages and streams that feed Oil Creek. There are numerous waterfalls and views. Side trails and connecting trails are blazed white.

You can find a map of Oil Creek SP and its trails in many places, including here:
[http://elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov/GetDocument?docId=1737398&DocName=OICR_ParkMap.pdf](http://elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov/GetDocument?docId=1737398&DocName=OICR_ParkMap.pdf)

With no tree leaves, we'll have great views. We will meet at 9:45AM at the Canoe Launch parking area at the Drake Well (north) end of the Trail. Packs on now later than 10:00AM for departure (across bridge to take the Trail south) to Cow Run.

12-9-2022 (Friday): Drake Well to Cow Run - 9.76 miles
12-10-2022 (Saturday): Cow Run to Wolfkiel via Pioneer Junction - 9.38 miles
OR: Cow Run to Wolfkiel via Park HQ - 13.58 miles
12-11-2022 (Sunday): Wolfkiel to Drake Well - 4.48 miles
Total Miles: 23.62 or 27.82

Camping is allowed in two designated areas, Cow Run Shelters on the East side, and Wolfkiel Shelters on the West side. At each of these areas, there are six Adirondack lean-to shelters with three closed sides and a fourth side featuring a central stone fireplace and chimney. Each has a picnic table. Shelters must be reserved and can each fit up to four (four is a bit tight) hikers and gear. You can also tent at these areas. There is a supply of firewood, a latrine building, and you will need to use nearby stream water for the winter season.

As you sign up, please reserve additional shelters or confirm with others that you have a spot in a reserved shelter, unless you are planning to tent. Shelter and tent reservations can be made at [https://pennsylvaniastateparks.reserveamerica.com/wildernessAreaDetails.do?contractCode=PA&parkId=880221](https://pennsylvaniastateparks.reserveamerica.com/wildernessAreaDetails.do?contractCode=PA&parkId=880221)

List your shelter in the comments. Also, if you are willing to share your shelter and its cost. Each shelter can fit four people.
If you plan on staying in a tent you still need reservations.
The water supply will be turned off but there is nearby water before we reach the campsites. Please bring extra water bottles and/or a bladder to carry the water you will need for the campsite.
You can bring two tarps with rope to cover both entrances to help retain your shelter’s warmth. This is not a necessity but a luxury.
There will be plenty of free firewood at the campsites that is included with your reservation cost.

On the second day you can either hike south to Park HQ and then back up the East side of the trail to Wolfkiel (13.58 total miles) OR you can cut off some miles by taking the Pioneer Junction connecting trail over a foot and bicycle bridge and then heading north to Wolfkiel (9.38 total miles). I’m very likely doing the longer option. For those who do the longer option, you will end up hiking a total of 28 of the possible 36 miles of the Gerard Trail.

Pete

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11-28-2025(F): Oil Creek State Park, PA Two Night Backpacking Trip

Jersey Bridge Parking Lot/Trail Head

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11-28-2025(F): Oil Creek State Park, PA Two Night Backpacking Trip

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