This popular Pennsylvania destination was named one of the top ‘secret beaches’ in US
One Pittsburgh-area state park was recently recognized among the top 100 “secret beaches” in the U.S., according to a reader poll conducted by vacation website Family Destinations Guide.
Raccoon Creek State Park, located near Hookstown in Beaver County, checked in at No. 34 on the top-100 list. A survey of roughly 3,000 families across the country helped assemble the list of hidden beaches, headlined by sites in Hawaii, Florida and New Jersey, but no additional locations in Pennsylvania.
“Spanning 7,572 acres, this state park offers a sandy and relaxing 500-foot beach near Pittsburgh,” Family Destinations Guide wrote online. “You can sunbathe on the park’s beach or relax on a more secluded spot on the verdant grass. Of course, you can take a dip in the lake’s cool and rejuvenating lake water.”
Here’s what to know about Raccoon Creek State Park.
Raccoon Creek State Park
Known as one of the Keystone State’s largest and most popular state parks, Raccoon Creek State Park began as a recreational demonstration area through the National Park Service in the 1930s during the Civilian Conservation Corps era, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources reports. The park developed over the next several decades before joining the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
Nearly a century later, the western Pennsylvania park spans across nearly 7,600 acres. Its premier attractions include the 101-acre Raccoon Lake and the 314-acre wildflower reserve that contains more than 700 species of native plants. Hiking is popular throughout the 4.5 miles of trails that stretch throughout the wildflower reserve, the DCNR says.
Visitors can traverse Raccoon Lake by rowboat, canoe or kayak, the DCNR says. You can also fish in the park’s waterways, which contain trout, panfish, bass, carp and walleye. Additionally, the park’s grounds are open to hunting for small game, deer and turkey.
Raccoon Creek State Park is open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset, though day-use areas close at dusk, the DCNR says. Environmental education programs, including hands-on activities and guided walks, are available upon request, while curriculum-based programs for schools and youth groups must be arranged in advance by calling 724-899-3611.
You can make campground reservations by heading online or calling 888-727-2757 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Additionally, the park’s Lakeside Lodge and cabins are available for overnight stays.
Raccoon Creek State Park is located roughly 136 miles from State College. You can access it from the east and west through U.S. Route 30 or from the north and south through Pennsylvania Route 18, which passes directly through the park.
Top “secret beaches” in the US
Here’s a look at the top 10 “secret beach” sites as determined by Family Destinations Guide:
Awahua Beach, Hawaii
Shell Key Preserve, Fla.
Lanikai beach, Hawaii
Kauapea Beach, Hawaii
Sedge Island, N.J.
Lovers Key State Park, Fla.
Salt Creek Beach, Calif.
Wildcat Beach, Calif.
Dry Tortugas National Park, Fla.
Boneyard Beach, Fla.
