Sinnemahoning State Park - Austin, Pennsylvania - State/Provincial Parks on Waymarking.com

History:
The first inhabitants of the area likely arrived about 10,000-12,000 years ago, when glaciers still sculpted the upper Susquehanna watershed. Evidence of American Indian inhabitants can sometimesbe found along the riparian bottoms in plowed fields that turn up remnants of artifacts left behind from encampments and hunting parties. The name Sinnemahoning is derived from an American Indian word meaning “Rocky Lick.” This natural salt lick is reputed to be near the mouth of Grove Run, a stream that flows through the nearby town of Sinnemahoning. The late 1800s saw the heyday of logging in this area. Large expanses of forests were clearcut, targeting the massive white pines and hemlocks that covered much of the area. Log drives on the First Fork were not an uncommon sight in the early spring as lumber companies herded their supply down river to market. By the 1850s, rail transportation was beginning to grow. As transportation and access improved along the creek, the race to develop those resources began in earnest. The Lowlands Trail, which runs through the middle of the park, was constructed on the railbed of the former Goodyear Brothers/Sinnemahoning Valley Railroad system, which later became the Buffalo and Susquehanna Railroad. This artery opened up trade and transportation, providing a reliable and efficient route for goods and services to reach the communities in the area.

History of the Park
Sinnemahoning State Park was developed on the First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek following the completion of the George B. Stevenson Dam. This dam was originally known as the First Fork Dam, and later renamed in honor of Clinton County Senator George B. Stevenson, who promoted the drive for legislation authorizing the project. The dam reduces downstream flooding in the Susquehanna River Basin. It was completed in December of 1955. The opening of Sinnemahoning State Park represents one of the state’s first attempts to develop multi-purpose use of an impoundment area. The park opened to the public in 1958. On March 9, 1959, the construction of the recreation areas and facilities were completed. The park then contained three picnic areas with three non-flush toilets, four wells, a beach area and a boat launching and mooring facilities. In 1966, one picnic area was converted into a camping area.
When the park area first opened to the public in 1958, it was managed by the Bureau of Forestry. In 1962, the park was incorporated into the state park system.

Activities
Picnicking: There are three picnic areas. Two picnic pavilions are available in the Forty Maples Picnic Area and may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis. Feeding wildlife is strongly discouraged. When wild animals lose their fear of people, they can become pests and dangerous situations can result.

Boating: electric motors only The 145-acre George B. Stevenson Reservoir has a boat launch and mooring space for 45 boats. A mooring permit is required and may be obtained at the park office. Motorboats must display a current boat registration. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks, available at most state park offices; launching permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Fishing: The 145-acre George B. Stevenson Reservoir has fishing for cold-water and warm-water species, including brook, rainbow and brown trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, sunfish, bluegill, pickerel, perch, crappie, catfish and tiger muskellunge. Nearby creeks and runs also provide good angling. Some feeder streams in the park contain native brook trout. There is a delayed harvest-artificial lures only special regulation area from mouth of Baily Run south 2.1 miles on First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek.

Hunting and Firearms: About 1,400 acres are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, grouse, squirrel, bear, turkey and waterfowl.

Hiking: 5 miles of trails Several trails offer a chance to observe some of the more remote areas of the park.:
The Red Spruce Trail is about one mile long and runs from the campground to the Forty Maples Picnic Area. For one-third of its length it passes through a mixed hardwood forest, then traverses an old field converted to a spruce plantation. Venomous snakes (rattlesnakes) may be encountered in this area. Low Lands Trail was originally part of the Buffalo and Susquehanna Railroad. It is an easy hike through thick spruce, grassy openings, vernal ponds, streamside bottoms and ends at the Wildlife Viewing Area at the north end of the park. There are lots of opportunities along this trail to spot grassland birds, osprey, elk and butterflies.

Camping: flush toilets, warm showers, electric hook-ups The 35-site campground is about 1 mile south of the Wildlife Center and is open from the second weekend in April to late December. The campground has a modern washhouse with hot water, flush toilets and showers, a sanitary dump station with potable water, and playground equipment. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring and can accommodate a variety of camping equipment from tents to the larger recreational vehicles and motor homes. Pets are permitted on designated sites.
Modern Cabin: The Brooks Run Cabin is a two-story house with four bedrooms, living room with a fireplace, sunporch and play equipment. The house sleeps 12 people.

Environmental interpretive pontoon boat rides are offered from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Please contact the park office for a current schedule of pontoon boat programs. Other environmental education and outdoor recreation programs are offered on weekends year-round.