By Catharine Runion · Community Editor
As important as academics are around Grove City, it’s crucial for students to strike a work-life balance.
The best way to do that is to take advantage of the parks in the area. Western Pennsylvania is full of some seriously underrated parks. Rolling hills and lush greenery define the entire Interstate 79 corridor. Dotted with lakes and spangled with little creeks, here are some of the best parks in the area to escape to.
Moraine State Park
This park, which surrounds the nebulous Lake Arthur, is full of walking trails. The lake branches off like so many little fingers, so there are countless private nooks and paths to explore.
For those who are looking for a longer, more intense hike, the trailheads for the Gracier Ridge Trail and the North Country Trail 528 are located within the park.
If hiking and walking aren’t your thing, there’s a small beach and plenty of docks located around the lake so you can go swimming, have a cookout, get up for the sunrise or watch the sunset.
McConnell’s Mill State Park
Located just across the interstate from Moraine State Park, McConnell’s Mill is another excellent hiking location. The park is centered around Slippery Rock Creek.
There’s one main trail that follows the path of the creek, but there are a few waterfalls, bridges and campgrounds which break up the forest scenery and make for a delightful adventure. If you’re more into fishing, Slippery Rock Creek is stocked with trout multiple times a year.
The park is named after the historic gristmill located at the top of the park. It dates back to 1868, and the interior of the mill is open to the public through late September. It was also featured as a shooting location for “The Pale Blue Eye,” a 2022 movie starring Christian Bale.
Clear Creek State Forest
Familiar to members of Grove City College’s Outing Club, Clear Creek State Forest has hundreds of acres of trees and hiking trails.
The park is home to several small creeks and runs which all pour down the mountain into the Allegheny River. On top of the mountain, there’s a beautiful overlook which oversees the town of Kennerdell and the river valley.
The Outing Club maintains a cabin in this park which they make occasional trips to. There’s no electricity, so if you’re looking to get off the grid, check out the Outing Club and Clear Creek State Forest.
Maurice K. Goddard State Park
Another local lake, Lake Wilhelm, is the focal point of Maurice K. Goddard State Park. The park has State Game Lands, campgrounds, extensive hiking trails and tons of boating activities.
Visitors can rent pontoon boats or bring their own, and there are dozens of launch points and plenty of docks. If boating doesn’t strike your fancy, the fishing might. As big as this lake is, you can definitely find a private nook to fish, relax, set up a hammock or even jump in.
This park is also well known for its conservation efforts. Surrounding the lake, there are many wetlands and mature forests which create ideal habitats for many important animals and birds.
Presque Isle State Park
Erie’s Presque Isle State Park is ideal for Grovers who are going through beach withdrawals.
Presque Isle is essentially a large sandbar jutting out into Lake Erie. It’s a long strip of grass and trees, along which you can walk, run, bike or just go for a drive. There are a few trails within the scope of the park, and there are small bays that are perfect for fishing.
The real appeal is its beaches. There are up to 10 individual well-maintained beaches along the peninsula. It’s perfect to swim, tan and relax. The sunsets there are nearly always spectacular.
All of these parks are nearby, but far enough away from the campus that they feel like a true getaway. It’s worth getting your nose out of the books occasionally for a breath of fresh air.
