Sinnemahoning State Park

Native Americans , is a popular spot for park visitors. Native Americans began living in the Sinnemahoning State Park area 10,000 to 12,000 years ago. They followed the receding glaciers and found that the area supported a bountiful supply of fish, wildlife, berries and nuts. Archaeologists have found evidence of their presence in the bottomlands of the creeks. The word Sinnemahoning is derived from an American Indian word that means "Rocky Lick". A natural salt lick is said to have been near the mouth of Grove Run. Lumber era The native population of Pennsylvania was forced out by disease and the American Revolutionary War . The Sinnemahoning area was left largely unsettled and wild until the late 19th century when the logging boom that spread throughout the mountains of Pennsylvania arrived. Lumbermen cleared vast stands of old-growth forest. The logs were floated down Sinnemahoning Creek and its tributaries to the West Branch Susquehanna River and to the Susquehanna Boom at Williamsport. The reservoir is named after the former State Senator of the same name, who while during his tenure as Mayor of Lock Haven, experienced the 1936 flood; subsequently, he remained dedicated to flood control during the rest of his political career. ==Recreation==

The reservoir is open to some recreational boating, fishing and ice fishing. Gas powered motors are prohibited on George B. Stevenson Reservoir. Motorized boats must be powered by electric motors only. Sailboats, rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats are permitted on the waters of the lake. All boats must be properly registered with any state. Common game fish at the park, in the lake and streams, are brook, rainbow and brown trout, catfish, crappie, tiger muskellunge, smallmouth and largemouth bass, sunfish, bluegill, perch and pickerel. There is a native population of brook trout in some of the small streams of Sinnemahoning State Park. The reservoir is open to ice fishing during the winter months when the lake is frozen. Hunting There are of woods open to hunting. Hunters are expected to follow the rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The common game species are black bears, eastern gray squirrels, ruffed grouse, waterfowl, white-tailed deer, and turkeys. The hunting of groundhogs is prohibited. Hunters also use the park to gain access to Elk State Forest. Trails The trails of Sinnemahoning State Park are open to hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. • Red Spruce Trail is about long and goes from the camping area to the Forty Maples Picnic Area. It passes through a spruce plantation and a mixed hardwood forest. Hikers should be cautious of the venomous snakes that live in the area. • Low Lands Trail is a level trail that follows a railbed that was part of the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad. It passes vernal pools, thick stands of spruce trees, and creek beds. The Low Lands Trail ends at the Wildlife Viewing area. Hikers on the trail may get the chance to see osprey, butterflies, elk, and grassland birds. Camping and picnicking The modern campground has 35 sites with a washhouse that is equipped with showers and flush toilets. The camp sites can accommodate tents, campers and RVs. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. The Brooks Run Ranger cabin is a two-story house available for rent. It sleeps up to twelve people with four bedrooms, a living room, kitchen and a fireplace. Sinnemahoning State Park has three picnic area. Wildlife Center The park's visitor center and office opened in 2011 in the northern section of the park. Known as the Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning, the building features interpretive exhibits and opportunities to view wildlife. ==References==