Mahoning Creek Lake Brochure
(PDF 484KB) |
Mahoning
Creek Lake
145 Dam Site
Road
New Bethlehem, PA 15242-9603
(814) 257-8811
Daily Lake & Recreation Information:
(814)
257-8017
|
Authorized by
the Flood Control Acts of 1936 and 1938, Mahoning Creek Lake is one
of 16 flood control projects in the Pittsburgh District. An
important link in a system of flood control projects, Mahoning
provides flood protection for the lower Allegheny River Valley and
the upper Ohio River.
Since its completion in
1941, the Mahoning project has prevented flood damages estimated to be in
excess of $662 million. Mahoning has the capability to store the equivalent
run-off of 4.09 inches of precipitation from its 340 square mile drainage
area. When compared to the savings which have resulted the estimated
construction cost of $6 million appears small.
Mahoning also stores
water and releases it downstream during dry periods to improve water quality
and quantity for domestic and industrial use, navigation, recreation,
esthetics and aquatic life.
Lake & Dam Statistics
Location:
On Mahoning Creek in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, 21.6 miles
upstream from the junction of the creek and the Allegheny River. The
project is located in Armstrong, Indiana and Jefferson Counties. |
|
Project area,
acres |
2,967 |
Drainage area
above dam, square miles |
340 |
Construction cost |
$6,000,000 |
|
|
Dam |
|
Type of structure:
Concrete gravity with a gate controlled center spillway |
|
Height above
streambed, feet |
162 |
Length, feet
|
926 |
Width at base,
feet |
154 |
Volume of
concrete, cubic yards |
342,210 |
Outlet Works:
Three
5’8” x 10’ gate-controlled sluices, 1-24” ball valve conduit, 1-36”
ring jet valve |
|
|
|
Lake |
|
Length at normal
pool, miles |
5 |
Area, acres: |
|
Maximum
(reservoir full) |
2,370 |
Normal (summer
pool) |
280 |
Elevation, feet
above sea level: |
|
Maximum
(reservoir full) |
1,162 |
Normal (summer
pool) |
1,098 |
Winter pool |
1,077 |
Streambed at dam |
1,008 |
Vicinity Map
Recreation
Situated among
steep-sided valleys and forested hillsides, Mahoning Creek Lake is
surrounded by the rugged and striking terrain of
western Pennsylvania.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to discover Mahoning’s
breathtaking scenery and its opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Visitors will delight in
the scenic beauty that envelops the project. There are wondrous views along
forested pathways and small inlets along the lake's shoreline. Equally,
visitors will enjoy the many outdoor activities available –
boat,
fish,
hike, camp, picnic or just enjoy the surrounding flora and fauna at Mahoning
Creek Lake.
Boating on Mahoning
Creek Lake is limited to 10 horsepower and swimming is not permitted in the
lake. Canoeists, fishermen and persons using small boats, however, will
appreciate the more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere that is characteristic
of the lake and upstream sections of the creek. Boaters will especially
enjoy floating Mahoning Creek as it meanders in the steep-sided valleys on
its way toward the Allegheny River, and exploring the small inlets of the
lake.
Mahoning Creek Lake is
blessed with clean water and a varied, thriving fish population. In addition to
trophy-sized pike, anglers
will find abundant walleye, muskie, channel catfish, crappie and bass
inhabiting the lake.
In the area near the
dam, the Corps maintains facilities for the public's enjoyment. Picnickers
can relax in one of Mahoning's tree-shaded picnic areas, complete with
modern restrooms, grills, picnic tables, playground facilities, an overlook
and walking trails. The Outflow Area is accessible for persons with
disabilities and includes a restroom, pavilion, picnic sites and fishing
access.
The Corps of Engineers
leases 860 acres of the project lands and waters to the
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
The lease encompasses the main body of the lake and its adjoining lands
including the Milton Loop Boat Launch and
the Sportsman's Area. The Milton Loop
Boat Launch is a concrete
three lane ramp located off of Route 839. It is open from about mid-April
to mid-October, but it is only suitable for safe launching from mid-May to
mid-October. The Sportsman's Area has a 16- foot wide concrete boat ramp and an 18 car and trailer
parking lot. This area is also accessible for good shore fishing spots and
canoe launching. The Sportsman's Area is closed from mid-December to
mid-March.
Armstrong County
leases 28 acres from the Corps to operate the Milton Loop Campground.
Fifty-two sites suitable for all types of camping units are available. The
campground has modern restrooms and a sanitary disposal station. Some of
the campground is available for seasonal camping.
The
Pennsylvania Game Commission
additionally leases 1280 acres of project lands in Indiana County for
wildlife management and public hunting. Hunting and trapping are permitted
in all areas of the project except developed recreation areas and posted
areas. All federal, state and local laws concerning these activities apply.
A variety of game is found in abundance in and around the project including
white-tailed deer, black bear, small game species and upland game birds.
The use of all-terrain vehicles is strictly prohibited.
Rangers
conduct group tours of Mahoning Dam that include learning its purpose and
functions and overlooking the rushing discharge of the outflow from atop the
dam. To arrange a tour contact the Park Office.
Current Events
Water Safety Programs
Water safety
programs are available at Mahoning Creek Lake. Please contact the Park
Office to schedule a program for your school or group.
Fishing
Pole Loaner Program
Mahoning Lake
is an official Fishing Pole Loaner Site. The program is a joint venture of
Mahoning Lake with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Future
Fisherman Foundation to promote fishing. Anyone can sign out a fishing pole
and tackle box, complete with hooks and gear, from the Park Office, located
near the dam. The poles and gear are available for up to three days; photo
identification is required. To reserve a fishing pole or for more
information, contact the Park Office.
Facilities & Activities
|
Dam
Site
Picnic Area |
Milton Loop
Campground1 |
Outflow
Area |
Sportsman’s
Area2 |
Accessible
Restroom |
X |
X |
X |
- |
Boat Launch Ramp |
- |
X |
- |
X |
Campground |
- |
X |
- |
- |
Camper Dump
Station |
- |
X |
- |
- |
Drinking Water |
X |
X |
X |
- |
Electric Hookups |
- |
X |
- |
- |
Picnic Area |
X |
X |
X |
- |
Picnic Shelter |
- |
X |
X |
- |
Restroom
Facilities |
X |
X |
X |
- |
1 Operated by
Armstrong County
2 Operated by Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
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Links
of Interest
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