French Creek Valley Conservancy Public Properties

Black Bridge

The Black Bridge property consists of three parcels which were purchased at separate times in 2014, 2015, and 2020. The parcels are  mixture of wooded and lowland swampy land cover. Directly adjacent to a Fish and Boat Commission property, the Black Bridge property and is a great location for anglers! The South Branch of French Creek flows over one mile of through the property. The property gets its name from a beautiful bridge on the edge of the property which the locals call Black Bridge. 

ACRES: 45

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, open for passive  leave no trace  activities

LAWFUL HUNTING: Yes, please visit our  Hunter Registration Page  for more details

NOTES: Property users can park in the adjacent Fish and Boat Commission  parking lot . One night leave no trace camping is allowed (No fires). 

 Property Map 

Brock's Lookout

Brock's Lookout was acquired in 2019 through a donation made by George Brock's estate. The property is 7.5 acres and contains 1,000 feet of creek frontage. The conserved riparian property protects an important, biologically significant, section of the creek! Property visitors can enjoy a 3/4 mile trail that loops around the property providing views of the creek, railroad, and forest. The trail is rated easy with no elevation gain or difficult terrain and is perfect for short scenic walks just outside of Meadville. Users wishing to access the property can find parking along Morris Road (off of Route 19). 

ACRES: 7.5

PUBLIC: Yes

ALLOWED USES: Yes, open for passive  leave no trace  activities

 TRAIL : The trail is marked with a yellow blaze.

OPEN FOR HUNTING: Yes, please visit our  Hunter Registration page  for more details.

NOTES: Parking for the property is available at the end of Morris Road. No overnight camping or fires. 

 Property Map 

Cambridge Landing

Cambridge Landing was acquired in 2014 from the borough of Cambridge Springs. Adjacent to Firemen's Park in Cambridge, creek users utilizing the boat launch have access to restrooms, picnic pavilions, and a playground. The Launch is also close to downtown amenities including food, gas, and lodging. 

ACRES: 0.5

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, boat launch open to the public

NOTES: Parking available  here . No Overnight camping or fires. 

 Property Map 

Conneaut Lake Wetlands

FCVC acquired the Conneaut Lake Wetlands property in 2018 from the Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County. This property is located along Conneaut Lake and protects a large portion of the undeveloped wetlands and shoreline around the lake. Property users should know that this land is very wet and has no developed trails.

ACRES: 56

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, open for passive  leave no trace  activities

LAWFUL HUNTING: YES, please visit our  Hunter Registration page  for more details.

Notes: No overnight camping or fires. 

 Property Map 

Cussewago Island

FCVC purchased the Cussewago Island property in 2014 and added 22 acres in 2019. The parcels are located along Spring Street, in Vernon Township, at the confluence of Cussewago Creek and French Creek. The property contains important forested riparian areas and wetlands. A signature feature of this property is the unique railroad bridge that crosses French creek from Meadville to the southern end of Cussewago Island. 

ACRES: 38

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, open for passive  leave no trace  activities

LAWFUL HUNTING: Yes. ARCHERY ONLY. Please visit our  Hunter Registration page  for more details.

NOTES: No overnight camping allowed on this property, no fires. 

This property contains a  geocache 

 Property Map 

Cussewago Meanders

The initial 66 acres of the Cussewago Meanders property was acquired in 2020 by a donation from the Burkholder family. In July of 2021,  FCVC purchased an additional 125 acres  with grant funds from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act program operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Cussewago Meanders property conserves land which is located along a slow meandering section of Cussewago Creek, inspiring its name. The riparian forest contains approximately 6,500 feet of creek frontage and is located in an Audubon-defined important bird area! 

ACRES: 191

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, open for passive  leave no trace activities 

OPEN FOR HUNTING: Yes, please visit our  Hunter Registration Page  for more details

NOTES: This property is entered into the PA Game Commission  Hunter Access Program . One night, leave no trace, camping is allowed. No fires. 

 Property Map 

Cussewago Riffle

The three parcels that make up the Cussewago Riffle property were purchased in 2018 and 2019. The property is located just downstream from the Cussewago Dam and upstream from the confluence of Cussewago Creek and French Creek. A Fishes report completed by FCVC board member John Tautin found several species of mussels and 44 species of fish in the stretch of creek protected by this property. 

ACRES: 5.5

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, open for passive  leave no trace  activities.

LAWFUL HUNTING: NO.

NOTES: No overnight camping allowed on this property, no fires. 

 Property Map 

Fette Island

Fette Island was acquired by FCVC in November of 2018 from The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The property is an oxbow island located in the main stem of French Creek in Erie County. This riparian forest periodically floods and is wet most of the year. Property users must access the property via French Creek and can use the island as a stopover point when paddling. 

ACRES: 42

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, Open for passive  leave no trace  activities

OPEN FOR HUNTING: Yes, please visit our  Hunter Registration page  for more details.

NOTES: FCVC does not own the entire island. There is a 4 acre, privately owned section that is not open to the public. The private section is in the northeastern portion of the island. Be aware of posted property signs and utilize our property map. One night leave no trace camping is permitted. No fires. 

 Property Map 

Greendale Cemetery

This Conservation Easement was donated to FCVC by the Greendale Cemetery Association in 2018. This easement is located in an area of high-value forested land right in the middle of the city of Meadville. A signature feature of this property is the steep ravine that runs through the middle of the property from north to south, dropping 250 feet in about a mile.  There is a walking trail though the ravine that many locals take advantage of in nice weather. At the bottom of the ravine is a quiet tributary of French Creek, Cemetery Run. It is also  recognized for having some tallest trees in the northeastern United States.  

ACRES: 75

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, open for passive  leave no trace  activities

LAWFUL HUNTING: No

NOTES:  Parking and trail access  is available at the Cemetery. No overnight camping or fires. 

Hayfield Hollow

FCVC's Hayfield Hollow property was acquired in 2018. Located along French Creek the property protects important riparian areas along main stem French Creek and smaller tributaries that flow through the property. Boasting about 1,400 feet of creek frontage, about 1/3 of this property is in the flood plain of French Creek. 

ACRES: 35

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, open for passive  leave no trace  activities

LAWFUL HUNTING: Yes, please visit our  Hunter Registration Page  for more details.

NOTES: This property can only be accessed by French Creek. Camping is only permitted for one night (good location to use as a stopover while paddling). 

 Property Map 

Hemlock Bend

Hemlock Bend was donated by Rick Heil and Judy Knapp in 2021. The 29 acre property is FCVC's first fee property in New York state. The  property is along the main stem of French Creek and is covered by mature woodlands. Multiple small ravines run towards French Creek where the property has approximately 800 feet of riparian frontage.

Acres: 29

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, open for passive leave no trace activities.

OPEN FOR HUNTING: No, the land donors ask that the property have a hunting restriction. 

NOTES: There is parking available for this property off of Marvin Road

No overnight camping is allowed. No Fires are permitted.

 Property Map 

Lew's Land

FCVC acquired the Lew's Land property in 2018 through a donation made by the Davies Family in memory of the family patriarch--Lew Davies. Historically in the late 1960's, construction of the I-79 interchange began and the area was cleared for gravel pits, drainage, and vehicles. Since the completion of the project in the 60's the property has naturally reforested protecting the headwaters of Van Horn Run, a small tributary. The property also contains geological features including a steep ravine and various rocky outcrops which provide interpretive and educational opportunities. 

ACRES: 48

PUBLIC: Yes

ALLOWED USES: Yes, open for passive  leave no trace  activities

 TRAIL : Property visitors can enjoy a 1.5 mile trail that loops up and around the property. This trail is rated moderate because of short but steep hill climbs (10%). Users should start at the parking area and follow the yellow blaze. 

OPEN FOR HUNTING: Yes, please visit our  Hunter Registration page  for more details.

NOTES: This property has been entered into the PA game commission's  Hunter Access Program ; No overnight camping or fires.  Parking  for the property can only be accessed via 322 Eastbound (just after Compadres) , 

 Property Map 

Logue Island

The Logue Island property was donated to FCVC in 2018 by the Saegertown Borough. The property is an island in French Creek just down the river from Saegertown. This property provides great riparian habitat, and its protection ensures scenic views due to its high visibility from route 19. The property is located directly across the channel from a PA Fish and Boat Commission boat launch. This is a great location for creek goers to pull over and use as a stopover.

ACRES: 5

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, open for passive  leave no trace  activities

OPEN FOR HUNTING: Yes, please visit our  Hunter Registration page  for more details.

Notes: Overnight camping is allowed (water access only). No fires allowed. 

 Property Map 

Lunger

The Lunger property was purchased by FCVC in 2016. The property contains 450 feet of vital creek frontage along the West Branch of French Creek in Amity Township, Erie County. The property is one of FCVC's smaller properties, but it protects an important riparian slope and preserves a beautiful view of the creek. 

ACRES: 1

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, open for passive  leave no trace  activities

LAWFUL HUNTING: No

Notes: No overnight camping or fires. 

 Property Map 

Lupher's Landing

Luphers' Landing was acquired in 1996, donated by the Rebecca Jean Hodge's Revocable living trust and named for John Lupher, the founder of the First Methodist Church in Meadville. The conserved property protects an important forested riparian area along main-stem French Creek. Historically this property was the site of the first bridge in Hayfield Township to cross French Creek, some original supports from 1805 are still visible when the water level is low. 

ACRES: 4

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, Open for passive  leave no trace  activities

Open For Hunting: No

Notes: No overnight camping or fires. 

 Property Map 

Mammoth Run

The Mammoth Run property was donated to FCVC by Commodore Home Systems Inc. in 2017. This property is named for the small tributary, Mammoth Run, that runs through the property and empties into Conneaut Lake. Located on-site are hydric soils, mature timber, and vernal pools.

ACRES: 86

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, open for passive  leave no trace  activities

Open for Hunting: Yes, please visit our Hunter  Registration Page  for more details

NOTES: This property is entered into the PA Game Commission  Hunter Access Program . No overnight camping, no fires. 

This property contains a  Geocache 

 Property map 

Merritt's landing

The Merritt's Landing property was acquired in 2014 by a donation from Don and Lois Merritt. The conserved land is a valuable riparian buffer located within the Middle French Creek Natural Heritage Area. The property contains a stone picnic table where passers-by can enjoy a meal with a great view overlooking French Creek! Visitors can also learn about French Creek and the importance of this and other conserved riparian properties by reading the educational panel in the picnic area. Users should access the picnic area along Plank Road (North bound), where they can park on a gravel pull-off.

ACRES: 1

PUBLIC ACCESS: YES, open for passive  leave no trace  activities

LAWFUL HUNTING: No

NOTES: No overnight camping or fires. 

 Property Map 

Raup Wildlife Sanctuary

The Raup Wildlife Sanctuary was donated in 2009 by Richard R. Raup to be managed as a wildlife sanctuary and provide land for passive recreation. The property is located in the headwaters of Little Sugar Creek, a tributary of French Creek. The property is mainly forested with rolling topography, emergent wetlands, and   vernal pools . Birders should enjoy the quietness of the woods where alert visitors can often hear a variety of birds!

ACRES: 31

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, open for passive  leave no trace  activities

OPEN FOR HUNTING: NO

Notes: No overnight camping or fires. 

 Property Map 

Robert Brace nature Reserve

The Brace Property was donated to FCVC in 2020 by Kerry Brace. The conserved lands protects a mature Appalachian (Hemlock) Northern Hardwood Forest and a beautiful ravine. 

Acres: 21

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, open for passive  leave no trace  activities.

OPEN FOR HUNTING: Yes, please visit our  Hunter Registration Page  for more details.

Notes: No overnight camping or fires. 

 Property map 

Rocky Run Ravine

Rocky Run Ravine was donated to FCVC in 2021 by the Emig family. The property was donated in memory of Harold & Maxene Emig. The 8 acre property contains three ravines with small tributaries that flow towards French Creek. The property contains mature woods that are open and easy to walk through. The property contains a small pavilion and benches throughout the property and is easily accessible making it idea for a short, easy walk in the woods. 

A family note: "I want future generations to forever be able to come to this little piece of heaven and enjoy the quiet peacefulness, the rippling water, the rustle of a squirrel in the leaves, the shriek of a hawk from above, and the smell of the damp forest floor". 

Acres: 8

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, open for passive leave no trace activities.

OPEN FOR HUNTING: No

NOTES: Parking is available off of route 322. No overnight camping or fires are permitted. 

 Property Map 

Shryock Bailey Connector

The Shryock-Bailey Property was donated in 2011 by Robert and Patricia Bailey in honor of Mr. Bailey's parents. Just downstream from Meadville the parcel contains over 1,150 feet of river frontage along main-stem French Creek. Per the Bailey's request, the property will be able to serve as a connector trail for walking and bicycling along the Ernst Trail as it continues to expand. 

ACRES: 16

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, open for passive  leave no trace  activities

OPEN FOR HUNTING: NO

NOTES: Property users can park at the  Ernst Trailhead . This property contains a  geocache . No overnight camping. No fires. 

 Property Map 

Smith Tract

The Smith Tract is located in Waterford Township, Erie County. The property was acquired in 2009 through a donation made by Martha Ann Smith and Henry Ralph Smith. The property is covered by quality bottom land forest and contains a half-mile stretch of LeBoeuf Creek which is perfect for fishing! At the southern end of the property is Brotherton’s Bridge, AKA kissing bridge, a covered bridge over LeBoeuf creek that offers charm to the property.  

ACRES: 45

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, open for passive  leave no trace  activities

OPEN FOR HUNTING: Yes, please visit our  hunter registration page  for more details

NOTE: This property is entered into the PA Game Commissions  Hunter Access Program . No over night camping or fires. 

 Property map 

Smock's Riverwalk

The Smock's Riverwalk Property was donated by Smock Plumbing and Heating Inc. in 1998. With approximately 800 ft of creek frontage, the property helps protect an important riparian area. Paddlers can utilize the Joe Cat Boat Launch to drop their boats at the pull-off and launch from a concrete launch pad. The Joe Cat Boat Launch, made possible with donations made by the Catalano Family in memory of Joseph Catalano, was installed on the property in 2019.

ACRES: 8

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, open for passive  leave no trace  activities

OPEN FOR HUNTING: No

NOTES:  Parking  for the boat launch is available at the Wadsworth Avenue Evangel Church. (just across the street). NO overnight camping or fires. 

This property Contains a  Geocache 

 Property Map 

Venango Woods

Venango Woods, a preserved riparian forest, was transferred to FCVC by The Nature Conservancy in 2020. This property is right along French Creek and has approximately 1,000 feet of river frontage. French Creek paddlers can use this property as a stopover point with the riverfront offering multiple locations to pull over. Other property highlights include the hardwood forest and beautiful warm water tributary that can be seen from the shore flowing into French Creek. 

ACRES: 14

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, open for passive  leave no trace  activities. * Property can ONLY be accessed by French Creek

OPEN FOR HUNTING: No

NOTES: Water Trail users can camp on the property following  leave no trace ethics . *one night only. *campers can ONLY access the property via French Creek

 Property Map 

Walker's Landing

Walkers' Landing was FCVC's first property acquisition, received in 1993. The property was donated from the estate of Marta Gill Walker. The 60 acre property is along the main stem of French Creek and is covered by high-quality wetlands. The property boasts approximately 5,000 feet of creek frontage. 

Acres: 60

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, open for passive  leave no trace  activities.

OPEN FOR HUNTING: Yes, please visit our  Hunter Registration page  for more details.

NOTES: This property is part of the PA Game Commissions  Hunter Access Program . 

This property can only be accessed by water. Camping is allowed for one night ONLY. No Fires are permitted. 

This property contains a  Geocache .

 Property Map