The Potato Creek Trail System, located in central McKean County, is a series of land and water trails that “provide four seasons of fun and excitement in the Smethport area of Trail Central, located within the Pennsylvania Wilds. Hike, bike, equestrian, cross-country ski, snowmobile, canoe or kayak the water trails.”
Potato Creek Trail System Trails include:
Goosechaser Trail — “This ¾-mile-long trail loops along the banks of Marvin Creek in Hamlin Lake Park in Smethport. Named for the Canadian geese that frequent the lake, the trail skirts the habitats of many wetland creatures, including waterfowl. Access is from Route 6 to Willow Street, Hamlin Lake Park entrance. Free parking and public restrooms are available. Difficulty level is rated easy.”
Wolfinger Trail System — “A system of trails, close to the village of Smethport, available for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Many loops can be made, from a short half-hour stroll along Sandy Lane to several hours’ worth of vigorous hiking on the North Trail. Begin at the main trailhead, located on Route 46 north, 1.1 miles from the Route 6 intersection (41.827214N -78.427578W), on the left side by the gate. Difficulty level is rated easy to moderate.”
Shawmut Trail – Handicap Accessible — “This 1-mile trail begins at the trailhead off Route 6 near the Marvin Creek Bridge in Smethport and travels south to the rear of the historic McKean County Poor Farm, a complex of historical buildings that have been refurbished into county offices. Keep going straight towards the tree line, then hike up the hill where the trail will join the corridor of the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua narrow gauge railroad, which was abandoned early in the 20th century. As the trail loops back to the paved area you will pass the historic orchard and Poor Farm Cemetery. It is a beautiful trail that partially follows Marvin Creek and traverses wooded settings, open meadows and farmland. This all-season trail is open to hiking, bicycle riding, skiing and snowshoeing. The trail offers ADA parking and accessibility. Difficulty level is rated easy.”
Equestrian Trails — “Take a horseback ride through the idyllic forests and creeks of Smethport and surrounding areas. You can park your trailer by the Wolfinger Trailhead off Route 46, 1.1 miles from the Route 6 intersection; where parking is located behind the black gate. Or start at the Fairgrounds on 7172 Route 46.”
Potato Creek Water Trail — “You can choose between 3 canoe and kayak launch areas. Unload your canoe behind the ballfield in Crosby on Route 46 (41.748614N -78.393427W) to float 6.4 miles on Potato Creek to East Smethport on Route 6. From there float 10.9 miles to Coryville off Champlin Hill Road towards Turtle Point (41.88187N –78.389500W). From Coryville you can float another 2.7 miles to reach the Larabee Y (41.901384N –78.384720W), where you have great access to the Allegheny River. Difficulty level is rated easy.” Source: visitANF.com
