Fishing
Photo by George Reese
two people canoeing
Photo by George Reese
child playing in creek
Photo by Patrick Shirley
walking on a trail
Photo by George Reese

Things to Enjoy

Biking, hiking, bird watching, fishing, and hunting are popular activities in the Buffalo Creek Watershed. Discover your next outdoor adventure from the list of recreational opportunities:

  • Buffalo Creek Nature Park – Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania’s five-acre park with a pavilion, Audubon Nature Store, nature play-area, parking for the Butler-Freeport Trail, concessions, restrooms, classrooms, and year-round environmental and nature-based programming for all ages.
  • Butler-Freeport Trail – 20-mile rail trail from Laneville to Butler that follows Little Buffalo and Buffalo Creeks. Popular activities along the Butler-Freeport Trail include walking, biking, running, geocaching, and cross-country skiing. A half-marathon is held every fall.
  • Chicora Community Park – Park with picnic tables, playground, and baseball field.
  • DHALO Fishing Area – 3.7-mile stretch of Buffalo Creek that is designated as one of Pennsylvania’s Best Fishing Waters for Stocked Trout. Information on access can be found here.
  • Freeport Community Park – Park that has ballfields, playgrounds, and Laube Hall (a reception and meeting venue).
  • Freeport Public Boat Ramp – Public boat ramp near the confluence of Buffalo Creek and the Allegheny River.
  • Harrison Hills Park – An Allegheny County Park that is 524-acres and located partially within the Buffalo Creek Watershed. An excellent birding location, the park also offers a pond, Environmental Learning Center, hiking trails, and a bridle trail.
  • State Gameland 164 – A 456-acre tract that is maintained by the Pennsylvania Game Commision.
  • State Gameland 304 – A 458-acre tract that is maintained by the Pennsylvania Game Commision.
  • Sugarcreek Community Park – Community park with disc golf course, horseshoe, baseball fields, walking trails, and a playground.
  • Todd Nature Reserve (TNR) – Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania’s largest and oldest nature reserve. At TNR, visitors will find over 5 miles of trails on the 220-acre property. This is an excellent birding location and spring wildflower viewing area. Regular programming is offered, including free naturalist-led walks.