Rail-trail & oil-history park

Oil Creek State Park

Along the train route

The state park is not scenery in the background: its active railroad, paved bicycle trail, creek, historic oil sites, and Petroleum Centre visitor station create the strongest outdoors extension of the train ride.

The place

About Oil Creek State Park

Oil Creek State Park follows the valley where the American petroleum industry expanded after 1859. Forest now surrounds traces of wells, boomtowns, transportation corridors, and reconstructed oil-field structures.

The park has 52 miles of hiking trails and a roughly 9.7-mile paved bicycle trail between the Jersey Bridge and Petroleum Centre areas. The excursion railroad remains active, and visitors must stay off the tracks.

Petroleum Centre’s train-station visitor center interprets a vanished boomtown and is normally open weekend afternoons from June through October. Trail and facility status can change, and cell service is unpredictable.

What stands out

Travel the route under your own power

The paved bike trail and coordinated one-way train return create a genuinely distinctive rail-and-trail day.

Petroleum Centre

A vanished oil-boom settlement becomes legible through the visitor station, walking tour, and landscape traces.

Creek, forest, and industrial history

Natural recovery and historic infrastructure occupy the same narrow valley.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in an Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad trip

From June through September, the railroad offers coordinated one-way returns for hikers, bicyclists, and paddlers. That service is not available during special events or October; passengers must arrange train space and confirm trail or creek conditions with both the railroad and park.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • HoursThe park is open daily from sunrise to sunset; day-use areas close at dusk. Individual facilities and visitor centers have narrower seasons.
  • AdmissionPennsylvania state parks do not charge a general entrance fee. Programs, camping, or partner train tickets can have separate charges.
  • One-way train pairingAvailable on eligible June–September regular rides only. Call the railroad at 814-676-1733 and the park at 814-676-5915 before travel.
  • Trail safetyDownload the official map before arrival because cell service is unreliable. The railroad is active—never walk on tracks, bridges, or railroad right-of-way.
  • Petroleum CentreThe train-station visitor center is normally open Saturday and Sunday noon–5 p.m. from June through October; confirm before relying on it.
  • Road alertThe Petroleum Center bridge remains closed to vehicles but open to people walking and bicycling; use current park directions and posted detours.

Add the landmark museum

Add Drake Well Museum & Park

Pair outdoor exploration with a modern gallery and the 1859 well site near the north end of the park.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Can I combine the trail and train?

Yes, on eligible June–September regular rides. Reserve the one-way ticket and equipment space with the railroad and confirm conditions with the park.

Is the one-way return available in October?

No. The operator excludes October and special-event trains.

Can I walk on the railroad tracks?

No. The railroad is active, and the park explicitly warns visitors to stay off all tracks.

Is there an entrance fee?

No general Pennsylvania state-park admission fee is charged, though camping, programs, or train tickets can cost extra.

Will my phone work?

Do not rely on it. The park warns that cell service is unpredictable and recommends downloading the map before arrival.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-12. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.