Armstrong offers two distinct ways to explore: waterways with clearly defined endpoints and historical traces along trails and in a museum. When planning your stay, you can treat nature and culture as separate themes rather than trying to fit them into a single itinerary. The contrast between lakes, a river route, and places of remembrance gives your trip several points of interest.

River, Lake, and Trails

The section of the Allegheny River that runs through Armstrong County is designated as the Middle Allegheny River Water Trail. The trail runs 61 miles from Freeport Riverfront Park to the Emlenton Launch. If you’re planning a paddling trip, check route details and conditions at the launches beforehand. Its length and endpoints give the water route a clearly defined shape, setting it apart from the activities centered around the lake.

Crooked Creek Lake has a boat launch for boating and water skiing. Check conditions at the launch before setting out. Fishing is also possible, including for smallmouth bass, muskellunge, sunfish, and crappie. Because fish species and regulations can change, check the current Pennsylvania regulations before fishing.

Crooked Creek Lake also has five local trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels. In addition, the 141-mile Baker Trail runs through Crooked Creek Lake. The length and difficulty of the local trails can help you choose a route; the Baker Trail is another option, with its own stated distance. This puts a defined river route alongside a variety of options at the lake.

Landscape and Traces Along the Trails

Mahoning Creek Lake lies between steep-sided valleys and is surrounded by wooded slopes. This creates a different emphasis from the activities and trails at Crooked Creek Lake: here, the shape of the landscape is what primarily defines the impression of the lake. If you’re also interested in the surrounding scenery during your trip, this spot offers a distinct perspective on the county’s lake landscape.

There are also specific points of interest along the trails. At the 1.5-mile point on the Roaring Run Trail, you can see the stone remains of Lock No. 15 of the canal. If you’re interested in historical traces, you can note this clearly identified spot along the trail. The Cowanshannock Trail connects hikers, walkers, and cyclists to the larger Armstrong Trail. The Roaring Run Trail features a specific historical site, while the Cowanshannock Trail offers a connection to a larger trail as its point of reference.

The visitor information center at Crooked Creek Lake features exhibits on local wildlife and plant life, as well as a pictorial history of the dam’s construction. Opening hours vary by season; check opening hours and group tour availability with the park office in advance.

County History at the Museum and Outdoors

The Armstrong County Historical Museum presents the history of Armstrong County through exhibits, artifacts, and historic rooms. An exhibit on Native American history covers the culture, traditions, and daily life of the Lenni-Lenape, also known as the Delaware. Exhibit content may change, so check the museum’s current information before visiting.

The county’s history also includes eleven official Pennsylvania historic markers, which invite visitors to explore the region’s history as an open-air museum of local heritage. A fiberglass bell stands permanently on the grounds of the Armstrong County Historical Society. It symbolizes freedom, reflection, and community pride. The museum, markers, and bell each offer a different perspective: exhibits and artifacts present county history, while the markers and bell provide additional historical and symbolic points of reference.

Practical Information

From Kittanning, the route to the Outdoor Discovery Center follows Route 66, Crooked Creek Dam Road, and Kerr Road. Check the current route and road conditions before driving. Armstrong County also has six golf courses; if golf is part of your travel plans, check what’s currently available in advance.

Discover More Destinations

Kittanning, Ford City, Leechburg, Pike, Cumberland, Potter County, Chester, Blair

For the broader travel overview: Pennsylvania.