Damsite Trail Loop

The Damsite Trail begins and ends at the small parking area at the end of Hoffman Road, located off PA‑259 in Yellow Creek State Park. This route forms a wooded loop around the western edge of Yellow Creek Lake, with several junctions connecting to other trails in the park’s network. Hikers should bear right at the first major intersection, where the trail hugs the edge of the lake. It winds through mixed hardwood forest, with occasional openings that offer broad views of the water. Around the halfway point, near the northernmost section, a short spur leads to an overlook above the dam and spillway—one of the route’s best vantage points. After returning from the overlook, head uphill a short distance before the route curves south on the Damsite Trail Loop. From here, the trail descends a series of switchbacks and follows a gentle ridge back toward the trailhead, with an optional alternate route via Billy Goat Trail just before the end. Most of the terrain is easygoing, though rolling hills and brief climbs near the overlook add a few moderate sections. Trail signage can be unclear in places, so carrying a map or GPS is recommended. This is a quiet, well-wooded route for day hikes in western Pennsylvania, with lake views, forest cover, and a scenic overlook as its highlights.