Gebhard Woods State Park

About Gebhard Woods State Park

Singing birds such as hummingbirds, owls and occasionally deer can be observed feeding and nesting along the park's canal banks. Singbirds, birds of prey, pigeons, squirrels, raccoons and occasionally even jays can be seen feeding or nesting on the park's banks.

The park's beauty and rich history is also enhanced by the restored Nettle Creek stone aqueduct, originally built to run the canal along Nettles Creek. One can almost imagine teams of mules moving canal barges full of goods from the historic buildings to the canal barges - full of good ones.

The information centre is located at the entrance of the park and is open all year round. In the centre there is a lot of information about the history of GEBH Woods and the State Park.

Guided hikes and park programs are offered throughout the year, and a full-time interpreter is available for the educational activities for park groups. For more information, please contact the Information Centre at 815 - 942 - 0796 or by email at info @ gebh - woods.org.

Gebhard Woods State Park was purchased in 1934 for $1,500 and converted by the Rod & Gun Club into a breeding pool for wild fish, which donated the property to the State of Illinois to develop and maintain as a deciduous forest. The Interior Department commissioned the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service to clear the newly created park and landscaping it.

The CCC developed a large shelter made of handmade beams with stone floors and benches protected, with an outdoor swimming pool and a picnic area.

Today, hikers, campers, picnickers and canoeists visit the more than 30-acre site, which makes it one of the state's most popular recreational areas. Nettle Creek flows gently along the edge of this park, and its natural beauty and abundance of wildlife is enhanced by its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In spring, there are wild flowers that visitors to these parks can enjoy, as well as a variety of native plants and animals. The park offers plenty of shade and a wide selection of trees, grasses, shrubs and other plant species.

Paddlers can swim back and forth between the two parks for a day and enjoy the natural beauty and rich wildlife. Canoeists can drive along the 15-mile canal to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the perfect place to land a canoe, picnic or camp at one of the many picnic spots and houses in the park, as well as have access to a variety of trails and trails.

Small fishing boats with electric motors are also allowed on the canal, but gas engines are prohibited due to the shallow depth of the canal and the delicate embankments.

There are three fish ponds in the park, so bring your fishing gear and try your hand at perch, crappie, bluehead, catfish and bullhead.

This small pond offers the whole family a great place to spend a relaxing day and forget the hours.

Fishing is also possible in the creek, where perches, cappies, bluefish, catfish and bullhead are available for fishing.

Gebhard Woods offers a number of shaded picnic areas, such as picnic table and barbecue area with picnic tables and barbecues, as well as picnic benches and picnic chairs.

The outdoor playground, located on the west side of Gebhard Woods State Park, south of the parking lot, is open to the public and is available for special events by appointment. A number of picnic areas, such as picnic tables, barbecues and picnic chairs, are available, according to the motto "first come, first served."

There is also a horseshoe pit and shelter, and baseball games can be played while small children enjoy their playground, according to the site.

Gebhard Woods is one of the most popular state parks in the state of New York and offers access to unparalleled scenic and historical attractions. The park is easily accessible on foot, with a total of 1.5 miles of hiking trails, paths and trails. Geb Hard Woods State Park, the largest national park in North America, is a popular destination for hiking, biking, camping, fishing and other outdoor activities.

Cyclists can also use the groomed towpaths to enjoy nature and the wonders created by man. The paths are marked and show various exhibits along the way, describing the characteristics of the canal at the time, which you will meet on each path.

The 60-mile marked route of the canal is snowmobile ridden, but due to nature trails, it is not allowed to drive.

Cross-country skiing is also allowed on the cross-country trails, but registration is required. For information on snowfall registration, please contact the park office at (717) 888-476-5555 or (877) 478-7477. Continue on Freemont St. to Ottawa St., exit Ottawa St. and you will be in the park on your left approximately one and a half blocks.