Union City Dam can be found 3 miles west of Union City off of Route 97. The damage surrounded by peaceful and rural grounds that will allow you to relax and take a break from your busy life. Throughout the 1960s, French Creek experienced increased flooding. Because of this, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers created the Union City Dam. There is a dry bed reservoir that is 88 feet above the stream bed. There are plenty of outdoor activities for you and your family can take part in at or near Union City Dam.
There are grills, restroom facilities, and picnic tables available to the public so you can enjoy a nice and quiet meal with your friends and family. You could also take part in hunting or fishing if you enjoy those types of activities. No matter what you're into, you're bound to find something you enjoy doing at Union City Dam.
The Union City Dam is easy to find and access. It is located just three miles west of Union City, Pennsylvania. If you're traveling west from Union City, take Pennsylvania Route 97 and turn right onto Middleton Road. The dam will be on your left. All of the surrounding roads are paved, and there aren't any extremely treacherous spots along the route, which is important to know if you're renting a camper van or RV. You don't have to worry about any tolls along the way.
The lake-forming process usually takes place late into the winter and early spring. This is due to melting snow and the rain that occurs during spring. With that being said, during that period, the roads around the area may be a little slick due to weather conditions. Take your time while driving, watch out for black ice, and be sure to check for road closures online before heading out the door.
Buckaloons is a beautiful campground available to the public. There are 61 campsites you will have to choose from. These campsites are a mixture of primitive, as well as RV camping. Buckaloons gives visitors easy access to Allegheny Wild & Scenic River. Here you will find many activities to do to break away from your campsite, such as fishing, bird watching, nature walks, and more.
Buckaloons Campground has clean showers, restrooms, and electric hook-ups available for RV campers. There is also a convenient boat launch nearby for any anglers camping here. You have the option to reserve your campsite in advance, but they also take walk-in campers as well. If you want a campground that is tucked away in the countryside, while still having plenty of modern amenities available, Buckaloons is a great choice!
Near Union City Dam, you will find French Creek. This is a place where many fishermen come to enjoy a day of fishing. There are a plethora of different types of fish that can be found in French Creek. You have a chance of catching a northern pike, walleye, or muskie.
If you're the type of angler who enjoys catching smallmouth bass or panfish, you may want to fish near the creek's feeder streams. This is where you will find a lot of trout as well. Due to the reservoir having a dry bed, all fishing is done in French Creek or at nearby rivers.
All around Union City Dam you will find picnic tables, grills, and restroom facilities. All of the picnic tables are wheelchair accessible and open to the public. This is a great way to relax and enjoy a meal during the majority of the year while having an amazing view of the dam.
To keep the area as well preserved as possible, please do not litter and take your trash with you or use one of the bins provided.
Another activity that both adults and kids can enjoy is to observe the dam itself. You'll be able to observe the process by which a reservoir becomes a lake. When there is too much water in the reservoir, the dam will discharge it through a drainage system, thus creating a temporary lake. You'll also be able to see how the dam controls and releases water, as well as read about information on the history of the dam. If you want to watch the dry bed become a temporary lake, it is best to visit sometime between late winter and early spring. This only occurs for two to three weeks so it's important to plan accordingly.
One of the most popular off-season activities that you can take part in is hunting. There are several different types of animals to hunt near Union City Dam. You can find deer, waterfowl, small game, and turkey. This gives hunters exciting opportunities to catch prey they have not caught before. It is important that you have a hunting license and only take part in this activity during the hunting season.
Another great activity that's perfect for the whole family is wildlife watching. You can do this from near the dam, the creek, or anywhere in the surrounding area. You'll be able to observe different ecosystems, see a plethora of different types of birds, investigate animal tracks, and discover plenty of different types of plants and flowers and all around you.
If you like wildlife watching, consider packing your camera or binoculars in the RV before you head out on your next adventure.
Whether you're looking to get a little bit of exercise or you're just wanting to take a peaceful walk in nature, there are plenty of different hiking trails around the area. If you're wanting an easy yet scenery-filled trail, consider the Bayfront Connector Trail. It is along Lake Erie and is paved, with practically no hills or incline.
Corry Junction Greenway Trail is perfect for those looking to get into nature. The terrain is crushed stone and you'll be surrounded by lush greenery your entire walk or hike.
