The share the road portion of the trail from Petroleum Center that used State Park Road is not accessible from the East side.
An unofficial detour to continue south on the McClintock trail and Justus trail would involve using Petroleum Center Road (a steep climb) and Rt 227 South to Rouseville. This path is not for those inexperienced in using a 2 lane highway with large truck traffic. Extreme caution is advised if you choose to use this path.
The scenic 9.7 mile asphalt trail is built on a historic railroad grade which runs parallel to Oil Creek through wooded park land. The trail is suitable for users of every level of conditioning. Creek vistas, restrooms, and picnic areas are strategically located along the trail. This trail offers a special combination of natural beauty and historical significance. It follows the path of development of the oil industry in the 1860’s. The story is told by exhibits and interpretive signs along the trail.
Drake Well Museum has a replica of the first oil well (Drake's Well), walking tours and programs, and relics of the early oil industry. The Drake Well Museum has a souvenir shop, restrooms, picnic areas and flower gardens.
Food and lodging are available in the nearby towns of Titusville and Oil City
From the North: Jersey Bridge next to Drake Well Museum near Titusville. The museum entrance is off Route 8 at the southern edge of Titusville at E. Bloss Street.
From the South at Oil City follow Rt 8 North to Rt 227 at Rouseville. Follow the Rt 227 detour signs for Petroleum Center Road. At Plumer take Petroleum Center Road to the trail head parking just before the closed bridge.
On the northern end the trail has an extension, the Queen City Trail, into downtown Titusville. It ends at the intersection with Route 8 behind McDonalds. The Queen City trail is difficult to find at the north end, but it runs between the Titusville Middle School and Oil Creek and then behind the Recreational Complex to the Jersey Bridge parking lot.
On the southern end, the Petroleum Center bridge is closed to all traffic. The State Park Road extension is not accessible.
On the southern end a share the road trail (NOW CLOSED) continues south from Petroleum Center to Rynd Farm bridge.
Additional share the road trails continue south along Waitz Road to Rouseville where the McClintock Trail connects to the north end of Oil City where the Justus Trail begins and continues to other AVTA trails south along the Allegheny river.
A view from Oil Creek Trail.
Oil Creek Trail in Late Fall.
Biking the trail in the fall.