Buffalo Creek Watershed Alliance
Historical, Cultural and Recreational Resources
The stream valleys of this area were the first places to be inhabited by native cultures and European settlers. They provided a source of water, waterpower, food, transportation at times, and flat areas of fertile soil to convert to farmland and home sites. In the early 1800s sawmills and gristmills became commonplace as the population expanded. Their dams and mill races were frequent along Buffalo Creek. Most of these mills disappeared long ago, but Groves Mill, located on Hoffa Mill Road, continues to grind grains just as it did in the 18th century.
Raymond B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest provide the public with access to thousands of acres of land in the western part of the watershed for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, camping, and swimming. Buffalo Creek and its tributaries are popular among anglers in search of trout, and hunters in pursuit of waterfowl, white- tailed deer, wild turkey and black bear.
There are many good hiking trails in the Bald Eagle State Forest. In addition, the Mary Koon’s Trail starting at 8th Street in Mifflinburg and the Dale’s Ridge Trail starting at the Strawbridge Road access provide short, scenic and easy walks along Buffalo Creek. Both are popular with bird watchers. Running through the heart of Union County for 9 miles between Mifflinburg and Lewisburg is the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail, an excellent hiking and biking trail that offers scenic views of the towns, hamlets, and farms.
