Blog

3 Amazing State Parks in Driving Distance of Mercer, PA

Located in the western part of the state and just a few miles from the Ohio state line, the city ofMercer, PAis not far from several large and popular state parks where you can spend a day or an entire weekend with your friends and family. Whether you are searching for the best place to go picnicking or a fantastic destination for a scenic drive in your 2023 Ford Ranger, here are three wonderful destinations you should visit.

1. Moraine State Park

Featuring excellent facilities for fishing, boating, swimming, and other outdoor activities, Moraine State Park is a well-known local attraction among residents of all over the region. Open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, this state park is the perfect place for a fun and exciting day trip from Mercer.

Moraine State Park covers an area of nearly 17,000 acres and includes a man-made reservoir that is used for recreational purposes. This state park was established in the early 1970s and is home to several wildlife species, including waterfowl, bears, white-tailed deer, pheasants, and rabbits. Located less than 30 miles south of Mercer, Moraine State Park can be reached in about 25 minutes by car via route I-79.

2. Maurice K. Goddard State Park

Welcoming more than 200,000 visitors every year and covering nearly 3,000 acres, Maurice K. Goddard State Park is another excellent local attraction and a fantastic place to spend some time in nature. A popular birdwatching destination, this place is home to large populations of woodpeckers, bluebirds, woodcocks, bald eagles, and osprey. Other activities you can enjoy here include hiking, boating, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife photography.

Located just 17 miles north of downtown Mercer, Maurice K. Goddard State Park can be reached in less than 20 minutes by car via routes US-62 and I-79. Although the main attraction at this public recreation area is 1,860-acre Lake Wilhelm, this place also features designated hunting grounds, an extensive network of trails, and picnic areas.

3. Beaver Creek State Park

As one of the most popular camping destinations in the region, Beaver Creek State Park is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway. Located about 70 miles southwest of Mercer, this Ohio state park can be reached in just one hour via routes I-80 and OH-11. Beaver Creek State Park covers an area of more than 2,700 acres and features a historic mill, an education center, 16 miles of hiking trails, and numerous fishing spots on Little Beaver Creek.

Are you searching for the perfect vehicle to discover the best nature reserves in the area? Come visit us at Bill McCandless Ford today and let one of our expert sales agents tell you all about the many models we have available for you and your family.

Recommended Posts

Should you buy an extended warranty on your new or used vehicle?

Deciding whether to purchase an extended warranty for a new or used vehicle involves considering various factors. Many individuals opt for extended warranties due to the following reasons: Peace of Mind and Long-Term Cost Savings: Extended warranties offer an extra layer of coverage, providing peace of mind and potentially saving money in the long run by mitigating unexpected repair costs. Complexity of Modern Vehicles: Advanced technologies and complex components in modern vehicles can result in expensive repairs. Extended warranties help cover these costs, making them particularly appealing for technologically advanced cars. Transferable Coverage and Customizable Options: Some extended warranties are transferable, enhancing the resale value of the vehicle. Additionally, customizable coverage options allow tailoring the warranty to specific needs, providing flexibility. Lock in Today's Rates: Purchasing an extended warranty at the time of vehicle acquisition may lock in current rates, potentially offering savings compared to buying a warranty later when the original warranty has expired. However, before deciding on an extended warranty, it's crucial to consider the following factors: Cost vs. Benefit Analysis: Evaluate the cost of the extended warranty against potential savings on future repairs. Consider your vehicle's reliability, the likelihood of major issues, and your budget. Manufacturer Reputation: Check the reputation of the warranty provider, especially if it is a third-party company. Some may have limitations or exclusions that affect coverage. Existing Coverage: Assess the coverage provided by the manufacturer's warranty. If it is comprehensive and meets your needs, an extended warranty might be unnecessary initially. In summary, the decision to purchase an extended warranty is personal and should be based on an informed assessment of individual circumstances, budget considerations, and risk tolerance. Reading and understanding the terms and conditions of the warranty is essential in making a

At a Glance: The 2023 Ford Expedition Max

With three rows of spacious seats, impressive towing capacity, and a responsive 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, the 2023 Ford Expedition Max is a powerful and capable full-size SUV that can take you, your friends, and your family on the most exciting adventures all over the country. We have put together a few reasons why you should hit the road now, stop by your local Ford dealer, and ask for a test drive of the 2023 Expedition Max. Plenty of Space and Comfort for Everyone On Board The 2023 Expedition Max is one of the most spacious SUVs in its category, offering a comfortable ride for everyone on board, no matter how far the destination is. With space for up to eight occupants, this full-size SUV boasts 43.9 inches of legroom in the first row, 41.5 inches in the second row, and 36.1 inches in the third row. When it comes to cargo volume, this Ford SUV comes with a power-folding third row, which can be controlled from the back seats and from the cargo area. With both the second and third rows fully folded, the 2023 Expedition Max boasts an impressive 121.5 cubic feet of storage room. In terms of passenger comfort, all models are equipped with tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control, ambient lighting, and second row heated seats. The Latest Technology for Driver and Passengers Alike Besides being a spacious, comfortable, and stylish SUV, the 2023 Expedition Max is equipped with some of the latest technological features in the industry. In terms of safety and driver assist, this Ford SUV boasts standard front emergency braking with pedestrian detection, an automatic parking system with parallel parking, park out assist, and reverse perpendicular parking, and automatic high beams. While safety is certainly one of the key areas and a vital concern for anyone planning to buy a family SUV, the 2023 Expedition Max goes one step further, using advanced technology not only to keep passengers safe, but also to maximize convenience and ensure an enjoyable ride. Some of the most popular standard features of this full-size SUV include 110V power outlets, heated steering wheel, and smart-charging multimedia USB ports. Powerful Engine and Responsive Transmission The 2023 Expedition Max is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, which delivers 470 pounds of torque and 380 horsepower. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift, this full-size SUV is praised for its sporty feel and its excellent responsiveness. Traction control, electronic stability control, and hill start assist are all standard features of this SUV. Are you ready to jump into the 2023 Expedition Max, take it on a test drive, and learn why it might just be the perfect vehicle for you and your family? Visit us today at Bill McCandless Ford and check out this fantastic SUV.

6 Signs Your Ford Needs a Radiator Repair

Your Ford's engine generates a lot of heat while running, and if it overheats, it can cause severe damage. Your radiator cools down the engine by circulating coolant to prevent overheating. However, if the radiator malfunctions, it can cause overheating and engine damage. Thankfully, there are signs you can look out for, which will tell you that your car needs a radiator repair from a Ford dealer. 1. It's Getting Too Hot Under the Hood If it gets too hot under the hood, your radiator could be the culprit. During the hot summer season, when you're running your air conditioner, a slight increase in temperature is not a cause for worry. However, if your temperature gauge consistently displays a high reading, have your Ford technician take a look and identify the root cause of the problem. 2. The Coolant Looks Brown and Dirty The coolant in your car is usually a vibrant shade of yellow, orange, green, or pink, but it can also be blue or red and flows easily through the system. If you neglect to replace the coolant at the recommended intervals, dirt and debris can contaminate it, causing it to turn brown. The coolant will thicken, lose its protective properties, and obstruct the radiator, causing your car to overheat. 3. There's Bright Colored Puddles Underneath Your Car It could indicate a coolant leak if you notice bright green, yellow, orange, or pink puddles under your car. It's essential to check the coolant level and refill it if necessary. Ask your Ford technician to find and fix the leak as soon as possible to prevent further damage. 4. The Radiator Fins Are Clogged Your radiator is responsible for carrying hot coolant through a series of fine tubes. As air passes over these tubes, it helps to cool down the coolant before it flows back into the engine. If the radiator fins become blocked by dirt, leaves, or bugs, or they become damaged, it can impede the airflow and prevent the coolant from cooling properly, which can cause your engine to overheat. 5. Your Radiator Is Rusty Rust is something you should avoid at all costs. Rust can lead to the development of holes, resulting in leaks. If the coolant has turned brown, it might indicate the presence of rust in the coolant. Rust-contaminated coolant will lose its cooling ability and may result in engine overheating. 6. Smoke Is Billowing From Under the Hood When your engine gets too hot, the radiator may be causing the problem. If you see smoke from under the hood, immediately pull over when it is safe to avoid engine damage. While waiting for the car to cool down, call us for assistance. If your radiator is giving you trouble, taking quick action is essential. Delaying repairs could lead to costly replacements down the line. Call Bill McCandless Ford now, and our certified Ford technicians will perform expert repairs.