Located in the western part of the state and just a few miles from the Ohio state line, the city of Mercer, PA is 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.
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