Howard Eaton Reservoir

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Quick Bits

Main Activities - Hike, Bike, Fish
Distance - 3 mile loop trail
Quiet - very quietvery
Surface - wide, packed gravel and grass
Elevation - very flat
Pets - Yes, on leash
Address - Greenfield Township, Erie County, Pennsylvania
Facilities - Port-a-potties at boat launch parking lots

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In a Nutshell

The Bull Dam creates the Howard Eaton Reservoir. A 3-mile loop around the 246-acre reservoir takes you through a variety of habitat. Enjoy a walk, a paddle, or rest awhile on benches and picnic tables.

Location and Parking

The Reservoir is spread across Greenfield and North East Townships. There are two parking areas, both with boat launches. One is off Ashton Road and the other off State Line Road. There are portapotties at both. The one off State Line Road is closer to the actual dam, but the one near Ashton Road seems to be more popular. The latter one is shown as "Eaton Reservoir Western Boat Ramp on some GPS systems. On some maps, Ashton Road north of the parking lot is listed as "Black Road".

More details

I came upon this wonderful place when traveling from the Binghamton Area to Columbus, Ohio and wanted a place to explore along the way. It is located in Greenfield Township, PA just over the border from New York, in Erie County. Alltrails had mentioned it. While some reviews warned of mud, I felt like they didn't really known what mud was. The night before had been a heavy rain, and I didn't feel like there was any real mud in the 8-foot wide path that leads around the reservoir. It appeared to be very well maintained.

While most of the trail is open to the water, the other side is mostly heavily wooded. That along with some other water-side trees provides some shade. Expect to find other walkers, birders, dog-walkers, bikers, and it mentioned horses, though I didn't see any.

You could combine a hike with a paddle. Gas-engines are prohibited, but electric motors, kayaks, and canoes are welcomed. Large mouth bass and pike are reported in the lake. It is regulated by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. I believe that means you need a PA boat launch permit or a PA boat registration.

Originally built in 1941, damming a tributary to the West Branch of French Creek, the Bull Dam was designed to supply water to the North East Borough. However, since 2004, the Borough has been utilizing Lake Eried for the majority of its water needs.

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