French Creek Valley Conservancy Public Properties

The Smith Tract is located in Waterford Township, Erie County. The property was acquired in 2009 through a donation made by Martha Ann Smith and Henry Ralph Smith. The property is covered by quality bottom land forest and contains a half-mile stretch of LeBoeuf Creek which is perfect for fishing! At the southern end of the property is Brotherton’s Bridge, AKA kissing bridge, a covered bridge over LeBoeuf creek that offers charm to the property.  

ACRES: 45

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, open for passive  leave no trace  activities

OPEN FOR HUNTING: Yes, please visit our  hunter registration page  for more details

NOTE: This property is entered into the PA Game Commissions  Hunter Access Program . No over night camping or fires. 

 Property map 

Smock's Riverwalk

The Smock's Riverwalk Property was donated by Smock Plumbing and Heating Inc. in 1998. With approximately 800 ft of creek frontage, the property helps protect an important riparian area. Paddlers can utilize the Joe Cat Boat Launch to drop their boats at the pull-off and launch from a concrete launch pad. The Joe Cat Boat Launch, made possible with donations made by the Catalano Family in memory of Joseph Catalano, was installed on the property in 2019.

ACRES: 8

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, open for passive  leave no trace  activities

OPEN FOR HUNTING: No

NOTES:  Parking  for the boat launch is available at the Wadsworth Avenue Evangel Church. (just across the street). NO overnight camping or fires. 

This property Contains a  Geocache 

 Property Map 

Venango Woods

Venango Woods, a preserved riparian forest, was transferred to FCVC by The Nature Conservancy in 2020. This property is right along French Creek and has approximately 1,000 feet of river frontage. French Creek paddlers can use this property as a stopover point with the riverfront offering multiple locations to pull over. Other property highlights include the hardwood forest and beautiful warm water tributary that can be seen from the shore flowing into French Creek. 

ACRES: 14

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, open for passive  leave no trace  activities. * Property can ONLY be accessed by French Creek

OPEN FOR HUNTING: No

NOTES: Water Trail users can camp on the property following  leave no trace ethics . *one night only. *campers can ONLY access the property via French Creek

 Property Map 

Walker's Landing

Walkers' Landing was FCVC's first property acquisition, received in 1993. The property was donated from the estate of Marta Gill Walker. The 60 acre property is along the main stem of French Creek and is covered by high-quality wetlands. The property boasts approximately 5,000 feet of creek frontage. 

Acres: 60

PUBLIC ACCESS: Yes, open for passive  leave no trace  activities.

OPEN FOR HUNTING: Yes, please visit our  Hunter Registration page  for more details.

NOTES: This property is part of the PA Game Commissions  Hunter Access Program . 

This property can only be accessed by water. Camping is allowed for one night ONLY. No Fires are permitted. 

This property contains a  Geocache .

 Property Map