Hancock Bend Boat Launch And Recreation Area

About

Hancock Bend Boat Launch and Recreation Area is part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Crooked Creek Lake project, authorized by the Flood Control Acts of 1936 and 1938. Located in Armstrong County approximately 30 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, this facility primarily serves as a boat launch with ample trailer parking for boating and waterskiing enthusiasts. The lake and its scenic shoreline provide excellent opportunities for fishing, with catches of bass, muskie, sunfish, and crappie common. The Liberty pavilion at Hancock Bend offers two group shelter rental periods (AM and PM sessions) with electric hookups, accommodating picnics, special events, and celebrations. The pavilion area includes a playground, horseshoe pits, picnic tables, and charcoal grills. Vault restrooms are located near the pavilion. Swimmers and sunbathers can enjoy the lake's sandy peninsula beach. Note that this is primarily a day-use boat launch and group shelter facility rather than a traditional campground with individual campsites. For individual tent or RV camping at Crooked Creek Lake, visitors should look to the main Crooked Creek Lake Park campground which offers 45 sites.

Directions

From Pittsburgh: Head northeast on Grant St toward Sixth Avenue. Turn right onto Seventh Ave. Use the left lane to keep right at the fork, follow signs for PA-380 E/Bigelow Boulevard/Interstate 579 N and merge onto Bigelow Blvd. Take the ramp onto I-579N/Veterans Bridge. Follow PA-28 N to PA-66 S in Manor Township. Take exit A from PA-28N/US-422 E. Continue on PA-66 S. Turn left onto Crooked Creek Dam Rd. Address: 114 Park Main Rd, Ford City, PA 16226.