Briar Creek Reservoir, body of water
Briar Creek Reservoir is a 51-acre lake in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, formed by an earth dam roughly 37 feet high constructed in the early 1970s. The lake has a gently curved shoreline and meandering shape, surrounded by grassland with exposed shale rock formations and bordered by a 173-acre park with picnic areas and boat launch facilities.
The reservoir was built in the early 1970s as a flood control project following feasibility studies in 1966. The area previously held 19th-century farms, including Franklin Fester's homestead, which were displaced when the earth dam was constructed to manage water flow in the region.
The name reflects Briar Creek, which feeds the water body. Local residents use the surrounding parkland for quiet outdoor experiences, and artificial fish habitats visible in the water show how people actively shape the environment for fishing and wildlife care.
Only small boats with electric motors or non-motorized vessels are permitted, and boats can be moored from March through November. Access conditions may change due to water level fluctuations or closures, so check the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission updates before visiting to ensure facilities are available.
Bald eagles, a protected species, occasionally visit the lake, and sandhill cranes pass over or stop near the water during migration season. These regular wildlife visits make the reservoir an unexpected birdwatching spot that many visitors overlook when planning their trip.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
