Hiking at the Ebensburg Reservoir

This weekend we went hiking at the Ebensburg Reservoir. The trails wind around two reservoirs. One is large and one smaller. Up until the other day I actually had no idea it was even there.

Hiking the Reservoir Trail

We parked at the Ebensburg Reservoir Lower Lake entrance. From there we began our hike. We walked around the smaller reservoir and then made our way up to the Upper Lake entrance area and walked to the larger lake. We eventually wound our way around the smaller lake and back to the car.

For the most part, the walk was relatively easy. There were a couple hilly sections, but nothing too bad. Most of the path is shaded by trees and shrubs.

At some points the ground was a little soggy. Obviously others know about the beautiful location because they had put some planks and branches down to help others cross.

There are trails and foot paths around the larger lake, but we didn’t try those when we hiked. We did spend some time enjoying the view from the breast of Howells Run Dam.

Howells Run was the stream that was dammed up around 1963 to create the large lake of the reservoir. Some research shows the stream is probably named after Daniel Howells. Daniel was a Welsh immigrant arriving in the United States in the 1830’s. He had a farm just north of Ebensburg.

Kayak’s were on the water in the distance and fisherman were seen on the shores. The kayak dock and ability to kayak on the lake are new additions.

Parts of the trail are not well marked and in some places trees had fallen over the trail. A couple spots could use a little T.L.C. Despite the lack of markers, the trail is fairly easy to follow.

The Future of the Reservoir

Just as I was unaware of the reservoir and its trails, I was unaware of the Nathan’s Divide Nature Center Project. Dave and Linda Lester began dreaming about a nature center in the 1990’s. Due to work, kids and life in general, the idea went on to the back burner.

The idea came to the forefront of their minds again in 2015. They founded the Nathan’s Divide Nature Center Project in 2016. It now has an experienced board of directors with diverse backgrounds all working to get this project up and running.

Over the last few years Nathan’s Divide volunteers have been working diligently to open up more areas to public use. One example is the fact that kayaking is now permitted on the lake. The organization now has a long term usage agreement to utilize the land and water.

The long term goal of Nathan’s Divide will be to create an education center for children and adults. Visitors will learn about natural science and outdoor education, conservation, geology, history, culture, environmental stewardship and community service.

They will develop and maintain trails add foot bridges and markings. Nathan’s Divide plans to build a pavilion and install bathrooms also. To learn more about their plans visit their site here.

When you’re done hiking, kayaking or fishing you may want to head to town for a beer. I highly recommend Coal Country Brewing. I have posted on them before and you can read my blog here.