Penn’s Creek is the longest limestone stream in Pennsylvania. The scenic stream, which has its headwater near Penn’s Cave in Centre County, is known for outstanding fly fishing.
The 67-mile creek is a tributary of the Susquehanna River and drains a watershed of approximately 163 square miles in Centre, Snyder, and Union counties. The creek’s tributaries include other Centre County streams: Elk Creek, Pine Creek, and Sinking Creek.
Penn’s Creek was called the Karoondinha by the Iroquois who lived in the Susquehanna Valley from the mid-17th to mid-18th centuries. After the tribe sold the valley to Pennsylvania’s provincial government, it was called John Penn’s Creek (the younger brother of Pennsylvania founder William Penn) before becoming simply known as Penn’s Creek.
Penn’s Creek is an attractive fly-fishing destination for anglers in the Northeast. It is well known for the large Green Drake hatch, which occurs annually in May. Moreover, vehicular access to the creek is limited in long stretches, making it as close to a wilderness stream as exists in the state.
The water quality of Penns Creek is generally considered outstanding, but decades of pollution and soil erosion in areas around it are a longstanding concern. The numerous farms in the Brush and Penns valleys on the upper stretches of the creek can pose issues.
The Penns Valley Conservation Association, based in Aaronsburg, works to preserve the Upper Penns Creek watershed in Centre County through a variety of restoration and conservation projects. Working with partner agencies and organizations, the association’s staff and volunteers monitor stream health, restore wetlands, control sediment, and regrade stream banks.
Sources:
Macneal, Douglas. A Penns Creek Companion: A History and Guide (Aaronsburg: Penns Valley Conservation Association, 2005).
Penns Valley Conservation Association, www.pennsvalley.net, (Accessed February 28, 2025).
U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System, https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names (Accessed February 28, 2025).
First Published: February 28, 2025