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Rocky Bend Nature Preserve

Nestled in a peaceful valley treasured by generations of local folk, Rocky Bend Nature Preserve is open to all for paddling, fishing, hunting, hiking, and quiet enjoyment of the Raccoon Creek valley.

About Rocky Bend

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Named for the sweeping, two-mile bend of Raccoon Creek that defines its boundaries, Rocky Bend Nature Preserve is taking shape on 89 acres of protected green space in the heart of Potter Township, Beaver County.

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Rocky Bend Nature Preserve is a community partnership project of Potter Township and Independence Conservancy.

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What sets Rocky Bend apart from other nature preserves is its little-known role in America’s World War II effort. Rocky Bend was the location of a hidden fuel depot, or “tank farm.” Built by the Department of Defense in 1942, shortly after the US entered the war, the tank farm was cleverly disguised to mimic the real farm it replaced.​​

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No longer needed by the military after the war, the site passed through several owners. Through a series of events, we're now in the process of creating a public recreation space to preserve the site's history and beauty.​

Made Possible with Grants,
Donations & Volunteers

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CHANGE
HOUSE
CREEKSIDE TRAIL NATURAL AREA
CANOE/KAYAK LAUNCH
ROCKY BOTTOM NATURAL AREA

Originally a place for shift workers on the tank farm to change, shower and prepare for work, it's being transformed into a public recreation area.

Our Creekside Trail Natural Area offers access to its peaceful beauty from two parking areas: 201 Raccoon Creek Road where our canoe launch is located, and 221 Raccoon Creek Road.

Independence Conservancy restored over a thousand feet of collapsing creek bank, built a canoe/kayak launch and developed the Creekside Trail.

Rocky Bottom is a significant forest habitat and a birdwatching hotspot, contributing to its ecological significance and diversity.

  • Modern restrooms

  • Parking

  • Outdoor historical artifact garden

  • Walking paths & signage

  • Blending Barn event space

  • Parking

  • ​Canoe/kayak launch

  • Creekside walking trail

  • Meadow (great for birdwatchers!)

  • Parking

  • Cleaned up tons of debris

  • Planted thousands of trees & wildflowers

  • Created new wetland area

  • Parking at 301 Raccoon Creek Road

  • ​Low-impact, non-motorized public access to Raccoon Creek

Rocky Bottom Creekside

Be Kind. Respect The Beauty.

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It takes all of us to keep Rocky Bend beautiful. Please respect these rules when enjoying everything Rocky Bend has to offer.

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This property is privately owned and managed by Independence Conservancy.

Open dawn to dusk.

Take home all trash and dog waste – LEAVE NO TRACE.

 

Independence Conservancy reserves the right to close this area for disregard of visitor rules, maintenance, construction, or safety.

PERMITTED

Leashed dogs

Hiking

Paddling

Swimming

Hunting

Fishing

Nature study

PROHIBITED

Fires & Cooking

Motorized vehicles

Camping, tents, canopies

Littering, dumping

Picking, gathering

Bicycles, e-bikes

Horses

Drones

Remote control crawlers

This property is enrolled in the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Hunter Access Program.

Wear blaze orange during hunting season.

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Independence Conservancy prohibits:

Feeding or baiting wildlife  •  Target shooting  •  Trail cameras

Blinds  •  Tree Stands  •  Trapping

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