Elk State Park

Elk State Park
Pennsylvania State Park
The East Branch Clarion River Lake at Elk State Park
Named for: Elk
Country	United States
State	Pennsylvania
Counties	Elk, McKean
Townships	Jones, Sergeant
Location
- elevation	1,778 ft (541.9 m)
- coordinates	41°35′22″N 78°33′41″W / 41.58944°N 78.56139°W / 41.58944; -78.56139Coordinates: 41°35′22″N 78°33′41″W / 41.58944°N 78.56139°W / 41.58944; -78.56139
Area	3,192 acres (1,292 ha)
Founded	1963
Management	Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
IUCN category	III - Natural Monument
Location of Elk State Park in Pennsylvania
Website: Elk State Park

Elk State Park is a 3,192-acre (1,292 ha) Pennsylvania state park in Jones Township, Elk County and Sergeant Township, McKean County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. East Branch Clarion River Lake is a man-made lake covering 1,160 acres (470 ha) within the park. The lake and streams in the park are stocked with cold and warm water fish. There are 3,151 acres (1,275 ha) of woods open to hunting.

East Branch Clarion River Lake was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers by damming the East Branch of the Clarion River. Construction of the rolled earth, impervious core dam was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944. The lake is one of sixteen flood control projects administered by the Pittsburgh District of the Army Corps of Engineers. East Branch Clarion River Lake helps to provide flood protection for the Clarion River valley and the lower portions of the Allegheny River and the upper portions of the Ohio River.

The dam is 7.3 miles (11.7 km) upstream from the confluence of the East and West branches of the Clarion River. It was constructed in 1952 for $9 million and serves a 72.4 square miles (188 km²) drainage area. It is estimated that East Branch Clarion River Lake has prevented $81 million in damage. The dam was especially important in curtailing damage during the 1972 floods caused by Hurricane Agnes.