The railroad running along Oil Creek is an active line. Stay off of the tracks at all times. The Gerard Hiking Trail is over 36 miles long and encompasses the entire park. The main trail is marked with yellow paint blazes. For shorter day hikes, use the five connecting loops blazed in white.
Parking areas are available at several access points.
Scenic vistas, waterfalls and historic sites are prevalent along the trail. Each area contains four tent sites, six adirondack-type shelters with fireplaces, restrooms and water supply. A fee and reservations are mandatory for use of these areas and overnight usage is limited to one night per shelter site. Fires are only permitted in camp stoves, fireplaces or designated locations and must be extinguished when unattended. Standing timber and shrubs must not be defaced.