Directions to Bavington Area (SGL 117), Washington County
submitted by Richard Nugent

The Bavington area (State Gamelands 117) is also called Hillman State Park and is 3653 acres of reclaimed surface mines as well as wooded hillsides, small streams and a portion of Raccoon Creek. The two main destinations are the Pitch Pine Trail and a large recovering surface mine.

The Pitch Pine Trail is about one mile long and winds its way through a pine plantation on an old surface mine. The pine plantation is home to Red-breasted Nuthatch, all year long. It is also home to Spotted Wintergreen, which is an uncommon plant.

The large recovering surface mine is located just off Steubenville Pike west of Bavington Pa. It is a large area of grassland, shrubs and small trees. A number of grassland birds are found here.

Directions: From Pittsburgh, take the Parkway West (I-279 south/ US 22-30) to the point where US 22-30 exits to the right. Take US 22-30 west to the point where US 30 exits to the right. Stay on US 22 and continue on US 22 to the Bavington Exit. At the end of the ramp turn right and drive a short distance to Steubenville Pike. Turn left onto Steubenville Pike and drive west about 2.6 miles until you see a white building on the left with Knowlton on it. Just past this building turn right on Knowlton Road (the sign is no longer legible, but there is a State Gamelands sign). Drive about 0.7 miles on Knowlton Road to the Pitch Pine Trail on the left. The trail starts where there are several wooden posts blocking vehicles from driving on the trail. The trail makes a loop back to the road. There is room for several cars to park on the wide shoulder of the road.

To go to the large recovering surface mine, turn around and go back to Steubenville Pike. At the end of Knowlton Road turn right and drive about 0.8 miles to the parking lot on the left. From this Gamelands parking lot there is a gated road, which leads into the grasslands area.