Directions to Geneva Marsh Area
(Submitted by Richard Nugent)

Custards – From Pittsburgh drive north on I-79 and take exit 141. At the end of the exit ramp turn right and go east on route 285 for about 1.3 miles. At the village of Custards turn left on Mercer Pike Road and travel about 0.5 miles north. When you cross over a small bridge, there is good parking on the right. The marsh stretches to the west all the way to I-79 and beyond. On those rare sunny days, it is best to visit this spot in the morning when the sun is at your back. By late afternoon you will be looking directly toward the sun. This is an excellent spot for migrating waterfowl, marsh birds, bald eagles etc. This is part of game lands 213.

The Wells – From Pittsburgh drive north on I-79 and take exit 141. At the end of the exit ramp turn left and go west on route 285 for about 1.7 miles. As you climb a long uphill stretch of road there are excellent views of the marsh to your right. When the road levels off, look for a narrow dirt road on the right at a game lands sign. Turn right on this road and proceed about 0.6 miles to the end. There are places to park at the end of this road and good views of the marsh. This is a rough dirt road with no winter maintenance, so be very careful. The lower part of this road is subject to flooding. This is also part of game lands 213 and a good place to see waterfowl, marsh birds, bald eagles etc. At the end of the road is an artesian well, from which this spot gets its name.

Geneva Marsh – From Pittsburgh drive north on I-79 and take exit 141. At the end of the exit ramp turn left and go west on route 285 for about 2.9 miles. You will be in the village of Geneva and should turn right on Main Street. Drive about 1.1 miles north on Main Street and when you cross a small bridge, bear left. At this fork in the road there is a good parking area. This road is subject to flooding when there is ample rain or melting snow. It is wise to visit in the morning since you will be looking toward the sun in late afternoon. This is another part of game lands 213 and a good place for seeing migrating waterfowl, marsh birds, bald eagles etc.

Red Dot Road – From Pittsburgh drive north on I-79 and take exit 141. At the end of the exit ramp turn left and go west on route 285 for about 5.4 miles. Turn right on McMichael Road (look for the “Red Dot Farm Storage” sign) and drive north on McMichael Road (also known as Red Dot Road) for about 1.4 miles. There is a large marshy area on both sides of the road which is an excellent place to see and hear breeding Swamp Sparrows. This marsh is also part of game lands 213 and a good place for seeing migrating waterfowl, marsh birds etc.