At the southern trailhead of the Gerard Hiking Trail, the historic site of Petroleum Center marks what was once a bustling 19th‑century oil boomtown. Today, hikers can explore a self-guided interpretive trail featuring a boardwalk, informative signs, and the only visible remnant—a set of bank steps—from the town’s heyday.
The trail winds through a wooded gorge, crosses Oil Creek via a pedestrian bridge, and passes modern replicas of oil derricks and foundations scattered across the hillside.
Interpretive panels along the route connect you with stories of early oil entrepreneurs, rise‑and‑fall boomtown life, and the transformation of this valley into a forested state park. Restrooms, water access, and a visitor center are also available at the park office.