Pennsylvania offers thousands of beautiful lakes that span more than 150,000 acres. During the summer, the Keystone State represents an appealing destination for vacationers who like to swim, fish, sail, scuba dive or water ski, and some even enjoy snowmobiling or ice fishing in the winter. Here are 10 of the top lakes to worthy of a visit while in Pennsylvania.
1. Raystown Lake
You can find Raystown Lake near Martinsburg in Huntingdon County. It features a luxurious resort, hiking trails and a marina that provides convenient boat rentals. Many visitors fish or swim in the 8,500-acre lake. If rainy weather develops, travelers can browse a nearby auto museum.
2. Laurel Lake
Cumberland County’s Laurel Lake attracts vacationers to central Pennsylvania with its soft beaches, bike trails and birdwatching opportunities. It also boasts eye-catching mountain scenery. The swimming area opens on the first day of May and closes when September ends. Multiple trout species inhabit the adjoining creek.
3. Arrowhead Lake
If you seek tranquility, think about traveling to Arrowhead Lake in eastern Pennsylvania. You’ll find it within a gated community that welcomes guests but prohibits all watercraft with gas engines. Abundant bass and trout draw numerous anglers to this body of water. You can rent a boat or go swimming. The community offers vacation home rentals as well.
4. Lake Naomi
Lake Naomi spans almost 280 acres in northeastern Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. It features multiple islands and beaches. All of the swimming areas benefit from lifeguards during the summer. If you swim or sunbathe at Club Beach, you can order a snack in the lakeside cafe. Boaters may rent non-motorized vessels at a nearby marina.
5. Beltzville Lake
Beltzville State Park contains a man-made lake with the same name. This sizable body of water is located in the Poconos near Danielsville. The sandy beach measures more than 500 feet long. Fishing enthusiasts often catch trout and bass. During the coldest months, many people enjoy skiing or ice fishing in this area.
6. Lake Harmony
Kidder Township’s Lake Harmony covers 125 acres in Carbon County. Numerous people visit the mountainous area to engage in winter sports or hike various trails. This natural lake is home to an assortment of fish, such as trout, perch, bass and bluegill. The lakeside resort features a beach and golf course.
7. Conneaut Lake
Crawford County’s beautiful Conneaut Lake spans 947 acres. This makes it the Keystone State’s biggest natural lake. A shrinking glacier created it as the Ice Age came to an end. Vacationers frequently fish, swim, sunbathe or visit the waterfront amusement park. You can also stroll along a boardwalk. The local community arranges yearly art and pumpkin festivals.
8. Lake Erie
Presque Isle offers several attractive beaches with lifeguards. The island’s authorities only let people swim in Lake Erie during the late spring and summer. Several years ago, an Ohio resident traveled from Ontario to western Pennsylvania by swimming for 19 hours! Anglers can catch walleye, bass and steelhead in this colossal body of water.
9. Pymatuning Lake
If you want to see the state’s biggest lake that doesn’t straddle any national borders, look no further than Pymatuning Reservoir in Jamestown. You’ll find campgrounds, marinas and beaches on the north and south shores. Vacationers can enjoy lakeside picnics or stay overnight in cabins at Pymatuning State Park.
10. F.J. Sayers Lake
Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir provides visitors with numerous opportunities to spot wild animals. These creatures range from great blue herons to snapping turtles and crayfish. The Bald Eagle State Park Marina offers bicycle, paddle board and boat rentals. Children appreciate the park’s playground. This Howard, Pa. attraction also features a lengthy beach and memorable mountain views.
Leave A Comment