Top 5 Lakes in Pike County

Many lakes in Pike County offer family-friendly activities. Promised Land State Park, with its two lakes, offers camping, swimming, and educational programs. Lake Wallenpaupack is excellent for a wide range of water activities and shore-based recreation. Lake Greeley provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming in a serene woodland setting. Fairview Lake is also noted as ideal for family-oriented getaways.

Yes, several lakes offer hiking trails. Promised Land State Park has numerous trails within its 3,000 acres. You can also find hiking around Lake Greeley. For more options, explore the Easy hikes in Pike County guide, which includes routes like the Tusten Mountain Trail and Raymondskill/Creek Trail.

Lake Wallenpaupack is the largest and most popular for boating, swimming, and various water sports due to its expansive size. Promised Land State Park's lakes also permit boating and swimming. Lake Greeley and Shohola Marsh Reservoir offer boating, with Lake Minisink allowing electric motors only to maintain its pristine condition.

Pike County offers excellent fishing. Shohola Marsh Reservoir is known for bluegill, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and pumpkinseed. Lake Greeley has bass, trout, sunfish, and catfish. Lake Minisink is stocked with trout and also contains panfish, catfish, pickerel, and bass. Decker Pond and Beaver Lake are also popular fishing spots, as are state-owned lakes like White Deer Lake, Pine Lake, and Stairway Lake.

Yes, Bruce Lake is a notable natural glacial lake, formed 15,000 to 20,000 years ago. It is one of only about 50 natural lakes in Pennsylvania, offering a unique natural wonder for those interested in geology and pristine environments.

Cyclists can enjoy riding along a paved road bordering Shohola Marsh Reservoir. Lake Greeley also offers biking. For more detailed routes, check out the Road Cycling Routes in Pike County guide, which includes loops around Lake Greeley and Lake Wallenpaupack.

The lakes offer activities year-round. Summer is ideal for swimming, boating, and water sports. Fall brings beautiful foliage, perfect for hiking and scenic drives. Winter allows for activities like ice fishing on some lakes, depending on conditions. Spring is great for fishing and enjoying the reawakening nature.

Promised Land State Park is listed as dog-friendly, offering trails and areas where you can enjoy the outdoors with your pet. Always check specific park regulations for leash rules and restricted areas.

Shohola Marsh Reservoir is a 1,137-acre man-made lake created in 1967 by the Pennsylvania Game Commission specifically to support the waterfowl population. It's long, narrow, and shallow, making it a unique habitat and a popular spot for fishing and cycling along its paved road.

Yes, towns like Hawley and Greentown are near Lake Wallenpaupack and offer various accommodation options. Promised Land State Park also provides camping facilities within its grounds.

Lake Wallenpaupack is a large, 5,700-acre reservoir built for hydroelectric purposes, offering extensive recreational opportunities. Promised Land State Park, on the other hand, encompasses two smaller, scenic lakes (Promised Land Lake and Lower Lake) within a 3,000-acre state park, focusing more on nature education, camping, and a state park experience.

Some state-owned lakes like White Deer Lake, Pine Lake, and Stairway Lake are hike-in only, offering a more secluded and tranquil experience away from more developed areas. Lake Minisink, while state-owned, has a private lake feel due to surrounding cabins and docks, and its electric-motor-only rule helps maintain its quiet atmosphere.