Those scorching days of summer often mean hiding away in air conditioning or seeking solace in the cool waters of a swimming pool or a nearby lake, like one of our favorites, Laurel Lake in Pennsylvania. In fact, not only is this lake absolutely lovely, but it's shockingly cold, too! For a really spine-tingly, chilling experience, head to this beautiful state park that boasts a beautiful and cold mountain lake that just might be the coldest lake in Pennsylvania.
Snuggled in Pine Grove Furnace State Park is a shimmering mountain lake, Laurel Lake, that has kept generations of Pennsylvanians chilled on hot summer days.
Start your adventure at the sprawling state park with a stop at the General Store to stock up on everything you need for an afternoon picnic.
Spread your favorite beach towel chair on the sandy beach, which features a concession stand, that leads to the cold water of Laurel Lake.
Laurel Lake's temperatures generally hover around 50 degrees, so cold that the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) warns swimmers about the water's low temperatures and extreme depths.
If Laurel Lake's water is too cold for you, explore the lake by boat or kayak. The lake, which is open daily from dawn until dusk, does not have lifeguards on duty.
Once you've thoroughly cooled off, slip on your hiking shoes and hit one of the trails that wind through the park or...
Go fishing, biking, or wildlife watching. Plan a visit for the cold winter months to ice skate on Laurel Lake, snowmobile, or cross-country ski along the park's trails.
Ready to dive into what just might be the coldest lake in Pennsylvania? Let's go!
Address: Laurel Lake, Pine Grove Furnace State Park, 1100 Pine Grove Road, Gardners, PA, 17324.
Visit the Pennsylvania State Parks website for more information.
Not really in the mood to dive into Laurel Lake, the coldest lake in Pennsylvania, just yet? No worries. You'll find plenty of other amazing lakes in the state, including Promised Land Lake.
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