The Best Kept Summer Secret in Pennsylvania Is This Peaceful Fishing Lake

The summer heat is in full swing, and it always brings to mind one question — where can I find the best place to cool off? Pennsylvania is full of amazing lakes and rivers where you can go swimming, boating, or fishing, but many of them are especially crowded this time of year. That's why it's always so great to find a secret lake in Pennsylvania that the crowds haven't discovered yet, and I found an amazing one just over the border from New Jersey in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Appropriately named Hidden Lake, this peaceful, elongated lake near East Stroudsburg has gained a reputation as one of the best fishing holes in the Keystone State. It's part of a sprawling natural area with hundreds of trails and water features across two states, but this area is a great little retreat with an easy trail ideal for the whole family. Unlike so many other water spots in Pennsylvania that get packed on hot days, this is an amazing and peaceful spot that is an excellent opportunity to recharge not just the body, but the spirit.

What Makes This Spot So Special

Hidden Lake is tucked away in a quiet area near East Stroudsburg, with rolling forests surrounding it. It's gained a reputation as one of the best fishing lakes in Pennsylvania, with the man-made lake regularly stocked with largemouth bass, pickerel, and highly sought-after rainbow trout. It's also a popular spot for boating, so you'll likely see a few kayaks taking in the sights.

What It's Like to Visit

One of my favorite parts of the Hidden Lake area is the Hidden Lake Loop, which takes you around the lake and into the woods along an easy, well-maintained 1.9-mile trail. The trail is largely flat and features a few small bridges, and the breeze from the lake nicely carries into the surrounding area.

This is a great hike for families, and dogs are welcome on the trail as long as they stay on-leash. One of the best things about the trail is the historic building ruins you'll encounter along the way. The largest building, and one that makes a great photo opportunity, is an abandoned YMCA built on the banks of the river.

What To Know Before You Go

The Delaware Water Gap itself is open 24-7 year-round, but areas like Hidden Lake are typically open from sunrise to sunset during the summer. The lake is about a 15-minute drive from downtown East Stroudsburg and is accessible by bus and a two-mile hike for those coming in without a car. For another water adventure in the area, East Stroudsburg is home to one of the best tubing operations in Pennsylvania.

Have you visited this beautiful secret lake in Pennsylvania before? If not, this is the perfect chance to discover it for yourself before others do, so tell a travel buddy about this article and plan a visit to this quiet area of the Delaware Water Gap! You can see more photos of the lake and trail on the AllTrails trail listing, and check out the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area website for details on all the adventures you can have in this cross-state natural area! If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind spot to stay in the East Stroudsburg area, this Castle Airbnb is ideal for a large vacation group.

If you're planning to explore the Keystone State this summer, don't miss out on any of the spots on Only in Your State's list of the best hidden gems in Pennsylvania!