There’s Something Magical About These 10 Pennsylvania Lakes In The Summer
Summer in the Keystone State is a beautiful *and* hot season, and there’s nothing better than beating the heat with a dip in one of the many swimming holes and lakes in Pennsylvania. In fact, Pennsylvania has many impressive lakes where you can fish, swim, boat, or relax on the beach. We created this list where we’ve rehashed some of our favorite bodies of water and explored new ones for the ultimate list of swimming holes, pools, and lakes in Pennsylvania that are perfect for a refreshing day in the water!
Pymatuning Lake is home to the Linesville Spillway, where ducks walk on fish. The fish are so densely packed that a loaf of bread will disappear almost instantly once you throw it in the water - and you will see the masses of fish writhing to retrieve the food. It is one of the oddest and most popular attractions in Pennsylvania.
Black Moshannon Lake is popular for camping, fishing, swimming, boating... basically anything you can imagine. It also includes an expansive bog which is the largest wetland area in Pennsylvania. Here you will find fun summer activities and a unique landscape -- including one of our favorite beaches in Pennsylvania!
Black Moshannon, Rush Township, PA 16866, USA
3. Glendale Lake (Prince Gallitzin State Park), Fallentimber
We promise that your stay at Glendale Lake will be more fun than the name of Muskrat Beach makes it sound. At Muskrat Beach, you can not only swim, but also buy snacks at a concession stand, play disc golf, enjoy a game of volleyball, or picnic.
Conneaut Lake is the largest natural lake in Pennsylvania, at about three miles long and one mile wide. Its deepest point is 80 feet deep ... now, that's a lake where you could find a Loch Ness Monster. At Conneaut Lake Park, you can enjoy a variety of attractions including miniature golf, a wooden rollercoaster, a boardwalk on the beach, and more.
The Kinzua Dam is one of the largest dams in the country and forms the Allegheny Reservoir or Kinzua Lake. If you enjoy camping, then Kinzua Lake is a great place to visit— its miles of hiking trails and scenic overlooks will keep you occupied for days.
Lake Winola is one of the lesser-known, yet most beautiful lakes in Pennsylvania. The 185-acre glacier lake is stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. It is a great spot for fishing and for boating.
Lake Winola, PA 18414, USA
7. Panther Hollow Lake (Schenley Park), Pittsburgh
One of the few urban spots on our list, Panther Hollow Lake is the crowning glory of Schenley Park, the second largest park in Pittsburgh. Shaped like a Goldfish cracker when viewed from above, the lake is now only a shadow of its former self. Up until the 70s, it was a popular ice skating and recreation spot; the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy has plans to restore the lake.
Shenango River Lake, though gorgeous, serves a practical function: to prevent flooding in the area around Pittsburgh. It is one of 16 reservoirs designed to prevent this flooding and is popular for anglers and campers.
9. Promised Land Lake (Promised Land State Park), Greentown
Blue Marsh Lake is an artificial lake located not far from Reading. Not only is the lake itself popular for fishing, boating, and swimming, but the surrounding recreational area has 36 miles of trails for biking or hiking.
Blue Marsh National Recreation Area, Blue Marsh Nat'l Recreation Area, Pennsylvania, USA
What other lakes in Pennsylvania would you add? Share your ideas in the comments.
Looking for more aquatic activities to beat the heat in the Keystone State? This beautiful beach and swimming hole in Pennsylvania needs to be on your summer bucket list!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Lakes in Pennsylvania
June 28, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some of the clearest lakes in Pennsylvania?
Natural pools are so refreshing in the summer, but there's something about a clear-blue body of water that's even more inviting and alluring. We get it, and that's why we simply love Raystown Lake, which is one of the clearest lakes in Pennsylvania (if not *the* clearest lake in PA, to be honest). This lovely lake, which spans 8,000 incredible acres, is not only beautiful, but chock-full of opportunities for outdoor recreation of all varieties, from kayaking, boating, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding, to birding and simply relaxing on the beach. Before you decide what to do, stand on the water's edge to admire the simple beauty of what some have called the clearest lake in Pennsylvania. Once you see it, you're sure to agree. The lake offers an idyllic opportunity for staying cool during the summer. Throw your beach towel on the sand and take a dip in the clear water ... it's undoubtedly going to become your new favorite place!
Are there any swimming holes in Pennsylvania?
Yes! There are all sorts of natural swimming opportunities in Pennsylvania, from waterfall swimming pools to clear-blue lakes and lovely natural pools Embrace all that summer has to offer – including the heat – with a cool down in these refreshing lakes in Pennsylvania. Some of our favorite natural spots to beat the heat include Beltzville State Park, Mt. Gretna Lake, and the Meadow Run Natural Waterslides. Natural swimming holes *and* water parks? Only in Pennsylvania!
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