The Incredible Road Trip Through Pennsylvania That Leads You To 6 Stunning Lakes

Driving down the highway with nothing but the road ahead, counting license plates from other states, and pulling over at rest areas for a break and a quick chat with other travelers are just a few of the things that make road trips so special for me. The tough part is deciding where to road trip next since the possibilities are virtually endless in Pennsylvania. This road trip, for example, will lead you to a sampling of the best lakes in Pennsylvania.

Map Out Your Journey

Since Pennsylvania's a huge state with around 2,500 lakes, it's tough to choose just a few for a road trip. The good news is you can easily customize the Google Maps directions to meet your timeframe and needs. Want to add a bunch of stops? Easy. Prefer cutting one or two? Go for it. Whatever you do, get out there, see some of the best that Pennsylvania has to offer, and have fun!

1. Laurel Lake – Somerset

Let's start our road trip to some of Pennsylvania's most beautiful lakes at Laurel Lake, nestled in Laurel Hill State Park in Somerset. This pristine lake boasts a 1,200-foot sandy beach, making it one of the longest beaches in Pennsylvania. The beach is ADA-accessible. Laurel Lake is also popular with boaters. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, you can rent a variety of watercraft, including rowboats, paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes. Don't forget to bring your fishing gear, too.

2. Kettle Creek Lake – Renovo

Our next stop brings us to Kettle Creek Lake in Renovo, perhaps the most remote lake in Pennsylvania. Kettle Creek State Park's crowning jewel, the lake (or, officially, reservoir) is popular with boaters. Explore the 167-acre reservoir on a kayak, canoe, or sailboat. You might even want to cast a line and see what you catch. Brown bullhead, sucker fish, and panfish all live in the lake that's popular year-round. You can even go ice fishing here.

3. Lake Erie – Erie

You can't go on a Pennsylvania lakes road trip without including a stop at Presque Isle State Park, home to Lake Erie. You have 13 - count 'em 13 - beaches from which to choose to spend a day near or on the water. From kite flying to sunbathing, the Lake Erie shore has something for everyone. If you want to spend time on the water, you won't find a better place to go sailing, canoeing, or kayaking. Get your adrenaline flowing by surfing or water skiing, too.

4. Pymatuning Reservoir – Jamestown

Pymatuning Reservoir sits in one of the largest state parks in Pennsylvania. Pymatuning State Park spans more than 16,000 acres and is perhaps best known for the ducks that walk on fish. (You can feed both with the food you buy at the park.) The reservoir is arguably the masterpiece of the park with three beaches and idyllic conditions for boating, kayaking, and canoeing. You can rent a watercraft at one of three marina concessions in the park. Fishing is also popular.

5. Lake Arthur – Portersville

We're heading to Moraine State Park in Portersville, where you'll find the massive Lake Arthur. The 3,225-acre lake boasts two sandy beaches, perfect for sunbathing on a hot summer day. Prefer spending time on the man-made lake? Sailboating, canoeing, kayaking, and windsurfing are all popular. Bring your fishing gear, too. Don't discount a visit during the frigid days of winter either; stop by for a day of iceboating.

6. Keystone Lake – Derry

Let's wrap up our Pennsylvania lakes road trip at Keystone State Park, home of the beautiful Keystone Lake. The lake beckons beachgoers in the summer as well as boaters. Rent a boat at the seasonal concessions and explore the 78-acre lake or go fishing. If you've got the time, book a cabin or yurt. Some offer views of the lake and are just a short walk to the shore.

What do you think? Are these among the best lakes in Pennsylvania? Which would you add to the road trip? Let us know in the comments! If you don't have enough time for a road trip, set off on an epic day trip in Pennsylvania. Sometimes, though, we crave adventure but don't have time for a road trip or a day trip. That's when we hit a hiking trail for a quick outing. All Trails showcases the many hiking trails in Pennsylvania, including photos, maps, and hiker reviews.

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