Some say that time wasted at the lake is time well spent. If you’re looking for adventure this summer and want to visit someplace new, here are five lakes we recommend “wasting” time at this summer in Central Pennsylvania.
Marsh Creek Lake
A tranquil lake that’s surrounded by trees and other scenery, Marsh Creek Lake was created by damming the Marsh Creek River. Located in north-central Chester County, it’s a great spot to visit if you like to fish. You’re bound to catch largemouth bass, black crappie, channel catfish or other species of panfish while you’re here.
If you’re not much of a fisherman, Marsh Creek Lake is also great for sailing, kayaking and windsurfing. If you have your own boat there are two public boat launches. If not, there are boats available for rent and other equipment to make the most out of your lake day.
Rose Valley Lake
Nature lovers will love Rose Valley Lake, which is actually a reservoir located in Lycoming County. Managed by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, this lake is primarily used for game fishing as it’s stocked with muskellunge and walleye fingerlings. In season, birdwatchers can spot a number of water birds including diving ducks like the Ring-Necked Duck, Bufflehead and Ruddy Duck, dabblers including the American Wigeon and Northern Pintail, Long-Tailed Duck and Scoters. Pied-billed Grebe, Common Merganser, Common Loon and flocks of gulls are regularly seen. Other wildlife that nature lovers can expect to spot are herons, muskrats, snapping turtles, red-winged blackbirds, red fox, skunks and raccoons.
Stillwater Lake
Stillwater Lake is a reservoir that’s fed by rivers, creeks and underground springs, and flows to Lake Naomi. Located on the Pocono Summit, the lake has an interesting history as it once was a swamp and became a site for harvesting lumber. It was filled with water to transport lumber downstream to nearby sawmills. Today, it’s a popular vacation destination with lavish estates and summer homes. Because no jet skis and powered boats are allowed on the lake, it can offer you a peaceful weekend surrounded by nature. Camp Minsi, a Boy Scout camp, is also located on the shoreline and teaches hundreds of young men the ides of sailing, swimming and fishing each summer.
Ganoga Lake
Ganoga Lake finds itself within Rickett’s Glen State Park and is the source of the park’s famous waterfalls, also a great spot to visit over the summer! This natural lake in southeastern Sullivan County is one of the highest in the state at 2,260 feet above sea level. The lake is surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna and is home to plenty of fish species. Lake visitors may also be able to spot local wildlife like black bears, white-tailed deer, monarch butterflies and hummingbirds. Windsurfing and kayaking are also popular activities here.
Eagles Mere Lake
Eagles Mere Lake is a private, pristine lake that’s surrounded by gorgeous Pennsylvania foliage in Sullivan County. In the summer months, guests can rent canoes, sailboats, paddleboats, tan on the beach and ride around the lake in the “Hardly Able” a canvas-covered motor launch – the only powerboat allowed on the lake. In the later summer months like July and August, guests can look forward to sailing races and lake swims. And if you stay at the Eagles Mere Inn, you would have access to this premier lake during your stay.
The Eagles Mere Inn has 17 uniquely themed, cozy rooms designed to mirror the country life that surrounds them. And it’s within a two-hour drive of all the lakes listed above. For more information, visit eaglesmereinn.com.