PENNSYLVANIA - While Pennsylvania is known for its bustling cities and rolling mountain ranges, the Keystone State is also home to a fantastic array of beautiful lakes and the charming towns that sit upon their shores. These lake towns offer the perfect escape for a summer vacation, a fall foliage tour, or a relaxing weekend getaway.
From the vast shores of a Great Lake to the scenic coves of the Pocono Mountains, here is a guide to some of the best and most beloved lake towns in Pennsylvania.
1. Hawley (on Lake Wallenpaupack)
- The Vibe: Located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, Hawley is the quintessential town for experiencing Pennsylvania's largest man-made lake, Lake Wallenpaupack. The town itself is charming, boasting a historic downtown area with quaint shops, galleries, and restaurants.
- The Lake Experience: With 52 miles of shoreline, Lake Wallenpaupack is a massive playground for boating, waterskiing, jet skiing, and fishing. Numerous marinas offer boat rentals, and the surrounding area provides ample opportunities for hiking and enjoying the natural environment. Hawley is the perfect hub for a classic, high-energy lake vacation.
2. Erie (on Lake Erie)
- The Vibe: As Pennsylvania's only port on the Great Lakes, Erie offers a unique "seaside" town experience. The city combines a rich maritime history with the stunning natural beauty of Presque Isle State Park.
- The Lake Experience: Presque Isle, a sandy peninsula that curves into Lake Erie, features 13 beautiful beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The park is also a top destination for boating, kayaking, bird watching, and cycling. The lake itself offers world-class fishing for species like walleye and perch.
3. Jim Thorpe (near Mauch Chunk Lake)
- The Vibe: Nestled in a deep gorge in the Pocono Mountains, Jim Thorpe is a stunning Victorian town often referred to as the "Switzerland of America." While not directly on a massive lake, it's just a few minutes from the beautiful Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
- The Lake Experience: Mauch Chunk Lake offers a more tranquil experience, perfect for swimming at its sandy beach, fishing, camping, and paddling (including kayaking and canoeing). The town of Jim Thorpe itself, with its historic railroad, unique shops, and restaurants, provides the perfect base for a mountain and lake adventure.
4. Conneaut Lake (on Conneaut Lake)
- The Vibe: For a taste of classic, nostalgic Americana, Conneaut Lake is a beloved destination in Western Pennsylvania. The town is situated on the shore of Pennsylvania's largest natural lake.
- The Lake Experience: Conneaut Lake is known for its family-friendly atmosphere. It's a popular spot for boating, swimming, and fishing. The town is also famously home to Conneaut Lake Park, one of the country's oldest amusement parks, adding to the nostalgic, summer-vacation feel.
5. The Raystown Lake Region (Huntingdon County)
- The Vibe: While not a single "town," the region surrounding the massive Raystown Lake in Central Pennsylvania offers a more rustic and outdoors-focused lake experience.
- The Lake Experience: Raystown Lake is an 8,300-acre reservoir with 118 miles of pristine, undeveloped shoreline managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. It's a paradise for houseboating, fishing (especially for striped bass), and camping. Nearby towns, such as Huntingdon, serve as gateways to this vast natural playground.
From the shores of Lake Erie and the bustling energy of Lake Wallenpaupack to the nostalgic charm of Conneaut Lake and the mountain beauty of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania's lake towns offer a diverse range of incredible getaways. These destinations provide the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and enjoy the beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities that the Keystone State's lakes have to offer.
Sources:
- Visit PA (Official Pennsylvania Tourism Website)
- Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR - for State Parks)
- Local and regional tourism boards (e.g., Visit Erie, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, Raystown Lake Region)
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (for Raystown Lake)
- Travel publications and blogs focused on Pennsylvania travel