Check back on June 23, 2022 when this blog will be updated! A shimmering blue jewel set in the midst of Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, Lake Wallenpaupack has enticed vacationers for nearly a century. Created in the 1920s, this 5,700-acre reservoir is the second largest body of water contained entirely within the Commonwealth, offering plenty of space for paddlers and anglers to spread out and enjoy the water. With 52 miles of shoreline, there's lots to discover on land as well!
Lake Wallenpaupack
Stunning Lake Wallenpaupack, a man-made lake built in 1926 covering 5,700 acres and 13 miles in…
Flanked by Wayne County to the north and Pike County to the south, Lake Wallenpaupack is more than just a water playground. You'll find charming small towns filled with shops, dining and history, like Hawley and Honesdale, located a short distance from the shores. Keep reading to check out eight of the best things to do at the ‘Big Lake.’
Spend a Day on the Water
Whatever summer splash activities are on your dream lake day list, you're sure to find them at Lake Wallenpaupack. Pack a picnic and head for the family-friendly Palmyra Township Public Beach to spend a day swimming and soaking up the sun along the sandy shoreline.
Rather get out in a boat? Paddle the lake in a canoe or kayak, or give stand-up paddleboarding a try. The serene water is ideal for first-time paddleboarders and kid-friendly kayaking trips. With so much acreage to explore, Lake Wallenpaupack has plenty to offer seasoned paddlers as well. Find public launch points at Mangan Cove or pay a small fee at the access areas at Caffrey, Ironwood Point, Ledgedale and Wilsonville.
Palmyra Township Public Beach on Lake Wallenpaupack
Beautiful, lake beach open to the public during the summer. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor…
Local outfitters providing boat rentals, sales and scenic tours are conveniently dotted all along Lake Wallenpaupack's shores. Choose your vessel and take a trip with Sterling Marina in Lake Ariel, The Boat Shop in Tafton, Pine Crest Marina or Pocono Action Sports at Lighthouse Harbor Marina in Greentown, or Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours & Rentals or Rubber Duckie Boat Rentals in Hawley. From family-friendly patio and pontoon boats to fishing boats to jet skis and high-speed boats perfect for water skiing, you'll find a wide variety of watercraft to captain for the day.
Sterling Marina
Sterling Marina is a full-service marina located on Lake Wallenpaupack. Their premium boat brands…
The Boat Shop
The Boat Shop on Lake Wallenpaupack provides everything you need for a memorable experience on the…
Pine Crest Marina
Looking for a thrilling summer activity? Get out on the water! Pine Crest Marina rents the…
Pocono Action Sports at Lighthouse Harbor Marina
Ready for a day on the water? Pocono Action Sports at Lighthouse Harbor Marina makes it easy to get…
Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tour & Boat Rentals
Wallenpaupack Boat Rentals offers some of the finest rental equipment in the area. Rent pontoon…
Rubber Duckie Boat Rentals
Ready to ride on Lake Wallenpaupack? Visit Rubber Duckie Boat Rentals and choose from over 30 boats!…
Hit the Trail
Don't feel like getting wet? Explore one of the area’s scenic hiking trails! Stay in sight of the water on the Wallenpaupack Lake Trail, accessible from the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center. The trail traces the lakeshore for about three miles, offering the chance to glimpse bald eagles and other birds of prey, before merging with the half-mile Wallenpaupack Creek Trail. For a longer trek, head to Promised Land State Park about eight miles from the Big Lake. Perched on the Pocono Plateau, the park features nearly 50 miles of paths to wander and two lakes of its own. Hikers and runners can also branch into the extensive trail system in adjacent Delaware State Forest.
Wallenpaupack Lake Trail - Hiking
See the sights around beautiful Lake Wallenpaupack! The Wallenpaupack Lake Trail is a gentle…
Promised Land State Park
Spanning 3,000 acres on the Pocono Plateau, Promised Land State Park is 1,800 feet above sea level…
Delaware State Forest
Discover the Delaware State Forest. 80,056 acres, more than 100 miles of trails, over 5,000 acres of…
Drop a Line
Lake Wallenpaupack is known to harbor exceptionally hefty smallmouth bass, but there are plenty of other types of fish lurking beneath the surface as well, including largemouth bass, yellow perch and channel catfish. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks the lake with walleye, striped bass and brown trout. If you're introducing your youngsters to fishing for the first time, Lake Wallenpaupack is the perfect place to go.
Looking to hook a legendary lake catch? Get some tips from local experts! Ray’s Charter Guide Service specializes in bass fishing, with outings for pros and first-time anglers alike. If planning your own fishing expedition, don't forget a valid fishing license is required for anglers 16 years old and up. Short-term tourist permits are available for visitors and can be purchased online.
Ray's Charter Guide Service
Charter fishing guide service. Specialized in catching smallmouth and largemouth bass on beautiful…
Explore the Region's Rich History
From the first Native American inhabitants to the early Dutch and English settlers of the 17th century; from the industrialists of the 1850s to the honeymooners of the 1950s, the area surrounding Lake Wallenpaupack has a rich history, and there are many local museums that bring the Poconos' past alive for present-day visitors.
With displays in three difference locations, the Wallenpaupack Historical Society preserves the history and heritage of the lake and the region. The Wayne County Historical Society has its home base in Honesdale, where the showpiece of the main museum is a reproduction of the Stourbridge Lion which once ran on nearby tracks, the first commercial locomotive operated in the United States. Just north of Hawley, the 16-acre Delaware and Hudson Canal Park showcases the 108-mile engineering marvel that was used in the nineteenth century to transport coal from Pennsylvania to New York, with historical structures to explore like Daniels Farmhouse and Canal Lock 31
The historic Hawley Silk Mill was built in 1880 and has been re-imagined several times over the years. Today, you can trace the building's past while you browse a collection of boutiques, art galleries and a cozy coffee house. In White Mills, the Dorflinger Glass Museum highlights another area industry and exhibits the beautiful cut crystal fashioned by the factory from 1852 until 1921.
Wayne County Historical Society & Museum
The Wayne County Historical Society was organized on May 26, 1917 and was incorporated in 1922. The…
Delaware & Hudson Canal
The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River includes portions of the Delaware and Hudson Canal…
Hawley Silk Mill
Explore the shops at the Hawley Silk Mill. The ground floor of the landmark Hawley Silk Mill houses…
Dorflinger Factory Museum
Dorflinger Factory Museum is a regional industrial heritage museum celebrating the history and…
Grab a Bite to Eat
When you're starting to feel hungry, there's no need to worry. You'll find a plethora of different eateries close to the Big Lake, many offering panoramic views along with delicious dishes.
The Dock on Wallenpaupack was a bustling roadhouse in the 1940s, and more than a half-century later, the space is a full-service waterfront restaurant with both indoor seating and deck dining. Part of Silver Birches Resort, a historic property which has graced the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack for nearly a century, the Dock offers everything from surf and turf to brick oven pizza.
The Boat House Restaurant in Hawley is another storied lakefront spot. The restaurant originated as a cozy ice cream stand, in the 1950s and today serves up a range of comfort food classics, like burgers and fried chicken sandwiches. Also in Hawley, Gresham’s Chop House features both indoor and outdoor dining, and a menu loaded with steaks, seafood and traditional Italian fare. Stop by Gresham's Ice Cream Shoppe for a sweet treat after your meal.
Eager to sample regional craft beer? Head to the Wallenpaupack Brewing Company. This trendy brewery pours everything from stouts to specialty sours and serves tasty bites to munch like burgers and cheesesteaks.
The Dock on Wallenpaupack
The Dock on Wallenpaupack presents a combination of water-inspired foods and culinary twists on…
The Boat House
Nestled along the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack in the Pocono Mountains, The Boat House Restaurant…
Gresham's Chop House
Casual family dining overlooking beautiful Lake Wallenpaupack. Treat the family to a delicious…
Gresham's Ice Cream Shoppe
Chill out with a sweet treat from this lakeside shop! Gresham's Ice Cream Shoppe is a locally owned…
Wallenpaupack Brewing Company
Wallenpaupack Brewing Company is a highly awarded 17,000 square foot craft brewery located in…
Go Treasure Hunting
Take a break from the heat and duck out of the sun and into local shops! You'll find hidden gems in abundance in nearby boutiques and antique stores. Start at the nonprofit Wayne Pike Sullivan Antique Dealers Association, which has been fostering appreciation of antiquities and art for over 50 years, regularly hosting antique shows and sales.
Got a sweet tooth? Penny Lane Candies & Candles in Hawley is teeming with delectable goodies. The boutique also stocks a wide array of candles and other gifts, including toys, cards and award-winning hot sauces. Lake Art offers unique home decor, apparel and gifts perfect for finding souvenirs to take that lake vibe home with you.
Wayne Pike Sullivan Antique Dealers Association
Organized in 1967, WPSADA seeks to provide members and the public with opportunities to increase…
Penny Lane Candies & Candles
Take a stroll down memory lane, visit Penny Lane Candies & Candles to find your favorite candies…
Lake Art
Outfitting your Lake Wallenpaupack lifestyle. Lake Art is owned by a local artist who concepts and…
Try Something New
While time-tested, classic water activities are a must at Lake Wallenpaupack, there are also lots of out-of-the-box adventures to check out. The brand new Soarin' Eagle Rail Tours recently opened in nearby Hawley, offering visitors the chance to take a scenic cycle right on the railroad, winding along the Lackawaxen River. If the day turns rainy, maybe it's time to give ax throwing a try! Pocono Axe Works is a great place for some friendly competition for guests 14 and older.
Soarin' Eagle Rail Tours
The Pocono Mountains first and only railbiking recreational adventure. Railbiking is a fun outdoor…
Pocono Axe Works
Visit Pocono Axe Works for date night, family time, fun with friends, stress relief, cardio, or team…
Wally Lake Fest
Scheduled for August 27-29, 2021, this annual event epitomizes summer on Lake Wallenpaupack, Wally Lake Fest is a celebration highlighting everything that is great about the season. Enjoy lake-based activities, boating demos and watersports, as well as land-based fun including live music performances and open-air markets. There are also plenty of tasty eats, from BBQ to farm-to-table cuisine.
Wally Lake Fest
- 08/26/2022 - 08/28/2022
Lake Wallenpaupack is celebrated during this action-packed weekend event. Wally Lake Fest is a…
Is it time to head to the lake yet? Find great accommodations near Lake Wallenpaupack and even more ideas for summer fun in our area as you start planning your getaway!
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