In the summer, Pennsylvania’s lakes and rivers become popular tourist destinations as many visitors flock to their shores for downtime and recreation. Whether you love fishing for massive freshwater catches, jetting across calm blue lakes on water skis, or hiking through thick forests by the water’s edge, Pennsylvania’s many lakes and rivers are ideal getaways. If you want to get the most out of your summer in Pennsylvania, we’ve listed some of the state’s most scenic lakes and rivers to explore.
Lake Wallenpaupack
The 5,200-acre Lake Wallenpaupack is one of the largest lakes in Pennsylvania and a well-known summer getaway. Lake Wallenpaupack is known for its fishing scene, hosting large pike, bass, and trout. Visitors can swim, enjoy water sports, or explore the lake’s gorgeous coves.
Lake Harmony
Lake Harmony is a gorgeous glacial lake among thick forests and rolling hills in the Pocono Mountains. As a busy tourist hub, charter boats and boat tours frequently pass through the frigid yet clear water. In the winter, many people go to Lake Harmony to ski or ice skate.
Lake Erie
Lake Erie is one of the country’s famous Great Lakes and the only one that touches Pennsylvania. Several major cities and vacation destinations line the shore, including the town of Fairview and Presque Isle State Park in Erie. While Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie shoreline is smaller than those in other states, it includes pleasant sandy beaches and scenic trails along the water.
Lake Nockamixon
Lake Nockamixon is a lovely reservoir in Pennsylvania’s southeastern region. Boating, sailing, and fishing are especially popular at this meandering lake, but swimming is not permitted. To visit Lake Nockamixon, head to Nockamixon State Park. This 5,286-acre park is an idyllic site for hiking near the lake.
Susquehanna River
The Susquehanna River is the longest river on the East Coast, starting in New York, flowing through Pennsylvania, and ending in Maryland. The river is an excellent recreational area, and many enjoy rafting, tubing, and kayaking along its calm, slow-moving current. The river, hosting walleye and bass, is also popular among anglers.
Raystown Lake
Raystown Lake is the largest lake that is entirely within Pennsylvania, and it is popular for fishing, boating, and water sports. This gorgeous 8,300-acre lake offers 118 miles of shoreline, and picturesque pine forests, lodges, campsites, and resorts line the water.
Allegheny River
The 325-mile-long Allegheny River is one of the three major rivers that flow through Pittsburgh. The Allegheny River is a National Wild and Scenic River with incredible biodiversity and a large population of freshwater mussels. During the summer, the Allegheny River is filled with boaters and swimmers who enjoy the calm water and the city views from the river.
