Paddle the rapids or relax and let the water take you where it may
Thrill seekers and nature lovers will revel in the sheer beauty and excitement of Pennsylvania’s vast lakes and rivers, offering recreational activities year ’round.
The 2,840-acre Youghiogheny River Lake in the Laurel Highlands allows visitors to swim, rent powerboats, go water skiing and fish for Walleye and smallmouth bass. The 239-acre Walker Lake in the Susquehanna River Valley is excellent for fishing and boating. The 20-acre Parker Lake is tucked in a tranquil area of the the Pennsylvania Wilds, where visitors can enjoy the woodlands and maybe catch a glimpse of some waterfowl, such as osprey.
A truly unique spectacle is the Adam T. Bower Dam, the longest inflatable dam in the world. It spans the Susquehanna River at Sunbury and, when inflated, creates a 3,000-acre compound called Lake Augusta, which extends six and a half miles. In the summer it becomes a center for boaters and water skiers, as well as fisherman.
The rivers and streams offer even more recreational action. The Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle State Park is a top spot for whitewater rafting. Areas along the river range from Class 1 to Class 4 difficulty, so rafters of all skill levels can enjoy the rapids. Greenhouse Park, near Johnstown, is home to Whitewater Park, where kayakers, canoers, swimmers and tubers can play in Pennsylvania’s first set of artificial rapids.
Take a break from the action and relax on the sand. Budny Beach is a popular spot along Lake Erie for boaters, kite flyers and swimmers; while Pine Lake Beach is a smaller, more secluded shoreline located in Little Pine State Park.