Other Activities

Lake Wallenpaupack offers numerous other opportunities for recreational pursuits.

Hiking. Ledgedale and Shuman Point natural areas have marked trails. Explore the wetlands surrounding Beech House Creek Wildlife Refuge (no trails have been designated). Nearby state parks and gamelands also have trails. Motorized vehicles including ATVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles or other off-road vehicles are prohibited. Camping, picnicking, hunting and fire-building are also prohibited. Open daylight hours only.

Picnicking. Facilities at PPL's four recreation areas are available for a fee at Caffrey, Ironwood, Ledgedale and Wilsonville. Register with the director. Mangan Cove and the islands can be used at no charge. Areas are open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Pets are not permitted in any picnic area. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

Swimming. A public beach, adjacent to the Wilsonville Recreation Area, is open from July 1 to Labor Day. Swimming is not permitted at other PPL recreation areas.

Tafton Dike Observation Area. This earth-and-stone dike, located near the junction of U.S. Route 6 and Pennsylvania Route 507, was built to prevent an overflow in a naturally low area of shoreline. The area offers a panoramic view of the lake.

Bird watching. The Lake Wallenpaupack Overlook, a scenic point along Route 590 near the dam, is popular with birders. Observe the osprey-nesting platform, visible from the parking lot, where these beautiful birds of prey spend their summers.

Lake Wallenpaupack Boat Access Area and Mangan Cove. Jointly developed by PPL and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, the area includes a boat ramp provided by the commission and picnic facilities offered free of charge by PPL.

Islands. Four islands - Epply, Kipp, Burns and Cairns - have grills and tables for boat-in picnicking. Restrooms are available on Epply, Kipp and Cairns during the summer season. No camping, pets, open fires or alcoholic beverages are allowed. Open daylight hours only.

Attractions nearby. Horseback riding, whitewater rafting trips, golf and tennis on lighted courts, restaurants, nightlife, theater and downhill skiing are available at resorts close to the lake. Snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are permitted at some state game and forestlands. For more information on Pocono activities and accommodations, contact the Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau at 570-226-2141 or visit www.poconos.org. Additional information on local merchants and events is available from the Hawley-Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber of Commerce. E-mail them at hlwchmbr@ptd.net or visit their website.