Discover one of NEPA’s best spots for water adventures and hiking explorations at Beltzville State Park. The park, just five miles outside of Lehighton, spreads out into the southern foothills of the Pocono Mountains. Idyllic nature, pristine waters, lush forests and breathtaking mountain views abound in this picturesque state park.

Beltzville State Park encompasses 3,000 acres, including the 949-acre Beltzville Lake. NEPA locals, adventurous families and out-of-towners visit the park all year round to soak up its seasonal beauty. And even migrating waterfowl find it difficult to pass up an annual stop.

Grab a park map and explore these highlights within the park.

Happy Trails: Explore on Foot or by Bike

There are fifteen miles of marked trails ready to be explored. Enjoy wooded pathways, open meadows, lakeside trails and waterfalls. Trails vary in length. They range from beginner level under one mile to more difficult paths up to four miles.

For the adventurous hiker, on the west end of the dam is the Saw Mill Trail. This historical hike winds past the remains of a gristmill, small ponds, a stream, and an abandoned 18th-century slate quarry. The Falls Trail is great for beginners and extends just one mile. It leads hikers to the Wild Creek Falls Bridge, through the forest, then upstream to the Wild Creek Falls.

A Day On The Lake

The 949-acre Beltzville Lake attracts swimmers, fishers, boaters and water-skiers thanks to its versatility. There’s nothing more refreshing in the summer than a dip in the lake nor a better place to cast a line.

The sandy beach along the shore is a favorite spot for families to gather to swim, play in the sand, and sunbathe. The swimming beach is open during the summer months, Memorial Day to Labor Day, from 8 AM to sunset.

You can find some of the best fishing in the Poconos at Beltzville Lake, which is fed via the Pohopoco Creek. Fishing enthusiasts, young and old, take advantage of the park’s trout-stocked waters during all seasons. Anglers also target the lake’s healthy populations of walleye, bass, muskellunge, perch and chain pickerel.

Boating is another great way to spend a day on the water. Most recreational boats are permitted with the maximum speed limit being 45 mph. You may bring your own boat onto the lake or take advantage of nearby boat rentals.

Boaters enter the lake either at the south shore’s two-lane launch ramp, or at the publicly accessible boat launch on the northern shore of the reservoir. Water-skiing is permitted in zoned ski areas on the south shore of the lake.

Winter Adventurers

The park is open for cold-weather recreational use, too. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing is accessible in the open, rolling fields throughout the park, as well as nine miles of hiking and biking trials. Ice fishing and iceboating is welcome on Beltzville Lake. Ice thickness is not monitored, so use caution and only fish in areas away from the dam, where the ice is more stable.

Plan a Trip

Pack a lunch and make a day of it. This peaceful, tranquil park has wooded and open picnic areas in the Pine Run West Day Use Area. The picnic areas are equipped with modern restrooms, drinking water, parking and day use mooring for boats. They also feature nearby recreational playfields and a children’s ADA-accessible playground.

Easily accessible off of I-476, Beltzville State Park is a short, scenic drive from everywhere in NEPA. You can even plan amenity-filled side trips in nearby Jim Thorpe, Weatherly, and White Haven. And for more adventure, be sure to check out Wieser State Forest and Hickory Run State Park.