The United States Army Corps of Engineers built the Francis E. Walter Dam in 1961 to control flooding along the Lehigh River. But the dam is so much more than a safeguard against natural disaster—it’s also a popular recreation area where you can soak up the beauty of the Poconos.

One of the main attractions is the pristine 80-acre reservoir, which is a hotspot for kayaking. It’s also regularly stocked with trout, making it a draw for anglers hoping to reel in their next trophy. During dam releases, thrill seekers can go on a whitewater rafting adventure down the Lehigh River.

If you prefer to stay on dry land, check out the hiking trails. When the water levels are low, you’ll feel like you’re on another planet as you trek through the desert-like terrain of the flooded forest and the reservoir bed or you can gather your friends for a game on the disc golf course.

Video Edited By: Joseph Sharon, University of Miami, DiscoverNEPA Intern

Photography by: Courtney Snyder

Videography by: Brian Johnson