Poe Lake

Poe Lake is a 25-acre lake in Poe Valley State Park, a 620-acre state park in Penn Township, Centre County, Pennsylvania. The lake is surrounded by forests and is popular for fishing, especially in the spring. The park also offers many other activities, including hiking, swimming, boating, and picnicking.

Poe Valley State Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, but day use areas close at dusk. The park is also dog-friendly, except in buildings and on the beach. Some say the drive to the park feels like going off the beaten path, with dirt roads surrounded by trees and nature.

The park is named after Big Poe Creek, which flows through the valley. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built camp S-63-PA in the park, where 200 young men created the park and built many of the roads.

Enjoy the serene waters of Poe Lake with boating opportunities limited to electric motors to maintain a peaceful environment. The park offers a single launch area and 12 seasonal mooring spaces. Paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes are available for rent from Memorial Day to Labor Day, making it easy for visitors to explore the 25-acre lake at a slow, no-wake speed.

Poe Lake is a favorite spot for both warm- and cold-water fishing. Anglers can look forward to catching brown and rainbow trout, catfish, pickerel, sunfish, and perch. The lake is stocked multiple times each season, especially popular during the trout season starting in mid-April. For those interested in stream fishing, the renowned Penns Creek and Big Poe Creek are nearby.

The park boasts several hiking trails that wind through the picturesque landscape of the Bald Eagle State Forest. These trails offer varying levels of difficulty, making them suitable for hikers of all ages and skill levels. The trails provide scenic views of the forest, the lake, and the surrounding hills (PA DCNR).

Picnic areas are conveniently located near Poe Lake, complete with drinking water, playgrounds, charcoal grills, and ADA-accessible picnic tables. One picnic pavilion can be reserved for a fee, while others are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For those looking to extend their stay, the park offers numerous camping options, including tent sites, trailer spaces, and motorhome spots with electric hookups. There are also camping cottages and a deluxe camping cottage, providing a more comfortable stay with amenities like electric heat, lights, and a fully-equipped kitchen area. The camping season runs from the second Friday in April to early December.

Poe Lake and Poe Valley State Park provide a perfect getaway with diverse recreational opportunities. Whether you're boating, fishing, hiking, or simply enjoying a picnic, this scenic destination in Happy Valley promises a memorable experience for all visitors.

Part of the 2.2 million acres of public lands maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.