Pennsylvania’s breathtaking landscape, including the Appalachian, Allegheny, and Poconos Mountains, is peppered with over 2,500 lakes. Some are man-made, while others are natural glacial lakes formed as the Laurentide Ice Sheet stretched into parts of the state. From bustling resort towns like Conneaut Lake to isolated retreats like Eagles Mere, these small lakeside towns will melt your stress away. So, pack a bag and a beach towel, and get ready to explore these charming hamlets surrounding some of Pennsylvania’s amazing lakes!
Hawley
Nestled along the northern banks of Lake Wallenpaupack is the quaint town of Hawley. With over 52 miles of pristine shoreline, Lake Wallenpaupack is a great spot to relax along the water with a good book or catch an amazing sunset. Fun fact: Lake Wallenpaupack is the third largest man-made lake in the state! You can take a tour of the lake through the Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours and Rentals or lace up your hiking boots to check out the Wallenpaupack Lake Trail.
After getting your fill of lakeside attractions, downtown Hawley offers fun beach vacation-like activities without making the drive to the ocean. Costa’s Family Fun Park is a great spot for families with a host of seasonal activities like batting cages, go-karts, bumper boats, water slides, and mini golf. There are plenty of cozy shops and cafes in the downtown district (like Lake Wally Cafe), and even have a fun Hawley Farmers Market during the summer season. With family-friendly activities and scenic views, Hawley is like a beach vacation in the Poconos!
Conneaut Lake
As one of Pennsylvania’s largest natural bodies of water, Conneaut Lake makes for the perfect weekend escape. Fun fact: it was formed almost 12,000 years ago by glacial ice and spans nearly 1,000 acres! If you are dreaming of a lazy weekend by the water with all the amenities of home, Conneaut Lake is a must-visit. The downtown area boasts colorful, quirky attractions like the homey Lake Diner, or enjoy lakeside views while sipping a crisp glass of Chardonnay at the Conneaut Cellars Winery and Distillery.
In the late 1800s, Conneaut Lake was a hub for ice harvesting thanks to its pristine glacial waters. While it no longer harvests ice, Conneaut Lake honors its history at the Ice House Park. The park offers waterside views, picnic tables, and breathtakingly beautiful views of the water (especially at sunset!). It’s home to charming local festivals like the Winter Ice House Festival and is within walking distance of local distilleries, museums (like the Conneaut Lake Area Historical Society), and restaurants. With so much to see and do, Conneaut Lake is a must-visit on your next Pennsylvania road trip!
Lake Harmony
Located in the heart of the Poconos, Lake Harmony is a nature-lovers paradise 12 months out of the year. Whether you visit in the summer or the winter, there’s plenty to do in this beautiful town. Nestled along the shores of the 2.5-mile natural glacial lake Lake Harmony, it offers plenty of opportunities for water skiing, swimming, and snowmobiling in the winter. While many lakeside towns are only open for business in the warmer months, Lake Harmony is the perfect retreat for winter sports enthusiasts.
Hickory Run State Park, located in the western foothills of the Pocono Mountains, is the ideal spot for snowmobiling or cross-country skiing on over 20 miles of manicured trails. Or, you can lace up your ice skates and do a few figure eights on Sand Spring Lake. In the summer, be sure to check out Boulder Field located within Hickory Run State Park. It’s a one-of-a-kind field of boulders (hence the name) that has not changed in nearly 20,000 years and is listed as a National Natural Landmark. With close proximity to excellent restaurants and shops, Lake Harmony proves a perfect retreat 12 months out of the year.
Jim Thorpe
While the historic retreat of Jim Thorpe isn’t exactly on a lake, you don’t have to travel far to take in lakeside views. Located a few miles from the shores of Mauch Chunk Lake, Jim Thorpe blends small-town Poconos charm with the wooded views and lakeside serenity. Mauch Chunk Lake Park provides a dreamy lakeside vacation that’s perfect for families. With sandy beaches and gentle green rolling hills casting shadows on clear shores, it is sure to melt away any lingering stress. It’s the ideal spot to swim, fish, hike, or catch a few rays along the water.
Lake Mauch Chunk isn’t the only thing beautiful about Jim Thorpe. The downtown area is often called the “Switzerland of America” because of the European vibe of its Victorian architecture. Most notably, the Asa Packer Mansion and Old Jail Museum are must-sees in the area and offer self-guided tours year-round. With amazing scenery, cozy shops like the East Mauch Chunk Eatery, and unique attractions, Jim Thorpe is a perfect lakeside retreat.
Portersville
Looking to unplug and unwind along the lake? Portersville is a very small town that barely spans one square mile. But you know why they say- the best surprises often come in small packages! And that’s certainly true about Portersville. Located north of Pittsburgh, Portersville blends sleepy lakeside retreats with a cozy downtown with everything you’ll ever need close at hand. Nestled in the scenic Moraine State Park, it provides breathtaking views of gently rolling hills and plenty of hiking opportunities. In the heart of the park is Lake Arthur, a 3,225-acre natural lake with over 50 miles of pristine shoreline.
Portersville may be small, but it only adds to its overall charm. The shops in the downtown area are walkable, and free commercialized shops and cafes. Everything is locally owned, from Cal’s General Store to Pizza Joe’s! While there are no hotels in town, a stay at Bluethistle B&B will make you feel right at home. They truly don’t make towns like Portersville anymore, it’s truly one of Pennsylvania’s hidden gems!
Eagles Mere
If no one told you about the hidden town of Eagles Mere, you would likely never stumble upon it on your own. Far removed from the bustling cities of Pennsylvania is the rustic retreat of Eagles Mere, a small town with a very big heart. The Eagles Mere Beach, situated on the shores of Eagles Mere Lake, provides uncrowded shores, gently rolling hills and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. If you want to take a relaxing stroll around the lake, Laurel Path takes you through lush greenery with calming water views. You can also hop aboard the Hardly Able, a World War 1 troop transport ship that will take you on a tour of Eagles Mere Lake!
The historic downtown area of Eagles Mere is almost as charming as Eagles Mere Lake! With cozy, locally owned shops all within walking distance, you’ll quickly feel at home. In the heart of Eagles Mere is the stunning Eagles Mere Inn, built in 1887 and listed on the Historic Hotels of America. If you can’t stay at the inn, they also have an amazing restaurant open to the public called A.C. Little’s Drinkery, which is a great place to enjoy a good meal after a day on the water. If you are on the hunt for hidden lakeside gems, Eagles Mere makes for such a relaxing long weekend.
Life Is Better By The Lake In Pennsylvania
If you are dreaming of cozying up with a good book along the water, these scenic Pennsylvania towns are sure to scratch that itch! With the lush greenery of the rolling hills of the Poconos and pristine waters, these areas are some of the most beautiful, untouched spaces in the entire state. With locally-owned shops and cafes, and rustic old-world scenery, it’s hard to believe that untouched areas like this still exist! Whether you want to sip on wine with a view of Conneaut Lake or take a tour of Eagles Mere Lake via a World War 1 troop transport ship, each of these towns delivers a truly unique vibe.