Pocono Live

About

Lake Wallenpaupack is a 5,700-acre lake in Pike and Wayne counties, about 13 miles long and about 60 feet deep at its deepest. It was built to make electricity, and it is owned and operated by Brookfield Renewable, but it is open to the public for fishing, boating, waterskiing, camping, hiking, wildlife viewing and nature study.

Brookfield also runs several campgrounds, observation and overlook areas, a wildlife refuge, two natural areas and an Environmental Learning Center. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission owns the boat access area at Mangan Cove, off State Route 590 near Route 6. The map pin sits near the dam at Wilsonville, close to Hawley.

History

The lake was created in 1926 by the power company PPL, which built a dam on Wallenpaupack Creek at Wilsonville and a levee called the Tafton Dike. The work took 2,700 men from 1924 to 1926, and the lake officially opened to the public on July 31, 1926. Brookfield says the dam is 1,280 feet long and 70 feet high.

When to go

Boating, fishing and the lakeside recreation areas are mainly warm-weather activities, and the owner lists camping and other facilities with their own seasons. Check the owner's recreation guide for current dates and hours at each area before you go.

Good to know

The lake is also used to make electricity and to manage flooding on the Lackawaxen and Delaware rivers, so water levels and releases change. Brookfield posts a water-release notice on its site.

Fishing piers that are wheelchair accessible are at Mangan Cove and at Brookfield's Ironwood Point boat launch.

Price

Prices vary by recreation area and activity. Check the website before you go.

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