Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
Visiting Lake Wallenpaupack
What to know, what to do, and where to stay nearby.
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Lake Wallenpaupack is one of the largest lakes in Pennsylvania — over 5,700 acres of open water surrounded by wooded shoreline in the heart of the Pocono Mountains. It is the kind of lake that makes you slow down the moment you see it. Whether you are here to boat, fish, eat waterfront, or just sit and watch the light change across the water, Wallenpaupack delivers. And at just 20 minutes from Ferncrest Promised Land, it is an easy day trip that pairs perfectly with a glamping stay.
What to Do
Everything Lake Wallenpaupack has to offer
Boating is the main draw. Public boat launches provide easy access for motorboats, pontoons, kayaks, and canoes. Several marinas along the shore offer rentals by the hour or full day — no need to bring your own. On a calm morning, paddling along the wooded coves feels almost private.
Fishing on Wallenpaupack is excellent year-round. The lake is stocked with walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, striped bass, and trout. Spring and fall are prime seasons for walleye, while summer bass fishing is consistently productive. Ice fishing draws a dedicated crowd in winter.
The shoreline is lined with waterfront restaurants, from casual dockside spots to more refined dining with sunset views. Ehrhardt's Waterfront Resort and The Dock on Wallenpaupack are local staples. After a day on the water, sitting lakeside with a meal is one of the best ways to end the afternoon.
For those who prefer land, the 2.5-mile Wallenpaupack Creek Trail follows a scenic creek through forest and connects to overlooks above the dam. It is flat, paved, and accessible — a great option for families or anyone looking for a mellow walk with a view.
Why It's Worth the Trip
More than a pin on the map.
There is something about a big lake surrounded by mountains that resets your sense of time. Lake Wallenpaupack is not a theme park or a tourist trap — it is a real, working lake where locals fish at dawn and families spend entire summers on the water. Visiting here feels like stepping into a slower version of life, one where the biggest decision is whether to kayak or eat lunch first. Paired with a stay at Ferncrest, it turns a weekend trip into a full Poconos experience — lake days and campfire nights.
Seasonal Guide
Best time to visit Lake Wallenpaupack
Spring
The lake comes alive in spring as fishing season kicks off. Walleye and trout runs draw anglers from across the region. Water temperatures are still cool for swimming, but boating and shoreline dining pick up by late April.
Summer
Peak season on the lake. Swimming, boating, jet skiing, and waterfront dining are all in full swing. Weekends can be busy on the water, so weekday visits offer a quieter experience. Sunset boat rides are a summer highlight.
Fall
Fall foliage around Wallenpaupack is stunning — the wooded shoreline turns gold, orange, and crimson from late September through October. The lake is much quieter, making it ideal for kayaking and photography. Many restaurants stay open through the season.
Winter
The lake freezes in most winters, attracting ice fishermen targeting walleye and perch. The surrounding area is quieter but the scenery — snow-covered pines reflecting off the ice — is striking. Nearby Ferncrest stays open year-round.
Frequently asked questions
Where to Stay
Stay at Ferncrest Promised Land
11 miles from the property
After a day on the water at Lake Wallenpaupack, the last thing you want is a long drive home. Ferncrest Promised Land is just 20 minutes away — close enough for an easy day trip, far enough to feel like you are in your own world. Return to your dome tent, light the fire pit, sink into the hot tub, and let the evening unfold at its own pace. It is the perfect complement to a lake day: water by day, fire by night.
