Escape Into Nature and Sweeping Mountain Views at Beltzville State Park
Beltzville State Park in Carbon County spans more than 3,000 acres across the southern foothills of the Pocono Mountains. The park surrounds the 949-acre Beltzville Lake, where visitors enjoy fishing, boating and kayaking against a backdrop of sweeping mountain views. With its mix of forests, open meadows and lengthy shoreline, it’s one of NEPA’s top outdoor destinations.
Hikers and mountain bikers can explore 15 miles of trails ranging from short, family-friendly walks to more challenging routes. Waterfalls, wooded paths and lakeside stretches add variety to every outing. And the popular lake draws anglers in search of bass, trout and even larger gamefish like striped bass and muskies. From spring wildflowers to vibrant fall foliage, Beltzville State Park showcases the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains in every season.
Grab a park map and explore these highlights within the park.
The Saw Mill Trail is a must for adventurous hikers who love a little history with their scenery. This 2-mile route winds past the remains of an old gristmill, small ponds, a stream and an abandoned 18th-century slate quarry. It’s a great way to experience a quieter, more rugged side of Beltzville State Park while exploring the park’s past along the way.
Accessed from the Wild Creek Trailhead, the Falls Trail is a 1.0-mile loop marked with yellow blazes and considered a more difficult hike. The trail leads to the Wild Creek Falls Bridge before continuing upstream to the waterfalls area. It’s a short but rewarding trail for hikers looking for a challenge and one of the best ways to reach the park’s most scenic rushing water.
The 949-acre Beltzville Lake is the centerpiece of Beltzville State Park. The lake draws visitors for swimming, fishing, boating and water-skiing all summer long with the sandy beach opening from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Anglers will find some of the best fishing in the Pocono Mountains. Boating is also popular, with most recreational boats permitted and boat rentals available.
Year-Round Fun at Beltzville State Park
Beltzville State Park is also a standout destination in every season. Spring brings refreshing hiking weather and amazing waterfalls along the trails. And summer is all about lake days with swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking on Beltzville Lake. In the fall, the park transforms into a must-visit fall foliage destination, with stunning autumn scenery across the Pocono Mountains. When winter arrives, visitors can enjoy peaceful cold-weather adventures like cross-country skiing and quiet walks through snow-covered forests.
Beltzville State Park is a top destination for fishing and hunting. Anglers can expect to find trout, striped bass, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, muskellunge and perch. Pohopoco Creek, just below the dam, is also stocked with trout. The lake is also a popular spot for ice fishing. More than 1,707 acres of the park are open for hunting, trapping and dog training. Common game includes deer, rabbit, pheasant, ruffed grouse and waterfowl.
Beltzville State Park features 15 miles of marked trails with wooded paths, open meadows, lakeside scenery and waterfalls. Hikes range from easy walks under one mile to more challenging routes up to four miles. The 1-mile Falls Trail leads to the Wild Creek Falls Bridge and the waterfalls area. Mountain biking is permitted on the 2.5-mile Christman Trail, an easy loop marked with yellow medallions.
Beltzville State Park offers wooded and open picnic areas, complete with modern restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables and convenient parking. The area also features playfields and an ADA-accessible children’s playground. Four picnic pavilions are available and can be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee.
Enjoy views of the park’s iconic covered bridge near the picnic areas and the beach. The 184-year-old bridge once carried horse-and-buggy traffic and later one-lane vehicles before being relocated for public enjoyment. Today, it’s open for pedestrian use only and makes a great photo stop. For natural scenery, hike the Falls Trail to reach the Wild Creek Falls Bridge and continue upstream to the waterfalls area.
Summer at Beltzville State Park is all about long days outdoors in the Pocono Mountains. Spend the morning hiking scenic trails, casting a line into Beltzville Lake or relaxing on the sandy beach. Boating, kayaking and water-skiing keep the lake buzzing with activity, while shaded picnic areas offer the perfect spot to unwind with family and friends.
Cool off at Beltzville State Park’s 525-foot sand beach, open from late May through Labor Day. A bathhouse with showers and a seasonal food concession add convenience for summer lake days. Beltzville Lake also allows motorboats, kayaks, canoes and paddleboards, with a maximum speed of 45 mph. A rental concession is also available for visitors to rent kayaks, paddleboats and pontoon boats.
When winter blankets Beltzville State Park in snow, the landscape turns into a quiet outdoor playground. Visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the park’s open, rolling fields, along with nine miles of trails also used for hiking and biking. Beltzville Lake welcomes seasonal activities like ice fishing and iceboating when conditions allow.
Beltzville State Park is a great place to spot wildlife year-round, especially around the 949-acre Beltzville Lake. In spring, the lake is a popular rest stop for migrating waterfowl. The forests at the eastern and western ends of the lake provide excellent habitat for warblers and other songbirds. Open meadows and streamside areas also offer plenty of chances to see wildlife throughout the seasons.
Things To Do Near Beltzville State Park
Conservation Tip
By following these responsible outdoor ethics from our friends at PA DCNR, we can help keep Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests top-tier outdoor recreation destinations for generations to come.
Leave No Trace
- Plan Ahead and Prepare: Know regulations, prepare for weather and emergencies, travel in small groups, minimize waste, and use a map and compass instead of marking trails.
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stay on established trails, camp at least 200 feet from water, and avoid damaging pristine areas.
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash, use catholes for human waste, and wash dishes 200 feet from water sources with biodegradable soap.
- Leave What You Find: Preserve historical sites, avoid disturbing nature, and prevent the spread of invasive species.
- Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use stoves when possible, keep fires small, burn wood to ash, and fully extinguish campfires.
- Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance, don’t feed animals, store food properly, and control pets to avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Respect others by keeping noise low, yielding on trails, and camping away from high-traffic areas.
Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 11/21/2022.
