Lake Wallenpaupack is a freshwater lake in northeastern Pennsylvania. It is the third largest lake in Pennsylvania measuring 52 miles of shoreline, 13 miles in length, 60 feet deep at points, and has a surface area in excess of 5,700 acres. It was created in 1926 by the Pennsylvania Power & Light Company (PP&L) for hydroelectric purposes as well as flood control; however, it is best known as one of several major recreational destinations in the Pocono Mountains. It is located near the Borough of Hawley, and forms part of the boundary between Pike and Wayne counties.
Its wooded shoreline also provides opportunities for hiking and viewing wildlife, including whitetail deer and black bear. Lake fish include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, bluegill, walleye, muskellunge, northern pike, pickerel, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, catfish and yellow perch. Walleye, striped bass and hybrid striped bass have been stocked in the lake. The lake is 13 miles long, has 52 miles of shoreline, and is about 60 feet deep at its maximum depth.
Hydrology
The largest inflow into Lake Wallenpaupack is Wallenpaupack Creek, at the west end of the lake. The dividing line between the lake and the creek is the Ledgedale Road bridge. East Wallenpaupack Creek extends south through Newfoundland and into the northern edge of Monroe County. West Wallenpaupack Creek extends to Mt Cobb and Lake Henry. Streams directly entering the lake include Waynewood, Goose Pond, Purdy, Strohs, Lyons and Beach House creeks, and Stony, Spring Hill, Seeleys and Mill brooks.
Because the lake exists to generate hydroelectic power, every spring the water level is allowed to rise to a target elevation of 1,187 feet for June 1st, then during the summer and early fall, progressively lower until it reaches 1,179 feet. Late fall and into early spring the water level is maintained at 1181-82 feet. Snowpack melt is used to raise the water level during April and May. People with waterfront property move their private docks out as the water recedes. Docks and buoys must be removed from the lake to above the high water line by December 1 and not placed back in the lake until after ice is gone.
Recreation
An integral part of the Lake Region of the Pocono Mountains, Lake Wallenpaupack is a recreation attraction in the tri-state area (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York), particularly in the summertime. The lake provides boating, swimming, and fishing access in the summer, as well as snowmobiling, ice skating and ice fishing in the winter. A notable activity during the winter months on Lake Wallenpaupack is its annual “Ice Tee Golf Tournament”, which takes place on the frozen lake. The tournament is a 9-hole competition hosted by The Chamber of the Northern Poconos.
The last weekend of August hosts Wally Lake Fest, a three-day weekend of events scattered on and around the lake and in the neighboring town of Hawley, including the live music Wallypalooza held on docks floating in front of the Tafton Dike.
There are four islands, all open to the public for daytime visits but no overnight camping. From east to west: Epply, Kipp, Burns and Cairns. Kipp may be closed to the public until August because bald eagles have established a nest site on the island and return to it most years.