skinny

Centre County Swimmin' Holes

By Michael Hermann; Lizard Tracks, Centre Daily Times, August 1, 1999

The best way I know to beat the heat is to go for a swim. But public swimming pools can only satisfy the need to cool off and show off. If you prefer a more natural environment to relax in you need to go jump in a lake. No stinky chlorine, concrete or tiles. A simple beach, some murky water and plenty of mucky stuff to step in has always been my preference. You can share the home of fishes and frogs at several local lakes and there are no entrance fees. Even with drought conditions these lakes have retained a reasonable water level. There are several small lakes in our state parks open for swimming and boating. There is a larger lake at Bald Eagle State Park that allows power boats and has a full service marina.

Whipple Dam State Park is located in Rothrock State Forest about ten miles from State College. It has a twenty acre lake with a public beach for swimming. There are cooking grills, picnic areas and a concession stand. Covered pavilions offer shelter. Lots of quiet areas to explore at both ends of the lake, if you're a bird watcher be sure to bring binoculars. When you go: from State College take Rt. 26 South to Pine Grove Mills and head over the mountain. Turn left at Whipple Road and follow signs.

Greenwood Furnace State Park is about twenty miles away with a small lake and a swimming beach. Camping is allowed here. They also provide cooking grills, picnic shelters and a concession stand. The visitors center has an interpretive historical museum and some of the original iron ore furnaces are still standing. Several hiking trails wind through Greenwood Furnace. When you go: from State College take Rt. 26 South to Pine Grove Mills and head over the mountain. Turn left at McAlevey’s Fort on Rt. 305. Follow signs to the park.

Black Moshannon State Park is about 18 miles north of State College. This diverse park has a popular swimming beach. The lake itself covers over 250 acres. Many hiking trails traverse the park. This park is at a higher elevation than State College, so on those really hot summer days it offers a slightly cooler temperature to relax in. When you go: from State College take Rt. 322 West to Rt. 220 North. Turn left on the Julian Pike (SR 3032) and follow signs to the park.

Poe Valley State Park offers another nice lake for swimming, located in Bald Eagle State Forest near Coburn. There is camping, hiking, biking and other recreational pursuits if you get tired of swimming. When you go: from State College take Rt. 45 East past Spring Mills, go right on SR 2009 and follow signs to the park.

Bald Eagle State Park is near the town of Howard, northeast of State College. This is a large lake that allows power boats. It has a public beach and concession stand, as well as camping and picnic areas. This lake is one of the busiest in Centre County because it is the only place you can run power boats, jet ski’s and large sailboats. The marina offers boat rentals including canoes, run-abouts and ski boats, plus pontoon boats if you prefer to float around on a covered porch. When you go: from State College take the scenic route by following College Avenue all the way. That's the simplest direction, but you can also use Rt. 220 North. If you want a really big lake for powerboating go to Raystown Lake, near Huntingdon.

Some folks ask me about the “secret lake” they can hike to for a secluded skinny dip. There is no such place on public land around here. The closest I’ve found is some small pools along the mountain streams but they are usually dry in August. One of them is posted with a handmade sign that reads: Skinny Dippin’ Only. When they are full, in the spring, the water temperature is cold enough to discourage much more than wading. If your friends know of a secret lake I advise you to refrain - landowners aren’t real happy when they find trespassers and it’s embarrassing to be hauled downtown without any pants on.

Michael Hermann is the founder of Purple Lizard Maps and has been exploring Centre County since 1979.