
Photo by John Brighenti, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
DestinationsWayne CountyLake Wallenpaupack
5,700 Acres · Hawley
About Lake Wallenpaupack
The largest lake in the Poconos, Lake Wallenpaupack spans 5,700 acres and 52 miles of shoreline, making it the region's premier destination for boating, fishing, and watersports. Its size means it never feels crowded, even in peak summer, with quiet coves for kayaking and open water for waterskiing within the same afternoon. The surrounding town of Hawley adds a walkable downtown of restaurants and shops just minutes from the water. Few lakes in the entire Northeast offer this much open water paired with a genuinely walkable town — most Wallenpaupack residences put guests within a short drive of both a quiet private cove and a full evening out in Hawley, without having to choose between the two experiences. The lake's scale also supports a fuller range of watersports outfitters and marinas than most of the region's smaller lakes, so groups arriving without their own boat still have plenty of ways to get out on the water.
- Best Season
- Late Spring – Early Fall
- Shoreline
- 52 Miles
- Popular For
- Boating & Watersports
- Nearest Town
- Hawley, PA
- Lake Origin
- Man-Made Reservoir (1926)
How It Came to Be
Lake Wallenpaupack isn't a natural lake at all — it's a 5,700-acre reservoir created in 1926, when the Pennsylvania Power & Light Company dammed the Wallenpaupack Creek to generate hydroelectric power. Building the 1,280-foot concrete dam and the 3.5-mile flow line that carries water to the powerhouse took roughly 2,700 workers two years; once the dam closed, it took another seven months for the valley to fill.
That valley wasn't empty. PP&L purchased land from around 100 property owners at roughly $20 an acre, clearing and, in some cases, moving what stood on it — including the small village of Wilsonville and the Purdytown cemetery, both relocated before the water rose. Seventeen miles of roads and utility lines were rerouted in the process. In 2026, the lake marked its 100th anniversary — still generating power for PPL and, these days, generating a great deal more in lakefront tourism than its builders likely imagined.
Where to Eat
Promised Land Inn
$$American · Greentown, PA
Casual family-style American spot in Greentown near the park, known for elk meatloaf and the Beef-alo burger.
Elk Meatloaf
Get DirectionsThe Boathouse
$$American · Lakeville, PA
A casual, dock-adjacent lakeside eatery on Wallenpaupack in Lakeville, serving simple American fare like burgers and sandwiches.
Get DirectionsRavyn & Robyn Food & Wine
$$$Italian · Hawley, PA
Italian restaurant in Hawley known for well-executed classics, especially a standout vodka sauce rigatoni.
Get DirectionsThe Dock on Wallenpaupack
$$$American / Seafood · Hawley, PA
Lakefront seafood restaurant on Lake Wallenpaupack in Hawley known for sunset deck views and weekly live music.
Get DirectionsGlass – wine.bar.kitchen
$$$Contemporary / Small Plates · Hawley, PA
Upscale wine bar at The Ledges in Hawley with striking views above Paupack High Falls and shareable small plates.
Get DirectionsMountainhouse Tavern
$$American · Greentown, PA
A cozy, family-friendly Greentown tavern serving hearty American comfort food and drinks in a casual, wood-toned setting.
Get DirectionsThe Fairview Cafe
$$Farm-to-Table American · Hawley, PA
A casual fine-dining farm-to-table restaurant in Hawley offering historic fireplace-room or wraparound deck seating.
Get DirectionsBackroads Cafe & Dairy Bar
$Cafe / American · Greentown, PA
A casual, family-friendly roadside cafe and dairy bar in Greentown, PA, near Promised Land State Park.
Get DirectionsSettlers Inn
$$$American · Hawley, PA
A historic Tudor Revival inn in Hawley serving seasonal, farm-to-table American cooking with classic Pocono hospitality.
Get DirectionsColosseum Restaurant at Cove Haven
· Lakeville, PA
A convenient sit-down restaurant inside Cove Haven Resort in Lakeville, holding a 4.2/5 Google rating from 5 reviews.
Get DirectionsCrazy Country Club
· Hawley, PA
A casual, unfussy bar and restaurant in Hawley, PA, perfect for a low-key drink or bite with no occasion needed.
Get DirectionsLakewood Lodge & Restaurant
· Lakewood, PA
A historical railroad lodge in Lakewood, PA offering both casual and fine dining, plus overnight rooms.
Get DirectionsLukan's Farm Resort
· Hawley, PA
A highly-rated restaurant at a working farm resort near Hawley, PA, holding a 4.9/5 rating across 240 Google reviews.
Get DirectionsGresham's Chop House
$$$Steak & Seafood · Hawley, PA
Waterfront steakhouse in Hawley with lake views over Lake Wallenpaupack from its dining room and deck.
Get DirectionsNative
· Honesdale, PA
A highly-rated Main Street restaurant in walkable downtown Honesdale, popular with locals and visitors alike.
Get DirectionsThe Clubhouse at The Springs at Woodloch
$$$American · Hawley, PA
A casual American steakhouse in Hawley overlooking Woodloch's 9th and 18th golf holes.
Get DirectionsSpooner's Sports Bar & Grille at Cove Haven
· Lakeville, PA
A casual, no-reservation sports bar at Cove Haven Resort serving pub and American fare while games play on.
Get DirectionsCamp Umpy's Bagels & Stuff
$Bagels & Bakery · Honesdale, PA
A casual, budget-friendly bagel shop and bakery on Main Street in Honesdale, popular for a quick breakfast before a day out.
Get DirectionsCocoon Coffee House & Bakery
$Coffee & Bakery · Hawley, PA
A casual, budget-friendly Hawley coffee house and bakery, well-reviewed by locals and travelers alike.
Get DirectionsMoka Origins Roastery Café and Chocolate Factory
$Coffee & Chocolate · Honesdale, PA
A budget-friendly Honesdale roastery café and chocolate factory where coffee and chocolate are both made on-site.
Get DirectionsPenny Lane Candies & Candles
$Sweets · Hawley, PA
A budget-friendly candy and candle shop in Hawley, great for a quick, well-reviewed sweet treat stop.
Get DirectionsSound Bites Restaurant at The Jam Room
· Greentown, PA
A casual Greentown pub serving American fare alongside house-brewed beer from the on-site Jam Room Brewing Company.
Get DirectionsTanLines Outdoor Bar & Grille at Cove Haven
· Lakeville, PA
Relaxed outdoor bar & grille at Cove Haven Resort in Lakeville, PA, serving casual pub-style American food.
Get DirectionsTREE Restaurant & Bar
$$$$New American · Hawley, PA
Upscale farm-to-table restaurant at The Lodge at Woodloch in Hawley, serving naturally-raised meats and organic vegetables; reservations required.
Get DirectionsCosta's Family Fun Park
$Snack Bar · Hawley, PA
A Hawley family fun park with a casual snack bar serving burgers, chicken sandwiches, and soft-serve between activities.
Get DirectionsCocoon Coffeehouse & Bakery
$Cafe & Bakery · Hawley, PA
Fair-trade coffee and scratch-made pastries inside the historic Hawley Silk Mill.
Get DirectionsThe Lager Haus
$$American / German-Influenced Tavern · Tafton, PA
Scratch-made steaks and pork chops with a German accent, minutes from Lake Wallenpaupack.
Get DirectionsThe Summit Restaurant at Masthope
$$American Pub Fare · Lackawaxen, PA
Scenic-view pub fare and a seasonal Tiki Bar at the base of Ski Big Bear.
Get DirectionsWhere to Hike
Little Falls Trail
EasyAn easy 1.4-mile loop past small waterfalls, and the most popular hike in Promised Land State Park.
View on AllTrailsShuman Point Natural Area (Shuman Blue Loop)
ModerateA 2.9-mile moderate loop near Hawley with an early climb followed by easy shoreline walking along Lake Wallenpaupack.
View on AllTrailsEgypt Meadow Lake Loop
EasyAn easy, flat 3.7-mile loop around Egypt Meadow Lake, the park's most popular hike, with steady lake views and wildlife sightings.
View on AllTrailsD&H Canal Park at Lock 31
EasyA preserved lock on the historic Delaware & Hudson Canal near Lake Wallenpaupack, ideal for a quick, easy walk.
View on AllTrailsIrving Cliff
ModerateA steady uphill trail above Honesdale leading to a rewarding cliff-top view over town.
View on AllTrailsVarden Conservation Area
A quiet, low-traffic conservation area near Lake Ariel offering about an hour's woods walk close to Lake Wallenpaupack.
View on AllTrailsWallenpaupack Lake Trail
EasyAn easy, unhurried shoreline walk along Lake Wallenpaupack near Hawley with steady lake views throughout.
View on AllTrailsTanners Falls
EasyA waterfall hike near Honesdale, close to Lake Wallenpaupack, and an easy add-on to a day on the water or in town.
View on AllTrailsBig Lake Trail
EasyA easy-rated out-and-back route in Lacawac Sanctuary, running 2.9 miles with about 337 ft of elevation gain. Consistently well-rated by AllTrails hikers.
View on AllTrailsLacawac Ledges, Big Lake, Maurice Brown Loop
EasyA easy-rated loop in Lacawac Sanctuary, running 2.5 miles with about 324 ft of elevation gain. Consistently well-rated by AllTrails hikers.
View on AllTrailsLake Lacawac Trail
EasyA easy-rated loop in Lacawac Sanctuary, running 1.2 miles with about 72 ft of elevation gain. Consistently well-rated by AllTrails hikers.
View on AllTrailsHeron Pond via Big Lake Trail, Arthur Watres Trail, and Osprey Trail
EasyA easy-rated loop in Lacawac Sanctuary, running 1.1 miles with about 88 ft of elevation gain. Consistently well-rated by AllTrails hikers.
View on AllTrailsBig Lake Trail, Warbler Trail, and Lakefront Trail
EasyA easy-rated loop in Lacawac Sanctuary, running 2 miles with about 141 ft of elevation gain. Consistently well-rated by AllTrails hikers.
View on AllTrailsLake Lacawac, Rhododendron, Great Camp, Osprey, and Big Lake Trails
EasyA easy-rated loop in Lacawac Sanctuary, running 1.8 miles with about 131 ft of elevation gain. Consistently well-rated by AllTrails hikers.
View on AllTrailsMaurice Broun Trail
EasyA easy-rated loop in Lacawac Sanctuary, running 1.3 miles with about 137 ft of elevation gain. Consistently well-rated by AllTrails hikers.
View on AllTrailsMaurice Broun, Moss, and Big Lake Trail Loop
EasyA easy-rated loop in Lacawac Sanctuary, running 1.1 miles with about 75 ft of elevation gain. Consistently well-rated by AllTrails hikers.
View on AllTrailsWallenpaupack Creek Trail
EasyA easy-rated out-and-back route in Lake Wallenpaupack, running 3.2 miles with about 334 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsLake Wallenpaupack Blue Trail
EasyA easy-rated loop in Greentown, running 1.3 miles with about 144 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsBruce Lake Trail (long)
ModerateA moderate-rated out-and-back route in Bruce Lake Natural Area, running 14.6 miles with about 954 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsBruce Lake Trail (short)
ModerateA moderate-rated out-and-back route in Bruce Lake Natural Area, running 5.7 miles with about 341 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsRock Oak Ridge Trail, Boundary Trail, and 1800 Trail Loop
EasyA easy-rated loop in Promised Land State Park, running 1.2 miles with about 85 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsWhittaker Trail
EasyA easy-rated out-and-back route in Promised Land State Park, running 3.3 miles with about 360 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsHemlock Hill, Song Dog, Bear Wallow, and Lower Lake Trail
EasyA easy-rated loop in Promised Land State Park, running 5.4 miles with about 311 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsTree Tower, Bear Wallow, Big Dam Ridge, Song Dog, and Overlook Trail
EasyA easy-rated out-and-back route in Promised Land State Park, running 6 miles with about 377 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsThings to Do
Claws 'N' Paws Wild Animal Park
Natural Attraction Seasonal
An outdoor animal park with over 100 species, including hand-feeding giraffes, lory parrots, and petting zoo animals, plus Turtle Town and Dino Dig.
Get DirectionsLacawac Sanctuary
Natural Attraction Year-Round
Eight miles of hiking trails, educational programs, summer camps, and a historic lodge and venue, perfect for families and nature lovers.
Get DirectionsDelaware Highlands Conservancy — Van Scott Nature Reserve
Natural Attraction Year-Round
A 144-acre nature reserve with three miles of scenic walking trails through woods, wildflower meadows, and wetlands, hosting year-round community programs.
Get DirectionsDorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary
Natural Attraction Year-Round (Concerts July–August)
A wildlife sanctuary with year-round hiking trails and an outdoor Wildflower Concert Series each July and August; the adjoining Dorflinger Glass Museum is open May to November.
Get DirectionsThe Wake Zone Indoor Golf & Taproom
Casino & Entertainment
Indoor golf and a variety of indoor games and sports, paired with a taproom, in Tafton.
Get DirectionsWallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tour
Water Sports Seasonal
A 50-minute guided, history-filled tour on Lake Wallenpaupack, plus pontoon, kayak, and SUP rentals.
Get DirectionsNortheast Wilderness Experience
Outdoor Recreation
An outdoor guiding outfitter based in Honesdale.
Get DirectionsThe Stourbridge Line
Scenic Railway Seasonal
A scenic excursion railway departing from Honesdale.
Get DirectionsPalmyra Township Public Beach
Outdoor Recreation Seasonal (Memorial Day–Labor Day)
The only public beach on Lake Wallenpaupack. Open weekends Memorial Day through mid-June, then daily through Labor Day. Admission $5, children under 10 $3, seniors 65+ free.
Get DirectionsPromised Land Lake Beach
Outdoor Recreation Seasonal (Late May–Mid-September)
Two sand beaches within Promised Land State Park, open late May to mid-September, 8am to sunset. The main beach is in the picnic area; Pickerel Point Beach is on the end of Pickerel Point.
Get DirectionsBingham Park Access on the Lackawaxen River
Water Sports
A boat launch and river access point on the Lackawaxen River in Hawley.
Get DirectionsCaffrey Ramp on Lake Wallenpaupack
Water Sports
A boat ramp off Route 590, about 3 miles west of the state ramp. $5 launching fee, gas pump, two ramps and a dock.
Get DirectionsClayton Park Recreational Area
Outdoor Recreation
A recreational area with camping in Lake Ariel.
Get Directions1st Klas Marina
Water Sports
New and used boat sales, authorized Bayliner/Crownline/Harris FloteBote/Lund dealer. Boat rentals, dock slips, winter storage, ship's store, gas dock.
Get DirectionsIndian Orchard River Access on the Lackawaxen River
Water Sports
A river access point on the Lackawaxen River near Honesdale.
Get DirectionsSycamore Point Park on the Lackawaxen River
Water Sports
A riverside park and access point on the Lackawaxen River near Honesdale.
Get DirectionsThe Boat Shop
Water Sports
Lake Wallenpaupack boat & waverunner sales, service, storage and rentals.
Get DirectionsWhite Mills River Access Park on the Lackawaxen River
Water Sports
A river access park on the Lackawaxen River in White Mills.
Get DirectionsPine Crest Marina
Water Sports
Daily & multi-day pontoon boat, runabout, deck boat or jet ski rentals. Seasonal, weekly and daily boat slips.
Get DirectionsWilsonville Ramp on Lake Wallenpaupack
Water Sports
A boat ramp on Lake Wallenpaupack near Hawley.
Get DirectionsPirate's Cove Marina
Water Sports Year-Round
A year-round marina specializing in watercraft, ATV, UTV, golf cart and accessory sales and service.
Get DirectionsKeen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort
Outdoor Recreation
Timeless vacation rentals with beautiful interiors and rich history, on the shores of a private lake.
Get DirectionsPocono Action Sports at Lighthouse Harbor Marina
Water Sports
Half and full day motorized boat rentals, kayaks and paddleboards. Pontoon, slide boat and tiki boat charters available.
Get DirectionsUpper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River
Natural Attraction Year-Round
A National Park Service-designated scenic and recreational river corridor along the Upper Delaware.
Get DirectionsWallenpaupack Boat Rentals
Water Sports
Boat rentals on Lake Wallenpaupack: pontoon boats, kayaks, and SUPs (stand up paddleboards).
Get DirectionsDeerfield Campground at Promised Land State Park
Outdoor Recreation Seasonal (Memorial Day–Labor Day)
A rustic campground south of Promised Land Lake with flush toilets and pay showers; ADA accessible.
Get DirectionsFerncrest Campground
Outdoor Recreation
Unique dome tents, cozy and stylish, immersed in nature.
Get DirectionsIronwood Point Recreation Area
Outdoor Recreation
A scenic campground on Lake Wallenpaupack offering family camping in a wooded setting overlooking the lake, plus a boat launch, marina, camp store and bait shop.
Get DirectionsKim's Cozy Campers
Outdoor Recreation
Motorhomes available for US adventures; campers ready for pick-up and full service, Poconos delivery and set-up.
Get DirectionsLedgedale Campground at Ledgedale Recreation Area
Outdoor Recreation
Seventy campsites and over 150 boat slips on Lake Wallenpaupack. Ship's store, boat launch, gas dock, kayak rental, and 70-acre natural area.
Get DirectionsBlooming Grove Trail System
Outdoor Recreation
A trail system on Route 402 near Hawley.
Get DirectionsNearby History
Dorflinger Glass Museum
Museum
Set on the wooded grounds of the former Dorflinger glassworks, this museum showcases the exquisite cut and engraved glass produced here for U.S. presidents and the Gilded Age elite, alongside a wildlife sanctuary with walking trails. The factory operated from the 1860s into the early 20th century, and the museum's collection traces the full range of its output, from presidential state-dinner sets to everyday glassware. Beyond the exhibits, the surrounding sanctuary's trails make it easy to turn a museum visit into a longer outdoor stop, especially in nice weather.
Get DirectionsCalder House Museum
Museum
A local history museum in Equinunk, home of the Equinunk Historical Society.
Get DirectionsDelaware & Hudson Canal
Historic Home
A preserved section of the historic Delaware & Hudson Canal in Beach Lake.
Get DirectionsWayne County Historical Society
Museum
The county historical society's museum on Main Street in Honesdale.
Get DirectionsWallenpaupack Historical Society
Museum
Keeping the history of the Wallenpaupack area alive and accessible to present & future generations.
Get DirectionsBethany Public Library
Get DirectionsBethel School
Get DirectionsDorflinger Factory Museum
Get DirectionsRoebling Aqueduct Bridge
Get DirectionsWaymart Area Historical Society
Get DirectionsWayne County Courthouse
Get DirectionsWhere to Shop
Hawley Silk Mill
Artisan Marketplace
A converted 19th-century silk mill on the banks of the Lackawaxen River, now home to artisan studios, a marketplace of local vendors, and a riverside restaurant. The industrial-era building's exposed brick and timber has been thoughtfully preserved, giving the shopping experience a genuine sense of place rather than a generic retail feel, and the working artisan studios mean some of what's for sale is being made on-site. The riverside setting makes it easy to turn a browse into a longer stop with a meal on the water.
Get DirectionsAcross the Tracks Antiques & More
Antique Mall
A shopping experience comprised of over thirty vendors, each with their own tastes and collections of vintage, antiques, collectibles and handmade merchandise.
Get DirectionsEast Shore Gifts
Artisan Marketplace
Lake Wallenpaupack merchandise headquarters — hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, beach bags, and more.
Get DirectionsLake Art
Artisan Marketplace
Unique apparel, home décor, art prints, and gifts inspired by Lake Wallenpaupack and the Poconos.
Get DirectionsGorgeous Floral
Artisan Marketplace
A florist offering retail flower arranging, workshops on gardening & more.
Get DirectionsRedress by Tamar
Antique Shop
An eclectic thrift shop with an expansive inventory of unique women's and men's clothes, jewelry, handbags, and shoes.
Get DirectionsThe Grains Bookstore and Gift Shop
Artisan Marketplace
A charming bookstore and gift shop in downtown Hawley sharing local history, including stories of the historic Vogler Feed Store building.
Get DirectionsWallflower
Artisan Marketplace
A mini department store 'boutique' offering Willow Tree, candles, Thyme lotions, mosaic and Tiffany lamps, furniture, women & children's clothing, jewelry, glassware, art prints, incense, chess, authentic Roman helmets, and an eclectic mix of merchandise.
Get DirectionsHawley Farmer's Market
Farmers Market
A weekly farmers market at Bingham Park in Hawley, Fridays 2-5 PM, May through October.
Get DirectionsBialecki Farms
Get DirectionsCalkins Creamery
Get DirectionsNorth of the Border Fireworks
Get DirectionsRobinson Family Farm
Get DirectionsThe Art Factory of White Mills
Get DirectionsThe Looking Glass Art Gallery at the Hawley Silk Mill
Get DirectionsVan Gorders' Furniture
Get DirectionsWCAA HQ and gallery
Get DirectionsSpa & Wellness
Fair Hill Therapeutic Riding Center
Wellness Retreat
A therapeutic horseback riding center in Waymart.
Get DirectionsHimalayan Institute
Wellness Retreat
A yoga and meditation retreat center on Bethany Turnpike in Honesdale.
Get DirectionsDrink Local
Ritter's Winery & Cidery
Winery & Cidery
A working farm winery and cidery near Lake Ariel producing fruit wines and hard ciders from apples grown on-site, with a tasting room that keeps a genuine farm-stand feel. The focus on fruit wines and hard ciders, rather than traditional grape wines alone, gives the tasting menu a distinctive regional character built around what actually grows on the property. It's a lower-key, more rustic stop than some of the area's larger wine-trail destinations, which is part of its appeal.
Get DirectionsWallenpaupack Brewing Company
Brewery
A downtown Hawley taproom brewing small-batch beer a short walk from Lake Wallenpaupack's shops and restaurants, with rotating seasonal releases and a regularly changing tap list. Its downtown Hawley location makes it easy to combine with a day of shopping or dining in the same walkable area, and the rotating tap list means regular visitors are likely to find something new each time. Small-batch brewing keeps the lineup more experimental than what you'd find from a larger regional producer.
Get DirectionsLog Tavern Brewing Company - Tafton
Brewery
A craft brewery in Tafton with an outdoor beer garden that allows leashed pets.
Get DirectionsThree Hammers Winery
Winery
A winery in Hawley with an indoor tasting room and scenic outdoor spaces.
Get DirectionsOn the Calendar
Hawley Winterfest
Holiday EventMid-December Weekend Downtown Hawley
A weekend-long holiday celebration through downtown Hawley with a parade, horse and carriage rides, live theater and music, a Christmas tree train, and a holiday lights display along the Lackawaxen River. The sheer range of programming — a parade, live performances, carriage rides, and a lights display all in one compact downtown — makes it worth building a weekend visit around if the dates line up. The riverside lights display in particular gives the town a genuinely festive, small-town holiday atmosphere.
Get DirectionsHawley Farmers Market
Farmers MarketFridays, May Through October Bingham Park
A weekly outdoor farmers market on the banks of the Lackawaxen River, with local produce, fresh eggs and meats, baked goods, and cold brew coffee from Wayne County growers and makers. The riverside Bingham Park setting makes for a pleasant weekly stroll as much as a shopping errand, and the vendor mix runs deep enough — produce, proteins, baked goods, coffee — to genuinely stock a group's kitchen for the week rather than just picking up a few extras. Running from May through October, it's a reliable weekly rhythm for any stay that overlaps with the season.
Get DirectionsState Land
Promised Land State Park
2,971 acPike County Est. 1905
Pennsylvania's fourth state park, established in 1905 on former Lenape hunting grounds. Two glacial lakes and roughly 50 miles of trails sit within a much larger 12,000-plus-acre buffer of Delaware State Forest, making it one of the most undeveloped, genuinely quiet parks in the region. Being surrounded by a much larger state forest buffer gives it a scale of undeveloped wilderness that's rare this close to the region's more built-up lake towns, and the two-lake layout — Promised Land Lake and the smaller Egypt Meadow Lake — offers two distinct settings within the same park. As one of the Commonwealth's oldest state parks, it also has more than a century of established infrastructure — cabins, campgrounds, and a well-developed trail system — layered quietly into what still feels like genuine backcountry in many stretches.
Hiking · Camping · Fishing · Boating · Swimming
Get Directions