Beltzville

A Pennsylvania Recreational Guide for Beltzville State Park Beltzville State Park The 3,002-acre Beltzville State Park is in the southern foothills of the Poconos. Pohopoco Creek, an excellent trout stream, feeds the 949-acre Beltzville Lake. The lake is a rest stop for migrating waterfowl and a destination for boaters and anglers. The sand beach and picnic pavilions are popular attractions. Recreational facilities are a result of a cooperative effort of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Directions GPS DD: Lat. 40.86468 Long. -75.629 Beltzville is five miles east of Lehighton, just off US 209. From the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, take exit 74 and follow signs to the park. Recreational Opportunities FISHING: Beltzville Lake is stocked with warmwater and coldwater game fish and panfish. Common species are rainbow trout, striped, largemouth, and smallmouth basses, walleye, muskellunge, and perch. Below the dam, Pohopoco Creek is stocked with rainbow trout. Much of the lake’s northern shoreline can be reached from Pohopoco Drive. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and laws apply. HIKING: 16.6 miles of trails The trails of Beltzville State Park follow wooded paths, old roads, and mowed walkways through forests, creek valleys, fields, and by the lake. The “Beltzville Trail Guide” contains descriptions for all park trails and is available at the park office. All trails are blazed yellow except Christman Trail which is blazed blue. Beltzville State Park 2950 Pohopoco Drive Lehighton, PA 18235-8905 610-377-0045 BeltzvilleSP@pa.gov Bird Blind Trail: 0.4 mile, easiest hiking Christman Trail: 2.0 miles, more difficult hiking Make online reservations at Cove Ridge Trail: 2.4 miles, more difficult hiking www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Saturday. www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks Falls Trail: 1.0 mile, most difficult hiking Ground Pine Trail: 1.0 mile, easiest hiking visitPAparks Pine Run Cove Trail: 0.7 mile, easiest hiking Preachers Camp Trail: 2.4 miles, more difficult hiking Sawmill Run Trail: 2.0 miles, more difficult hiking Tree ID Trail: 0.6 mile, easiest hiking Trinity Gorge Trail: 4.1 miles, more difficult hiking An Equal Opportunity Employer 2022 BOAT RENTAL: A boat rental concession, west of the swimming beach, is open daily during the summer season. It rents kayaks, paddleboats, rowboats, and pontoon boats. BOATING: unlimited horsepower motors Beltzville Lake has a maximum boating speed of 45 mph. Most types of recreational boats are permitted. Please check with the park office if there is a question as to the type of watercraft permitted. It is unlawful to operate a boat equipped with inboard engines with out-of-the-transom or straight-stack type exhausts, wet or dry. Sleeping overnight on watercraft is prohibited. Day use mooring is prohibited in the boat rental cove area. The lake east of Preachers Camp launch and Pine Run Cove are restricted to “no wake” speed and are excellent for non-powered boating. Motorboats must display a current boat registration. Nonpowered boats launched in the park must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launch permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks, available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner’s vehicle or enclosed trailer. Exceptions include: law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms are authorized to carry a firearm concealed on their person while they are within a state park. SWIMMING: A 525-foot sand beach is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, 8:00 AM to sunset. Swim at your own risk. Please read and follow posted rules for swimming. A bathhouse with showers is near the beach. Recreational scuba diving is prohibited. A beach wheelchair may be borrowed from the first aid station on a first-come, first-served basis. CAMPING: Overnight lodging on watercraft, in self-contained campers, or in any other form is strictly prohibited. Information on local camping areas is available at the park office. LAUNCHING AND MOORING: A three-lane boat launching ramp, ADA accessible courtesy dock, wide gravel beaching area, and parking for cars and trailers are at Pine Run Boat Launch along the northern shore of the lake. A twolane launch ramp and parking for cars and boat trailers are at Preacher’s Camp Boat Launch on the southern shore. Preacher’s Camp Boat Launch also features an ADA accessible kayak launch. Seasonal mooring of canoes and kayaks by permit is available at Preacher’s Camp. WATER-SKIING: Skiing is permitted from sunrise to sunset in the zoned ski area along the south shore of the lake. All boats in this ski area shall operate in a counterclockwise direction. Boats not engaged in skiing must remain outside the ski area while skiing is in progress. A boat may not tow more than one water-ski device on weekends and holidays from the Saturday preceding Memorial Day through Labor Day. Kiteskiing and parasailing are prohibited. Boats may not exceed 45 mph. PICNICKING: Wooded and open picnic areas are in the day use area, which has modern restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, and parking areas. Beltzville has four picnic pavilions that may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Make online reservations at www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks or call tollfree 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Saturday. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served-basis. Picnic Pavilions 1, 2, and 4 are ADA accessible. HUNTING AND FIREARMS: Over 1,707 acres are open to hunting, trapping, and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, rabbit, pheasant, ruffed grouse, and waterfowl. The adjacent Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Beltzville Wildlife Management Project has 469 acres open to hunting. Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for ADA accessible hunting information. Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas History The first inhabitants of what is now Beltzville State Park were the Lenape who lived along the Pohopoco Creek. After the infamous “Walking Purchase” of 1737 reached its northern terminus a few miles northwest of the park, early European settlers came to the area and later formed the farming village of Big Creek Valley. In 1966, Big Creek Valley was vacated for the construction of a flood control dam, as part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood control project. The construction of the dam began in 1970, and was completed in 1972. The park officially opened to the public on Memorial Day weekend of 1972. Nearby Attractions Information on nearby attractions is available from the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. 800-POCONOS. www.poconomountains.com Protect and Preserve Our Parks Please make your visit safe and enjoyable. Obey all posted rules and regulations and respect fellow visitors and the resources of the park. • Be prepared and bring the proper equipment. Natural areas may possess hazards. Your personal safety and that of your family are your responsibility. • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Covered Bridge Built in 1841 by local craftsman Jacob Buck, the covered bridge spanned Pohopoco Creek and was first used by horse and buggy traffic and later by one-lane car traffic. At the suggestion of local residents, the bridge was relocated between the picnic areas and the beach for public use and enjoyment. It is now for pedestrian use only. Enjoy The Winter • Because uncontrolled pets may chase wildlife or frighten visitors, pets must be controlled and attended at all times and on a leash, caged, or crated. Electronic fences and leashes are prohibited. Pets are prohibited in swimming areas. • Prevent forest fires by having a fire in proper facilities and properly disposing of hot coals. Do not leave a fire unattended. • Please park only in designated areas and obey all traffic regulations. Ice and snow depths are online. www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks Access for People with Disabilities ICE SAFETY: Ice thickness is not monitored. For your safety, make sure ice is at least 4” thick for a single user and 7” thick for a small group. For iceboating, make sure ice is at least 6” thick. Always carry safety equipment. This symbol indicates facilities and activities that are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible for people with disabilities. This publication text is available in alternative formats. If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit. ICE FISHING: Beltzville Lake is stocked with warmwater and coldwater game fish and panfish. Common species are rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, muskellunge, and perch. ICEBOATING : Iceboats must display a state park launching permit. CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: Many open and rolling fields and several miles of trail are suitable for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Learn, Experience, Connect The park’s Environmental Interpretive Center serves as the focal point for educational programs conducted at the park. The center is ADA accessible.  In an Emergency Call 911 and contact a park employee. Directions to the nearest hospital are posted on bulletin boards and at the park office. NEAREST HOSPITAL St. Luke’s Carbon Campus 500 St. Luke’s Drive Lehighton, PA 18235 0 0 ¼ ½ ¾ 1 1¼ B 1½ KILOMETERS ¼ BELTZVILLE 0 ¼ ½ ¾ 1 MILE #2 105 100 0 0 950 500 0 1000 FEET Rd. Fores t Ext. Northeastern et . Rd . Rd d lan y Fair Rd. Pine Ru De n er ltz Be e vill ls Stroh Fo re s 248 e yd Sn Aquashicola Parryville Little gh Bowmanstown To O 895 rw igs b ur g 476 D re wa ela Gap 00 10 Rd. e. Av Palmerton 248 River To Phil adelphia ing ski ter ea a W Ar Rd. BELTZVILLE EXIT 74 Leh i lle z vi y Valle le svil h Trac t 443 e . Forest Inn 902 k La e Rd. ll iv e Dr sid . ke Dr co o La p o Poh ke La N. Inn g n Lo . Ln 209 Rd. poc o R t vit R d. Lo St. on Rd . Wild Creek Reservoir St re n pike Tu r PA t ers Jeff un Indian Inn Jim Thorpe Lehighton . Rd lt Be Towamensing Rd. Airport Rd. Rd. Rd . rs BE 1100 . Rd 209 #4 g rin oo M 903 A C #1 To Hazleton Eve rg Gro un d Forest #3 No ad Ro Airport ¼ Tree ID T rail .1 M Ii. , 27 Dri ve Alle To nto wn h o po co Po Bu West n s re Fo Maury Rd. STEMLERSVILLE Sta il Tra To PA TPK, NE Ext., 2.8 Mi. Lehighton, 4.8 Mi. ll n Ru h R d. R ve Co To US 209, PA Turnpike, 0.8 Mi. 900 Soccer h Rd.Fields c a o c ge 650 Rd. Pohopoco EA ILL V LTZ IRP W. Sta gec oa c 209 EXIT 74 65 Pine 0 0 00 11 5 10 un Trail Rd. T OR 0 95 ne Pi Rd. Loop e ng Gra t. S Old 0 700 75 800 850 900 ond Raym . St hill Red Dam te Wa Hazelwo od l mil S aw rs kiin 700 il Tra 00 10 Hi Pine INN n Dr. ree Pohopoco Rd. 209 PohopocFOREST o Drive 476 St. er Reb Pe n lle eadsvi rodh To B . Dr Rd r rge Be 600 0 75 a ek Cre Strohl Penn Forest Reservoir Koch Run B re gA ey Vall Poh o 900 1000 Rd. y Hatcher Road Park Office & Day Use Area Tr in i Gro il ty C 0 750 800 70 e Int 476 903 st e rg Go e a rch To Scranton hstville lbrig To A y zv lt Be A ille Road lley l Va h o r t S d re Fo en Gre . St 700 750 800 650 Pine Run Boat Launch 0 65 te a ng a Tr 476 Mill ad es Harrit Rd. Ext. rn aste 650 the l Nor mil Saw ke La No Hunting Area m Ro d Pi n e un il Tra U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS Ho ity in Tr 650 800 750 Spruce Gorge ow Holl 850 . Rd pike 700 Canoe Rack Storage il Tra 700 800 Bird Blind Tr. State Police 9170 Interchange Rd. Lehighton 18235 che a Pre Rd. Pine Run Rd. co Park Office & Day Use Area 750 650 po ho Po 750 et Stre on ers Jeff Preachers Camp Boat Launch D 209 e n Tur PA 1000 950 900 850 ail p Tr am rs C l Stab St. e riv 0 80 To Brodheadsville, 8.2 Mi. ld Wi 85 Run Scenic View Swimming Beach 850 900 950 ad Unpaved Road 800 Ro PA GAME COMMISSION WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA NO. 414 0 75 Rd . D ee CONTOURS ARE ON 50 FT. INTERVALS Dr. 700 C 700 Summer Mtn. Picnic Pavilion 750 700 L a k e si d e r No Wake Zone Cove Hollow Archery Hunting Only 700 ek Cre o oc op h Po 650 Spruce Multi-use Trail: Hiking, Mountain Biking Christman Tr. 750 Rd. State Park Hunting Cross-country Skiing Recommended Picnicking L Paved Trail so n John 800 Sei Pike Lane Food Concession State Park No Hunting Land D r. Shower House/ Restrooms Hiking Trail n Tar Ru. Rd Modern Restrooms Parking Unpaved n. ille Beltzv Rd. Environmental Interpretive Center 750 Hand-carry Boat Launch Parking Paved Lan e Boat Launch Public Phone Private n io at St st Parking ADA Accessible 750 For e Boat Rental an tm Pohopoco Cr. Ro ad n Gate il Tra ov e First Aid eview Lak Blue Symbols Mean ADA Accessible 0 ee Str Pe n l Ow 90 900 t ee Cr Waterfall Falls Trail Pen n k 950 Christman Trailhead Tra Cove il 00 Ri dg e 10 0 95 0 90 850 Ch ris d a Ro 800 Wildcreek Trailhead 00 10 850 WATER AUTHORITY RESERVATION l Hil 950 st Fore CARBON COUNTY Hemlock St. t Fo res 0 100 t lle svi ch Tra St. 850 476 Park Office BELTZVILLE STATE PARK Wild Creek Reservoir Lov it 0 100 . Rd To Scranton, 45.2 Mi. N 950 l To Wa ort nutp Rev. 12/20/21