This state park is located 5 miles east of Lehighton, just off U.S. 209
PA DCNR, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (2,972 acres)
2950 Pohopoco Dr., Lehighton, PA 18235
610-377-0045 • Beltzville State Park web site
From the
Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476), get off the turnpike at the interchange with U.S. 209 (Exit 74). Follow the signs to Beltzville State Park. The park is about 3 miles east of the turnpike exit. The main access points to Beltzville Lake are off Pohopoco Dr. that parallels the north side of the lake.
The main feature of Beltzville State Park is the 949-acre Beltzville Lake. The remainder of the park is composed of a variety of habitats from mature deciduous and coniferous forests to cultivated and fallow fields. The lake is a popular recreational destination. There are 15 miles of hiking trails. Swimming is permitted in the lake. Beltzville Lake is one of few lakes in eastern Pennsylvania that does not have a horsepower limit for motorboats. There is a boat rental concession on the north side of the lake that is open daily in summer and on weekends in May and September. The lake is very popular with fishermen. The best time to bird the lake is from October through April when boating activity is at
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Look for waterfowl if the lake is not frozen. The lands surrounding the lake can be good for wintering birds. Rarities found during past winters have included Pine
Grosbeak, Mountain Bluebird and Northern Shrike. Short-eared Owls have frequented the grassy areas near the parking lots on the north side of the lake.
This is a good season for migrating waterfowl and gulls. Warblers and other migrating songbirds can be found in good numbers. Grassland sparrows such as Grasshopper and Savannah sparrow can be found in proper habitat.
Several species of warblers nest in the park including Yellow-breasted Chat and Pine Warbler.
Look for migrating songbirds in late August and
September and waterfowl in October and November.
- A number of rare bird sightings have taken place at Beltzville Lake. Some of these rarities have included American Oystercatcher, Arctic Tern and Violet-green Swallow
- Over 1,700 acres are open to hunting so be careful if birding the area during any of the State’s hunting seasons.
- Visit the PA Game Commission website, www.pgc.state.pa.us, for dates of hunting seasons and blaze orange clothing requirements. Please follow State Game Land or hunting regulations posted in parking areas. There is no hunting on Sundays.
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