Stories and photos by Robin Smith (unless otherwise indicated)
Pennsylvania Outdoors at its Finest
Raystown Lake Region is a tranquil setting, unspoiled by mass development and commercialization. You can unwind, relax, and enjoy nature at its finest. Spend your days, boating, swimming, mountain biking, or taking in hiking trailsand wildlife. Enjoy a dinner cruise on the lake, or visit historic locations and nearby museums. You will be away from the rat race, but you won’t be bored when visiting Raystown Lake Region.
Location of Raystown Lake
Raystown Lake Region is located in Huntingdon County, south-central Pennsylvania. The lake is surrounded by lush forested mountains and offers recreation for all ages. An old oak-hickory forest lines the lakeshore and gives way to mountain cliffs and ridges.
Huntingdon, PA, located at the northern end of the lake, is a stop on the Amtrak Pennsylvanian line with roll-on/off bike service, and the Raystown Lake Region is easily accessible from major metro areas such as Pittsburgh, Baltimore, DC, and Philadelphia. Often referred to as “The Crown Jewel of Pennsylvania,” Raystown Lake draws over 2 million visitors a year searching for a quiet slice of lake enjoyment.
I Visited The Lake as a Child
When I was about seven years old, I visited a cottage along the shores of a much smaller Raystown Lake with my aunt. Her husband’s family owned the cabin, and it sat right on the edge of the lake. I remember swimming in the lake and playing monopoly in the cottage.
Local families and some from a distance would spend weekends at the lake enjoying water activities, campfires, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying spending time with each other. Shortly after that visit, the Corps of Engineers took over the lake area and where that cottage was located is now under the water of the new and expanded Raystown Lake.
The Raystown Lake is practically in my backyard, and over the years I have enjoyed boating, swimming, hiking, and camping in the region. I’m thrilled with the opportunity to share this beautiful area with you.
The Raystown Lake is 28 miles in length and offers 118 miles of mostly undeveloped shoreline. It is the largest lake located entirely within Pennsylvania’s borders at 8,300 acres.
The water flows south to north, with the shallow part (approximately 12 feet deep) of the lake at the southern end near the Weaver’s Falls Boat Launch area. The lake’s maximum depth is 200 feet near the Raystown dam, and the average depth is 80 feet. It is a man-made lake, fed by the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River and surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains.
Climate in Raystown Lake
The Lake Raystown Area is an all-season destination. While summer is its biggest season, spring brings fishermen, hikers, and birdwatchers to the area. Fall showcases the beautiful fall foliage in the area, and hunters enjoy the area in late fall and winter. People enjoy a full menu of water activities, camping, and outdoor adventures in the summer when temperatures range from the low 60s to the 90s. The Lake Raystown Area enjoy three to four inches of rain per month.
Spring and fall usher in mostly pleasant days with cool evenings. Winter is cold, with temperatures falling to 30 degrees and usually lower.
Boat Launches at Raystown Lake
There are no major cities in the area. This is rural Pennsylvania. The areas I will highlight are the areas with public boat launches in the Raystown Lake Region.
Corbin’s Island Boat Launch
The only launch that offers downstream access to the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River, it is an ideal location for launching tube, canoe, small boat, or kayak float trips.
Corbin’s Island is ½ mile from the dam and hosts a single lane launch Corbin’s Island is a quiet area set amongst mature oaks that offers the only downstream access to the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River.
There is adequate parking for both trailers and cars. Picnic tables and grills are available. Be aware there is no drinking water access at this launch, and the ramp launches in only 2 – 4 feet of water.
Snyder’s Run Boat Launch
Snyder’s Run is the only northern lake access and is closest to Huntingdon, the largest town in the Raystown Lake Region. Just a short boat ride away from Raystown Dam, due to its location, Snyder’s Run often fills to capacity early on summer weekends and holidays.
Located on Mile Marker H3, it boasts a triple lane launch, floating courtesy dock, and a concrete pier. Parking spaces include 78 trailer and 17 single car spaces. There are some extra-long parking spaces as well.
Seven Points Boat Launch
As we head south on the lake, the next boat launch is the Seven Points Boat Launch in the small town of Hesston. The Seven Points Recreational Area includes a marina, picnic areas, hiking trails, biking trails, biking skills center, a public beach, pavilions, boat rentals, a concession stand, and more. The Raystown Lake visitor center is also housed here.
Seven Points Boat Launch is centrally located on the lake between mile markers 8 and 9. There is plenty of parking, and overflow parking lots are available.
Aitch Boat Launch
Aitch (pronounced “H) is the perfect location to fish or have a quiet cruise. It is tucked nearly a mile off the main channel in a large no-wake area surrounded by small coves and inlets.
The interesting thing about this launch is its location is where the former town of Aitch used to be. All the houses were removed, and the area where the town was located is now under water.
Picnic tables and grills are near the launch area. A double-lane launch, floating courtesy dock, and a universally accessible fishing pier are available. There is parking for 65 trailers and six cars at ramp.
James Creek Boat Launch
Centrally located on the lake James Creek offers nearby access to “Brumbaugh Cove,” “Garner’s Inlet,” and is the closest boat launch to Nancy’s Boat to Shore Campground.
A popular launch, there are 124 trailer parking spaces at ramp, a triple lane launch, floating courtesy dock, and a concrete pier.
Tatman Run Boat Launch
Tatman Run boat launch is near the Lake Raystown Resort Area and Trough Creek State Park. It has a public beach, picnic areas with pavilions, playground, and trail access. This is one of my favorite areas on the lake.
It is the only eastern shoreline launch and can be found at mile marker 20. Be aware there is a steep ramp that can be a problem for new boaters.
A popular spot, Tatman has 60 trailer parking spaces and 22 single car spaces near the ramp. It is a double lane launch with a floating courtesy dock.
Shy Beaver Boat Launch
Further south is Shy Beaver Boat Launch. Pioneers named the area because beaver roamed the creek. This area offers access to relaxing and scenic sections of the lake.
It is located at the end of a cove between lake mile markers 21 and 22. It has 148 trailer parking spaces and a triple lane launch with a floating courtesy dock.
Weaver Falls Boat Launch
At the southern tip of the lake, you will find Weaver Falls Boat Launch. It is located near mile marker 28. This portion of the Raystown reminds you of a wide river, but it is still part of the lake. Fishermen enjoy this area. There are 40 trailer parking spaces and 21 single car spaces.
A double-lane launch with a floating courtesy dock. This area a great place for kayaks and paddleboards. There are picnic tables, grills, shelter, and playground at this launch.
Weaver Falls is near the small town of Saxton and the Heritage Cove Resort. Saxton has a grocery store and many other conveniences you would expect in a small rural village.
History
The Simpson family of Huntingdon built the original Raystown Lake in 1905 as a private hydroelectric project. With the dam came many cottages along the shores. I had the pleasure of enjoying one of those cottages as a child.
In 1968 the construction of a new dam began as a project of the Baltimore Corps of Engineers. It was completed in 1972 and became operational in 1973.
All of the cottages left along the shores are now covered in water along with a bridge, the old dam, and other points of interest.
current Raystown Lake was created by damming up the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River for flood control, hydroelectric power, and recreational activities.
The Army Corps of Engineers continue to manage seven boat launches on the lake: Seven Points, Snyder’s Run, James Creek, Aitch, Tatman Run, Weaver Falls, and Shy Beaver.
The Army Corps of Engineers also manages two public beaches at Seven Points and Tatman Run. The beaches are full of family fun and entertainment with concession stands, water trampolines, grassy areas, picnic benches, playground equipment, and white sand. The swimming areas are divided by buoys and separated into a sandy “shallow end” and a concrete “deep end,” perfect for children and children-at-heart.
PLAY
Seven Points
If you are thinking of outdoor fun and adventure, Seven Points is the place to visit. Boating, swimming, fishing, and other water activities are the highlights. Summer weekends are host to education and entertainment programs at the amphitheater. A recycled rubber tire hiking trail, the Greenside Pathway, provides a safe walking route that connects the campgrounds to all of the recreational facilities within Seven Points. You will find world-class mountain biking available on the Allegrippis Trails, and the mountain biking skills park near the Visitors Center is free for all skill levels.
Plus Seven Points Marina has houseboats for rent. So you can actually rent a houseboat and live on the lake for a week.
Lake Raystown Resort
There is so much to see and do at Lake Raystown Resort. You can take a public cruise on the Proud Mary Showboat and enjoy the breathtaking vistas. Consider renting a pontoon boat for the day, or if fishing is your thing, fishing boat rentals are available. Hit up the Wildriver Waterpark for a day of slides and splashing in the water.
Lincoln Caverns
There is nothing like going underground and cooling off in a cave on hot days. View nature’s handiwork as you explore the winding passageways and see the stalactites. They have special events throughout the year, so be sure to check out what is happening before visiting.
STAY
Lake Raystown Resort
For the most variety in accommodations, visit the Lake Raystown Resort. They have everything from rustic sites to luxury accommodations. You have your choice of campsites, cabins, cottages, bungalows, villas, yurts, and a lodge.
Gage Mansion Bed & Breakfast
Beautiful Victorian home right in downtown Huntingdon, you will be within walking distance to many dining options. Enjoy luxury bedding, and a complimentary breakfast served daily when you stay at Gage Mansion.
Bear’s Paw Lodge
Thinking of bringing a few people with you, this is the perfect spot. While you have majestic views of the lake, you have lots of room and many touches of luxury in this rental property.
EAT
312 Kitchen and Cocktails
The food at Three Twelve Kitchen and Cocktails is amazing. My favorite dish is their salmon, and the plating of the items is as impressive as the food. Everything is scratch-made and locally sourced. Even if you don’t have time for dinner, stop for a fantastic artfully crafted cocktail.
312 Penn Street, Huntingdon, PA
Marina Café at Lake Raystown Resort
Delicious food and a picturesque view are on the menu at the Marina Café. Sitting on their tree-shaded deck, you can watch the boats come and go. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dinner is my favorite time to enjoy this restaurant.
3101 Chipmunk Crossing, Entriken, PA
Muddy Run Tavern
Known for their wings, but everything is scrumptious. If you get nothing else, order their pulled pork and coleslaw specialty fries. A small order will fee at least two people. You get a large order of fries, covered in cheese, pulled pork, and topped with coleslaw. It is a meal in a basket. They have a half dozen different kinds of loaded fries. You are sure to find one to suit your tastebuds.
An appetizer I found delightful was the “Braided Pretzel.” It is a soft pretzel braid large enough for two to share.
Muddy Run Tavern is a great place for a sandwich and drink to catch up with friends and kick back and relax in casual attire.
416 9th St, Huntingdon, PA 16652
Play, Stay, and Eat in the Raystown Lake Region
While the Raystown Lake Region is known for the many boating water activity opportunities, they have so much more. Caves to tour, State Parks to visit, rails to trails, museums shops, diners, and many other things we haven’t mentioned. There are so many places to play, stay, and eat you will want to come back again and again. Get away from it all and enjoy nature as you relax and enjoy a visit to the Raystown Lake Region.
