HISTORY

Like many of the parks throughout the region, Poe Valley State Park finds its origins in the Civilian Conservation Corps, initiated during the Great Depression to help provide jobs for young men in need. The resulting infrastructure projects remain to this day — with many of Pennsylvania’s state parks being examples.

Poe Valley was practically the home base for the men of CCC camp S-63-PA, the ruins of which — and stone marker memorial — sit on what is now private land just a few miles away.

The park is named for Big Poe Creek, which flows through it.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Creeks and streams form a significant part of the area’s ecosystem.

ACTIVITIES

Boating

With the lake being the centerpiece of the park, it’s not surprising that there are plenty of boating options offered. No gas motors are allowed, however, electric motors on slow, no-wake speed are welcome, as are the expansive variety of human-powered boats like kayaks, paddleboards, canoes and more.

A boat rental near the beach provides options for those who do not own or bring a water craft, at least between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Fishing

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS The beach at Poe Lake is pictured, with visitors soaking up some sun.

While not perhaps as renowned for fishing as Poe Paddy, Poe Valley is still no slouch. The lake is routinely stocked with trout, and many other common species like catfish, bass and perch are also present.

The park’s website provides maps of the lake’s water depth, to help fishers locate various species.

Swimming

The swimming beach is open from roughly Memorial Day to roughly Labor Day, from 8 a.m. to sunset. At its deepest, the swimming area caps out at five feet.

The concession stand, which also offers boat rentals, sells hot food, ice cream, ice and some supplies.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS As with all state parks, keep in mind that you are a visitor and wildlife is around every corner.

Smoking of any kind, including vaping, is banned on the beach and in the swimming area. There are smoking-friendly designated areas near the beach, however.

Hunting

Of the park’s 620 acres, more than 450 are open for hunting and trapping during their appropriate seasons. Available game species include white-tailed deer, turkey, ruffed grouse, black bear and squirrels.

Hunting groundhogs is prohibited at Poe Valley State Park, and hunting along the shores of the lake is also prohibited.

Camping

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Mountain laurel is pictured in bloom at Poe Valley State Park.

Poe Valley State Park’s campground contains 45 sites for tents, trailers and motorhomes; 27 of which are equipped with 50-amp electric supply.

There are also three cottages and one deluxe cottage. All feature electricity and furnishings, while the deluxe cottage includes a kitchen area with a stove, fridge and microwave. While the cottages do not include running water, there is a shower house close by which offers clean water.

Campsites are available from mid-April through early December. Alcoholic drinks are prohibited at the park. For other rules and regulations, or to reserve a campsite, visit the park’s website.

Hiking

A host of hiking options are present at Poe Valley, with seven trails of varying difficulty offered — one of which being a connector to the 327-mile Mid State Trail. These include the half-mile Deep Low Place Trail, the half-mile Hunters Path, three-quarter mile Little Poe Trail, 1 mile Loggers Path, 1 mile Nature Trail and 1.5 mile Tower Trail.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Poe Valley State Park’s campground features an array of cabins and sites.

Of these, the Deep Low Place Trail and Loggers Path are rated at the “most difficult” level, while the Little Poe and Nature Trails are rated “easiest.”

The Mid State connector is the 16.75-mile Reeds Gap trail, which connects Poe Valley to Mifflin County in the Reeds Gap State Park.

Picnicking

A picnic area near Poe Lake features a variety of amenities, including drinking water, playgrounds and grills. Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-serve basis; however, reservations can be placed at Poe Valley State Park’s website up to 11 months in advance to schedule a particular site for a fee.

Winter Recreation

The lake remains open for ice fishing during the winter months, although abundant caution is urged: the ice thickness is not monitored at this park.

Other winter activities at Poe Valley include cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing on the park’s various trails.

Accessibility

Poe Valley provides several options for accessibility. Multiple campsites — site 37 in the campground loop, and cottages 11 and 35 — feature accessible features. Additionally, there are ADA accessible picnic tables in an area near Poe Lake.

The park also provides accessible hunting in some locations. Contact the park for details.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS One of the picnic pavilions is pictured.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS The area is full of gorgeous creeks and pristine mountain views.