Raystown Lake

About Raystown Lake

Raystown Lake is the largest lake in Pennsylvania, covering 2,500 hectares and an average depth of 1.5 metres.
The lake is located in the southern Allegheny Mountains in Huntingdon County and the average depth is 80 feet, with a maximum depth of 200 feet.

Raystown Lake, nicknamed the "Crown Jewel of Pennsylvania," has 110 miles of largely undeveloped coastline, as laws prevent residential development and limited commercial development. The US Army Corps of Engineers built Raytown Lake by damming the Raystown branch of the Juniata River for flood control, hydropower and recreational activities.

For a fee of $3, you can start a boat from the lake (or rent one from one of the starting points) or rent a private boat for the same price. Raystown Lake has no speed or horsepower restrictions, although boaters are encouraged to boot safely and follow the rules of each lake. The Army Corps of Engineers manages the boats that call the lake home, as well as Raytown Falls, the largest lake in the United States. For those seeking a peaceful piece of lake joy, the pristine shoreline and unspoiled beauty of this lake attracts more than 2 million visitors each year, according to the National Park Service.

Experienced fishermen claim that this lake is one of the best places in the area to catch fish such as bluefish, perch, trout and other small fish. Raystown Lake will not disappoint any angler; it is home to some of Pennsylvania's best perch and trout, as well as a variety of other fish and birds.

You can rent a boat at one of the local marinas or set off on your own, or there are several tourist guide services. Either way, you will be surrounded by beautiful scenery while waiting for the fish to bite.
The beach is really chalk black and the swimming area is divided by buoys and divided into two sections, one for swimmers and one for boaters. The Army Corps of Engineers takes care of the sunbathers and swimmers, but there are also beach play equipment for sunbathing and swimming.

Raystown Lake is a busy place: visit one of the many state parks in the area, explore the caves in Lincoln Caverns, play golf, horse ride, visit the local winery and visit a variety of agricultural activities if you're ready to take a break from the many water activities around the lake.