Nestled within the 96,975-hectare (239,500-acre) Rothrock State Forest, the 8.9-hectare (22-acre) Whipple Dam Lake is one of Pennsylvania’s best-kept natural secrets. Originally constructed in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this serene lake is now the centerpiece of a 103.6-hectare (256-acre) recreational paradise that attracts nature lovers year-round. Despite being just 12 miles south of State College, this hidden gem offers a peaceful retreat that feels worlds away from everyday life.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Whipple Dam State Park is located at 3746 Laurel Run Road, Petersburg, PA 16669. The closest major airports are Harrisburg International Airport (MDT), approximately 153 km (95 miles) away, and Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), about 209 km (130 miles) away. Most visitors arrive by car, as public transportation options are limited in this rural area.
From State College: Follow PA Route 45 to the intersection with PA Route 26 at Pine Grove Mills. Turn left and continue over Tussey Mountain for about 9 km (5.6 miles). Turn left onto Whipple Dam Road and follow signs to the park entrance.
From Altoona: Take I-99 North to Tyrone, then follow PA State Route 453 for 13 km (8.1 miles) to Spruce Creek. Turn left onto PA State Route 45 at Spruce Creek. Follow PA Route 45 to the intersection with PA Route 26 at Pine Grove Mills. Turn right and continue over Tussey Mountain for 9 km (5.6 miles). Turn left onto Whipple Dam Road.
From Huntingdon: Follow PA Route 26 for 32 km (20 miles) and turn left onto Whipple Dam Road.
For GPS navigation, use coordinates 40.68274, -77.86559 to find the park entrance. Cell phone reception can be spotty in this area, so it’s advisable to download offline maps before your journey. The park office can be reached at 814-667-1800 for the most current information about road conditions and park access.
Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
Recommended Seasons
Late spring through early fall (May to October) offers the most pleasant conditions for enjoying Whipple Dam Lake. The park’s beach and boat rental facilities typically operate from late May through mid-September, making summer the peak season for water activities. Fall brings spectacular foliage displays, with mid-October usually offering the most vibrant colors as the surrounding forest transforms into a tapestry of reds, oranges, and golds.
Seasons to Avoid
Winter (December to February) brings cold temperatures that can drop below -12°C (10°F), making water activities impossible as the lake freezes over. While winter offers opportunities for ice fishing and cross-country skiing, facilities are limited and trails can be difficult to navigate. Early spring (March to April) often brings muddy conditions as snow melts, making hiking less enjoyable.
Weather at Whipple Dam Lake varies significantly throughout the year. Summer temperatures typically range from 21-29°C (70-85°F), perfect for swimming and water activities. Spring and fall temperatures are more moderate, ranging from 10-21°C (50-70°F). The area receives approximately 114 cm (45 inches) of precipitation annually, with thunderstorms common in summer afternoons. Always check the weather forecast before your visit, as mountain weather can change rapidly.
Getting Around Locally
Whipple Dam State Park is compact enough to explore entirely on foot. The 3 km (1.9 mile) Whipple Lake Trail loops around the entire lake and is relatively flat, making it accessible for most visitors. For those with mobility challenges, paved paths lead to the beach area and picnic facilities.
If you’re planning to explore beyond the park, a personal vehicle is essential. The surrounding Rothrock State Forest offers extensive hiking trails, including access to the Mid State Trail, one of Pennsylvania’s longest footpaths. Mountain bikes are permitted on designated trails in the state forest but not within the immediate park boundaries.
For those interested in water transportation, the park offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals during the summer season (typically Friday through Sunday). Only electric motors are permitted on the lake, keeping the atmosphere peaceful and the water clean.
Where to Stay
Unlike many state parks, Whipple Dam does not offer overnight camping facilities. However, several accommodation options are available nearby:
Nature Inn at Bald Eagle
Located about 30 minutes away at Bald Eagle State Park, this unique bed and breakfast offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities while maintaining a connection to nature. It’s the only lodging of its kind in the Pennsylvania state park system.
Phone: 814-625-2879
Penn-Roosevelt State Park
For those seeking a rustic camping experience, this nearby state park offers primitive tent sites with vault toilets and no running water. Located just 10 miles from Whipple Dam in the heart of Rothrock State Forest.
Phone: 814-667-1800
State College Accommodations
The college town of State College, just 12 miles north, offers numerous hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts for those preferring modern amenities. Options range from budget-friendly chains to upscale boutique hotels.
For visitors planning a day trip, the park opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. During summer months, the beach area is open from 8:00 AM until sunset. Plan accordingly, as overnight parking is not permitted within the park boundaries.
Dining & Local Cuisine
Whipple Dam State Park does not have restaurants on-site, but it offers excellent picnicking facilities with tables and pavilions near the beach area. Many visitors bring coolers with food and drinks to enjoy a lakeside meal. The park has several charcoal grills available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For those seeking prepared meals, several options are available within a 20-minute drive:
Pine Grove Mills
This small community just 10 minutes away offers a few casual dining options, including the popular Homan’s General Store, which serves sandwiches and local specialties.
The Naked Egg Café is another favorite spot, known for its hearty breakfast options and locally-sourced ingredients.
State College
Just 12 miles north, State College offers a wide range of dining options from fast food to fine dining. The college town is known for its diverse culinary scene, with everything from authentic international cuisine to classic American fare.
Local specialties to try include Pennsylvania Dutch dishes like scrapple, chicken pot pie, and shoofly pie at family restaurants throughout the region.
If you’re planning an all-day visit to the park, consider packing a cooler with drinks and snacks, as there are no concession stands or vending machines available except during peak summer weekends when a small concession near the beach might be open.
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Whipple Dam Lake offers a variety of recreational activities throughout the year, with water-based fun being the main attraction during warmer months:
Swimming
The park features a 91-meter (300-foot) sandy beach that’s open from late May to mid-September, 8:00 AM until sunset. The swimming area is unguarded, so visitors swim at their own risk. The water is refreshingly cool, fed by mountain streams, though it has a natural tea-colored appearance due to tannins from surrounding vegetation.
Fishing
Whipple Lake and its tributary Laurel Run are stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The lake also contains sunfish, chain pickerel, and some largemouth bass. Ice fishing is permitted during winter months when conditions allow. A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older.
Boating
The lake welcomes non-powered boats and those with electric motors. Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and small sailboats are common sights on the water. Rentals are available during summer weekends at the concession near the beach. The shallow depth (maximum 2.4 meters/8 feet) makes it ideal for beginners to practice paddling skills.
Beyond water activities, visitors can enjoy beach volleyball on the court near the swimming area, or challenge friends to horseshoes at the designated pits. During summer months, the “Bands on the Beach” concert series offers free monthly performances right on the sand, sponsored by the Friends of Greenwood Furnace, Whipple Dam, and Penn-Roosevelt State Parks.
Wildlife watching is another popular activity, with white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and various songbirds frequently spotted around the lake. Early mornings and evenings provide the best opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals
While Whipple Dam State Park itself doesn’t house museums, its rich history as a former lumber industry site offers cultural interest. The park is named after Osgood M. Whipple, a Vermont businessman who constructed the original dam and sawmill in 1868 after purchasing the land following the Civil War.
Cultural enthusiasts will appreciate that the park’s day-use area was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 as the “Whipple Dam State Park Day Use District.” Many of the structures visible today, including pavilions, roads, and restrooms, were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s and 1940s.
Nearby Cultural Attractions
Greenwood Furnace State Park (10 miles away) preserves a historic iron-making community from the 19th century, with restored buildings and interpretive displays about Pennsylvania’s industrial heritage.
Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center (4 miles away) is a Penn State-owned wildlife center and aviary offering educational programs and exhibits about local ecology.
Annual Events
Summer Concert Series: Monthly performances on the beach from June through August.
Fall Foliage Festival: Typically held in mid-October when autumn colors are at their peak.
First Day Hikes: Guided walks on New Year’s Day as part of a nationwide initiative in state parks.
For those interested in local culture, the nearby town of State College offers additional museums, galleries, and cultural events throughout the year, including the popular Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts held each July.
Nature & Outdoor Experiences
The natural environment surrounding Whipple Dam Lake is perhaps its greatest attraction. The park sits within the larger Rothrock State Forest, offering extensive opportunities for outdoor exploration and nature appreciation.
Hiking
The 3 km (1.9 mile) Whipple Lake Trail offers a scenic loop around the lake and along Laurel Run. This yellow-blazed trail is relatively flat and suitable for families with children, though some sections can be muddy after rain. The trail provides beautiful views of the lake, stream, and surrounding forest, with several bridges crossing tributary streams.
Winter Activities
When snow blankets the landscape, the park transforms into a winter wonderland. Cross-country skiing is popular on the Whipple Lake Trail and connecting forest roads. Ice skating is permitted on the frozen lake when conditions allow, and ice fishing attracts hardy anglers seeking trout and panfish through the ice.
Photography
The changing seasons offer endless photography opportunities, from spring wildflowers to summer reflections on the lake, vibrant fall foliage, and serene winter scenes. The spillway area is particularly photogenic, with water cascading over rocks surrounded by lush vegetation.
For more adventurous hikers, the park connects to the extensive trail network of Rothrock State Forest, including access points to the Mid State Trail, which runs 327 km (203 miles) through central Pennsylvania. The Alan Seeger Natural Area, just 10 miles away, offers old-growth forest with trees over 300 years old.
Birdwatchers will appreciate the diversity of species found around the lake, including wood thrushes, scarlet tanagers, various warblers, and occasionally bald eagles and osprey fishing in the lake. Early morning visits offer the best birding opportunities.
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
Ensuring a safe and enjoyable visit to Whipple Dam Lake requires awareness of a few important guidelines:
Water Safety
The swimming area is unguarded, so swim at your own risk and never swim alone. Children should always be supervised near the water. The lake has a natural tea-colored appearance due to tannins, which can make it difficult to see underwater obstacles.
All boaters must have a personal flotation device (life jacket) for each person on board. Children under 12 must wear life jackets while on boats.
Wildlife Precautions
While generally not aggressive, black bears do inhabit the surrounding forest. Store food securely and never approach or feed wildlife. If you encounter a bear, make noise and back away slowly.
Check for ticks after hiking, as Lyme disease is present in the region. Wear insect repellent during warmer months to deter ticks and mosquitoes.
Park etiquette includes respecting the “carry in, carry out” trash policy—there are limited trash receptacles, so plan to take your garbage with you. Alcohol is prohibited within the park boundaries, and quiet hours are observed from 9:00 PM to 8:00 AM, even for day visitors in the evening.
Cell phone reception is limited within the park, so important communications should be handled before arrival. For emergencies, the nearest hospital is Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, approximately 20 minutes away.
Visitor Comments About Whipple Dam Lake
“Whipple Dam Lake is our family’s favorite summer destination. The beach is never overcrowded, and the water is refreshingly cool even on the hottest days. The hiking trail around the lake is perfect for our young children—challenging enough to be interesting but not too difficult. We’ve made it our tradition to visit at least twice each summer.”
— H.J., Belgrade
“I visited Whipple Dam during fall foliage season and was absolutely stunned by the beauty. The colors reflecting on the lake created a postcard-perfect scene. The trail around the lake offered numerous spots to stop and take photos. I appreciated that the park wasn’t commercialized—it felt like discovering a hidden natural treasure.”
— A.W., Białystok
“As an avid kayaker, I found Whipple Dam Lake to be ideal for a peaceful paddle. The no-motor policy (except electric) keeps the water calm and quiet. The lake is small enough to explore thoroughly in a couple of hours but varied enough to remain interesting. The rental prices were reasonable, and the staff was helpful in getting us set up.”
— L.S., Białystok
Additional Nearby Destinations
Greenwood Furnace State Park
Located just 16 km (10 miles) from Whipple Dam, this 171-hectare (423-acre) park preserves a historic iron-making community. Visitors can explore restored buildings, hike through scenic forests, and swim in the park’s 6-acre lake. The park offers camping facilities for those wishing to extend their stay in the region.
Phone: 814-667-1800
Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center
Just 6.4 km (4 miles) from Whipple Dam, this Penn State-owned facility features a wildlife center with rehabilitated birds of prey, reptiles, and amphibians. Educational programs and hiking trails make this an excellent family destination. The Raptor Center houses eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons that cannot be released into the wild.
Phone: 814-863-2000
Stone Mountain Hawk Watch
Located in Rothrock State Forest, this scenic overlook is used to monitor the fall hawk migration. From late August through November, volunteers count thousands of raptors as they migrate south. The site offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it worth a visit even outside migration season.
For those willing to venture a bit further, Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park (about 30 minutes away) offers America’s only all-water cavern tour, where visitors explore limestone caves by boat. The site also features a wildlife park with North American animals and a maze challenge.
Practical Travel Tips
What to Bring
Sunscreen and insect repellent are essential during warmer months. Bring water shoes for swimming, as the lake bottom can be rocky in places. A small first aid kit is recommended for hiking, and binoculars will enhance wildlife viewing opportunities. Don’t forget a camera to capture the scenic beauty.
If planning a picnic, bring a tablecloth for the picnic tables and any cooking utensils you’ll need for the grills. Firewood cannot be brought into the park due to invasive species concerns.
Park Regulations
Pets must be on a leash no longer than 1.8 meters (6 feet) at all times and are not permitted in swimming areas. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited throughout the park. Fishing requires a valid Pennsylvania fishing license for those 16 and older.
The park is open from sunrise to sunset daily. Pavilions can be reserved up to 11 months in advance by calling the park office at 814-667-1800.
For visitors with mobility challenges, the park offers accessible parking, restrooms, and picnic areas. The beach area has a paved path leading to it, though the sand itself may present difficulties for wheelchairs. Contact the park office in advance to inquire about specific accessibility accommodations.
Consider visiting on weekdays if possible, as weekends can be busy during summer months. Early mornings offer the most tranquil experience and best wildlife viewing opportunities. The park is typically less crowded in May, early June, and September while still offering pleasant weather for most activities.
Your Perfect Outdoor Escape Awaits
Whipple Dam Lake offers a refreshing retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, providing a perfect balance of recreational activities and natural tranquility. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly beach day, a peaceful paddle on calm waters, or a scenic hike through forests teeming with wildlife, this hidden gem in central Pennsylvania delivers memorable experiences in every season. As you plan your visit, remember that the true magic of Whipple Dam lies in its simplicity and natural beauty—a place where time slows down and connections with nature deepen. Pack your sense of adventure and prepare to discover why generations of visitors have treasured this special destination.
The above is subject to change.
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