The Hidden Beach at Poe Valley State Park In Pennsylvania Will Make You Feel A Million Miles Away From It All
By Beth Price-Williams|Published August 15, 2016
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Surrounded by lush forest at the bottom of a mountain valley in Coburn, Poe Valley State Park’s shimmering centerpiece is arguably its beautiful stretch of soft sandy beach that leads into the cool waters of Poe Lake. As summer barrels towards its final hurrah, a trip to Poe Valley State Park in Pennsylvania will make you feel as if you – and the rapidly approaching autumn – are a million miles away.
Flanked by the nearly 200,000 acre Bald Eagle State Park, the cozy 620-acre Poe Valley State Park promises a relaxing experience, away from the stress of everyday life.
Allow your feet to sink into the warm, soft sand as you throw out your favorite beach towel or park your beach chair in your favorite spot on the beach before heading into the cool water.
The 25-acre Lake Poe, although not protected by lifeguards (swim at your own risk), is only five feet deep at its deepest point. The swimming area is roped off.
Watch the kids romp around the playground at the sand's edge while soaking up the rays of a late summer sun or spend hours splashing in and playing on the lake.
Rent a paddle boat, a canoe, or a kayak for a relaxing meander around Lake Poe. Electric motorboats are only allowed provided they are currently registered.
Find a quiet spot, under the shade of the trees, on the edge of the lake and cast your fishing pole into the water for a morning or an afternoon of fishing for cat fish, rainbow trout, brown trout, sunfish, and pickerel.
Or, hit one of the hiking trails that span only three miles through the cozy state park. Follow the posted trail signs and be forewarned that some trails are simple while others are much more challenging.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the picnic tables scattered throughout the park. Prepare your meal on one of the charcoal grills or let someone else do the cooking by visiting the beach's concession stand which features hot food, drinks, ice, ice cream, and snacks.
Poe Valley State Park welcomes visitors all year around. However, the beach is only open from Memorial Day weekend through mid-September. Swimming is permitted daily during the open season from 8 a.m. until the sun sets.
Good things come in small packages, and Poe Valley State Park in Pennsylvania certainly proves that old saying true. Up for a little more excitement after your relaxing getaway to the beach? Check out this bucket list for outdoor lovers in Pennsylvania.
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