Cowanesque Lake

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Cowanesque Lake: Description

Clocking in at just over 1,085 acres, Cowanesque Lake in north-central Pennsylvania offers fun and relaxation for the entire family. Located in Tioga County close to the
New York state border, the lake is 4.2 miles long with 17 miles of shoreline. Lake depth ranges from 5 to 200 feet. Built by the Army Corps of Engineers to provide flood control, water supply, and recreation, the lake has become an ideal vacation destination. Construction of the dam was completed in 1973.

The Army Corps of Engineers operates three recreation areas on Cowanesque Lake: South Shore Day Use Area, Lawrence Picnic Area, and Tompkins Playground. The recreation areas offer picnic areas, grills, restrooms, swimming facilities, boat launches, traditional campsites, hike-in campsites, group campsites, and beaches.

Boating is one of the more popular activities on Cowanesque Lake, with a host of canoes, pleasure boats, sailboats, and bass boats. Although there is no speed or horsepower limit along the lake, there are plenty of quiet, no-wake coves for peaceful relaxation, fishing, wildlife-watching, and keeping an eye out for fishing osprey. For a small fee, you may launch your boat from any of the five public boat launch ramps.

Cowanesque Lake is well-known in the area for its excellent freshwater fishing opportunities, and is home to many annual fishing tournaments. Many of the indigenous fish from local streams have found their way into the lake, and anglers will enjoy fishing the lake's crystal blue waters as well as downstream of the Cowanesque Dam. The Army Corps of Engineers also stocks the lake with walleye, muskellunge, bass, catfish, crappie, and trout, much to fishermen's delight.

After days of swimming, fishing, and boating, take a break from the lure of the water and take a hike along the 4-mile Moccasin Trail. The hike will take you through fields and woods, introducing you to area wildlife. If you're in the mood for a longer hike, take the Mid State Trail which connects Cowanesque Lake to nearby Hammond Lake.