50 Minutes on Lake Wallenpaupack: A Pontoon Window into the Poconos
All ages welcome • Beautiful cruise around Lake Wallenpaupack
The lake greets you with a glassy shrug, as if deciding how playful it wants to be today. Morning light combs the Poconos ridgeline, gulls draw clean white lines overhead, and the pontoon’s motor offers a low, steady hum that sets the pace. You step aboard, take a breath that smells faintly of pine and cool water, and watch the shoreline pull back. In less than an hour, you’ll skim past coves and wooded points, drift under a sky that always seems bigger from the middle of the lake, and get a crash course in the story of this 5,700-acre icon. Lake Wallenpaupack doesn’t rush; it nudges—inviting you to ease into the rhythm of the Poconos.
Trail Wisdom
Arrive 20 Minutes Early
Check in at the Tour Boat office inside East Shore Lodging; the boat departs on the hour and will not wait for late arrivals.
Layer for Cooler Temps
Expect it to feel about 10°F cooler on the water—bring a light jacket in summer and a blanket in spring or fall.
Sun Smart on an Open Deck
Even with the bimini top, reflection off the lake can burn—wear sunscreen and polarized sunglasses.
Know the Minimum
Tours require at least 4 passengers to depart; if the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be refunded or can reschedule.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Shuman Point Natural Area loop for a quiet, wooded shoreline walk
- •Wallenpaupack Creek Trail starting near the Hawley Silk Mill for a mellow riverside stroll
Wildlife
Bald eagles, Ospreys
Conservation Note
Respect shoreline habitats and nesting sites; never feed wildlife and pack out all trash. Help prevent aquatic invasive species by keeping gear clean and dry if you’re boating elsewhere during your trip.
Lake Wallenpaupack was created in 1926 by constructing a dam on Wallenpaupack Creek for hydroelectric power, flooding farmlands and forming a 13-mile-long reservoir.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Cool, quiet cruises, Wildlife spotting
Challenges: Chilly wind on open water, Unpredictable showers
Spring brings crisp air and active eagles and ospreys. Dress warm and expect variable weather.
summer
Best for: Family outings, Blue-sky photography
Challenges: Busy weekends, Intense midday sun
Summer is peak season—bright, warm, and lively. Book ahead and plan for sun exposure.
fall
Best for: Fall foliage views, Calmer weekdays
Challenges: Cooler temperatures, Shorter daylight
Autumn drapes the shoreline in color and often calmer water. Pack layers for chilly breezes.
winter
Best for: Quiet lakeside stays, Eagle watching from shore
Challenges: Tours may be limited or paused, Cold temps
Tours typically slow or pause in winter. If operating, expect frigid air and limited schedules.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Light Jacket or FleeceEssential
Open water runs cooler than shore; a wind-cutting layer keeps the ride comfortable.
Polarized SunglassesEssential
Polarization reduces glare off the lake and sharpens wildlife and shoreline detail.
Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen (SPF 30+)Essential
Reflection amplifies UV exposure even under the bimini top.
Compact Dry Bag
Keeps phones and cameras protected from spray and surprise showers.
Common Questions
Are life jackets provided?
Yes. Type II life jackets are provided onboard; you may bring your own if you prefer.
Where do I check in and how early should I arrive?
Check in at the Tour Boat office inside East Shore Lodging 20 minutes before departure. The boat leaves on the hour and will not wait for late arrivals.
Is there a passenger minimum?
Yes. A minimum of 4 passengers is required for the tour to depart. If the minimum isn’t met, you’ll receive a full refund or can reschedule.
What is the weather and refund policy?
If the tour is canceled due to weather, you’ll receive a full refund. If your ride is cut short and you were on the water less than 25 minutes, you’ll receive a full refund; beyond 25 minutes, refunds are not provided.
Are pets allowed on the boat?
Pets are not permitted on the tour. Service animals are allowed in accordance with applicable policies.
Are there restrooms available?
Portable restrooms are available at the dock. Plan to use them before boarding, as there is no restroom on the pontoon.
What to Pack
Light jacket or fleece for cooler on-water temps; polarized sunglasses to cut glare and make wildlife pop; sunscreen and a hat for sun protection on the open deck; compact dry bag to keep phones and cameras safe from spray.
Did You Know
Lake Wallenpaupack spans about 5,700 acres, runs 13 miles long, and has roughly 52 miles of shoreline—one of the largest reservoirs in Pennsylvania, created in 1926 for hydroelectric power.
Quick Travel Tips
Book midweek in summer for fewer crowds; arrive 20 minutes early to avoid missing your hour; check the forecast and bring a layer even on hot days; plan post-cruise time—Hawley’s dining and trails pair well with the tour.
Local Flavor
Post-cruise, grab a table at Wallenpaupack Brewing Company for local craft beer and hearty pub fare. For views and inventive small plates, Glass Wine. Bar. Kitchen. at Ledges Hotel makes the most of a gorge-side perch. Coffee and pastries at Cocoon Coffee House fuel a stroll through the Hawley Silk Mill complex.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AVP), about 45 minutes by car. Dock/Check-in: Tour Boat office inside East Shore Lodging on US-6. Drive time from Hawley: ~5–10 minutes depending on lodging. Cell service: Generally good along US-6; spotty in coves. Permits: None required for the tour; parking available on-site.
Sustainability Note
Wallenpaupack is a working hydroelectric reservoir with sensitive shoreline habitats. Pack out all trash, use mineral-based sunscreen to reduce water impact, and respect wake and wildlife to keep the lake healthy for future visitors.