Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Reading State Park covers approximately 318 acres in Berks County, Pennsylvania, centered around the 20-acre Lake Ontelaunee, an impoundment created to serve as a water reservoir. The park is characterized by mixed hardwood forests, gently rolling hills, and the serene lake that attracts visitors for a range of outdoor activities. Its ecology includes regional species such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and various migratory songbirds, making it a favored spot for wildlife observation. Founded in 1924, Reading State Park has developed as a recreational area offering hiking trails that wind through its woodlands and around the lake, picnic shelters, and a boat launch for small non-motorized watercraft. Anglers frequent the lake for largemouth bass, bluegill, and trout, while the wooded surroundings provide peaceful settings for birding and photography. Unlike larger wilderness parks, Reading State Park serves primarily as a quiet local outdoor escape and day-use area, with opportunities to experience natural Pennsylvania surroundings close to urban centers. The park's easy trail access and family-friendly amenities make it appealing to casual hikers, anglers, and picnickers during spring through fall. Visitor appeal is enhanced by its accessibility from nearby Reading and other Berks County towns, offering a nature experience within a short drive. Facilities include restrooms, picnic tables, and parking areas that support day visitors year-round.
