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The 17,000-acre Pymatuning Reservoir, which straddles the Pennsylvania-Ohio border, is a haven for fishermen and pleasure boaters from both states.
Located within a 100-mile radius of Erie, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and other cities, it serves a large number of visitors and has one of the largest campgrounds in the Pennsylvania state parks system.
The lake was created on swamp lands by damming the Shenango River in 1934. There's good sightseeing by bike and car on the many country roads running along the lake's 70-mile shoreline.
Non-powered boats and boats up to 10 horsepower are permitted. Pontoon boats, rowboats, canoes and motors can be rented.
Crappie, carp, bluegill, perch, muskellunge, walleye and largemouth and smallmouth bass are fished from the lake.
About 2,500 lake acres and another 1,170 land acres have been designated a wildlife refuge for migratory waterfowl. An estimated 20,000 Canada geese — and even more ducks — stop at the lake in fall, and regulated hunting is allowed in the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Controlled Hunting Area during the annual waterfowl season.
Of interest to naturalists is Black Jack Swamp, a 725-acre wetland and designated natural area that, along with the 161-acre Clark Island Natural Area, provides habitat for many animals and plants.
Ice boating and ice fishing are popular in winter. About 300 acres are designated for snowmobiling.
Pymatuning has 657 campsites in three areas and 25 modern rental cabins. Five bathing beaches are open Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Outdoor Activities |
