Karen J. Histed, Broker

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WELCOME TO THE LAKE WALLENPAUPACK REGION OF THE POCONOS!

Consumers Notice

 LAKE INFORMATION

Listings

Prior to 1926, only a stream flowed through the area that is now Lake Wallenpaupack. Lenni-Lenape Indians named it "Wallenpaupack" which means "The Stream of Swift and Slow Water". The land at one time was owned by William Penn who deeded it to his son, and then to James Wilson, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and a Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Wilsonville; the site of PPL Companies Hydroelectric Dam, and at one time the county seat of Wayne County, was named for James Wilson.

The first step in the plan to construct a dam was purchasing land from about 100 owners. Land values at that time were about $20 an acre. Farms, barns, houses, sheds, and other buildings were either razed or moved. Trees were cut and 17 miles of road along with telephone and telegraph poles were re-routed beyond the 52-mile shoreline. A cemetery was also relocated. A dike was erected near Tafton to complete the Lakebed, and a stream was temporarily diverted while the dam was built. Construction started early in 1924 and 2,700 men worked nearly 2 years to complete the project. It included the dam, the power plant, and the giant wooden flow line to carry the water from the Lake to the plant location 3 1/2 miles away. The original wooden structure, one of the worlds largest pipelines at that time, was constructed from 5 million board feet of Douglas fir and transported by ship from the state of Washington.

The Wallenpaupack 44,000 KW power plant was constructed simultaneously with the dam and put into service in 1926. The plant increased PPL's system generating capacity approximately 25% in 1926. Its system-wide generating capacity, when the plant went on line, was only about 225,000 KW.

Before 1925, the year round population of the lake area was about 500 people and changed little except for an occasional influx of fishermen in the spring and hunters in the fall. It's value, as an ideal recreation spot, has been evident from the time Lake Wallenpaupack was completed.

Lake Information

Lake Wallenpaupack is the Pocono's greatest attraction and recreation area.  The 5,700- acre lake and 52 miles of shoreline is 13 miles long. The lake has six recreation areas featuring hundreds of acres of forest lands, wildlife, walking trails and campsites.  Water skiing; sailing, Jet Skiing, fishing, canoeing, rafting and rowing are popular activities and all allowed on the lake, whether from a campsite, a public launch area, the public beach or your own vacation home.

Public Beach

The public swimming beach is operated by Palmyra Township. Adjacent to the Wilsonville recreation area, is open from July 1 to Labor Day. Swimming is not permitted at PPL Utilities recreation areas.

Fishing

Lake fish include small and largemouth bass, rock bass, walleye, muskellunge, pickerel, rainbow trout, brown trout and yellow perch.  Striped bass have been stocked in the lake.  There’s mountain stream fishing in both the Wallenpaupack Creek and Lackawaxen River, which are stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.

Big Boats

Lake Wallenpaupack allows Large boats making water skiing a major attraction.  Many marinas in the area offer boat rentals and jet ski rentals.  Contact us for details.

Whether you are looking for a great place to vacation or perhaps relocated, the Lake Wallenpaupack region is the place to choose for your destination.

We are surrounded by thousands of acres of forest that are abundant with wildlife.  Here you will find crystal clear streams, glacier lakes, endless mountain views and clean fresh air.  There are many state parks and natural areas to visit.  Promised Land State Park has over 1 million visitors each year.  

Many locals and visitors to our area, love to fish our streams and rivers.  Take a scenic drive along the Lackawaxen River to the Delaware River.  Along the way you will see fly-fishing, canoeing, rafting as well as migrating water fowl.  

One of the most beautiful sites to see is the Bald Eagles that live along the rivers.  One of the most popular spots to see these majestic birds is at the Zane Grey Museum and the Roebling Bridge in Lackawaxen where the Lackawaxen and Delaware Rivers meet.  

Come to the Lake Wallenpaupack area and see why so many people have chosen our area as a great place to live and vacation at.  Contact us TOLL FREE at 800-434-5488 to begin a new experience.

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Revised: August 19, 2007