Located just two hours away – even closer if you live on the west shore – the Raystown Lake Region of Huntingdon County offers a surprising variety of activities in a relaxed, friendly environment. Once you’ve experienced the Raystown welcome, you’ll know why so many families vacation there year after year.
The Main Attraction
Maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers, Raystown Lake spans 28 miles from top to bottom, offering plenty of winding shoreline for hiking trails, fishing coves and waterside camping. Boat launches around the lake allow easy access for watercraft of all sizes. There’s no size limit for boats on the lake, so you’re likely to see some big ones – and some fast ones. No boat of your own? Spread out with a picnic at one of the public beaches and watch as the water skiers and speed boats race by.
What to Do
*?On the northwestern shore of the lake, rent a pontoon boat for the day, hop aboard a fishing charter or set sail for a dinner cruise from Seven Points Marina. Just up the hill, at Raystown Lake Visitors Center, your little forest rangers can learn about local wildlife – including those river otters made famous by our state’s license plates – and the 12 kinds of fish that live in the lake. (Ask at the information desk about the “Magic Fish.” It’s a favorite among kids who visit the center.)
*?Visitors who stay at Lake Raystown Resort have access to some of the lake’s most gorgeous scenery, not to mention a full-service marina and the WildRiver Waterpark, but even if you’re not staying there, you can enjoy the resort’s perks. Ask at the gate for a guest pass to have dinner, rent a boat or take a site-seeing cruise aboard The Proud Mary.
*?Tatman Run, on the southeastern side of the lake, is part picnic area, part boat launch and part sandy beach where passing boats generate small waves that lap up on the shore. Rustic – very rustic – restroom facilities are available.
*?Take a break from the water for a ride aboard the East Broad Top Railroad, an authentic steam-powered train that chugs into the countryside several times each weekend, June through October. Stanley Hall, the EBT Station Manager, has worked at the station for almost 50 years. “Every kid loves a train,” he says. “The caboose is an especially nice ride.” The ride lasts just over an hour, with an optional picnic layover in a shady park along the way. Just hop off the train and catch the next one back to the station.
*?Two local caverns invite travelers to enjoy underground adventures. Lincoln Caverns in Huntingdon is just a short drive from the lake; Indian Caverns in Spruce Creek is a bit farther north.
*?The newly completed Allegrippis Trails create a network of bike trails that are rated like ski runs so you can tell which ones are right for your family’s biking skill levels. Look for them alongside the northwestern side of the lake, around the Seven Points area.
Where to Stay
Accommodations range from primitive lakeside campsites to posh resort rooms, so visiting families can stay within their comfort zone. Cabins, hotels and motels are also available. Two options to consider:
*?Trough Creek State Park offers tent camping, RV hook-ups and cabin rentals. Don’t miss the suspension bridge and the quick, kid-friendly hike along the creek, past Rainbow Falls up the stairs – a lot of stairs, leave the stroller in the car – to Balanced Rock.
*?Four Seasons Campground is a small, family-owned and operated facility located between the boat launches at Tatman Run and Weaver Falls, near the southern end of the lake. Open year-round, Four Seasons accommodates tent campers and RVs. A limited number of cozy, well-appointed “Park Homes” are available for rent. (Not into roughing it? These rentals offer hot showers, gas grills and cable TV.) Warm welcomes from staff and fellow travelers make this campground a favorite for frequent visitors.
What to eat
There are several small grocery stores in towns around the lake, and a few gas stations here and there, but your best bet will be to gas up on your way in and bring your family’s favorite foods with you.
If you want to eat out, don’t expect to find an Olive Garden or a Cracker Barrel; chain restaurants are few and far between. Instead, check out the local cuisine. Hometown favorites include Abigail’s at the HUB, a unique tea bar and café in downtown Huntingdon. The scones, locals say, are legendary. And your kids will love bellying up to the bar for an amazing cup of hot chocolate. Jed’s in Saxton cooks up a hearty breakfast – but only until 11am, so don’t sleep in. Miller’s Diner on the north end of the lake and Bistro Express, a pizza and ice cream shop at Lake Raystown Resort, are two more to try. CPP
Want More Info?
Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau
www.raystown.org
Army Corps of Engineers
http://raystown.nab.usace.army.mil/
Trough Creek State Park
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/
troughcreek.aspx
Lake Raystown Resort
www.raystownresort.com