Lake View Trail

Depending upon whether the park’s beach area is open or closed, Lake View Trail will provide different experiences. If the beach is open, hikers will hear happy sounds of people enjoying the beach and splashing in the water. If the beach area is closed, the trail may provide a peaceful hike into the quiet forest where only an occasional chirp of a bird will break the stillness.

Located in eastern Pennsylvania, Tuscarora State Park has 1,618 acres to explore, including the 96-acre Tuscarora Lake. Rated as the easiest hiking, Lake View trail is an out-and-back trail. It is a mostly rocky path leading through forest and around part of the lake, with frequent views of the water.

Beginning at the park’s boat launch, hikers will find a parking lot, benches and a unisex restroom with flush toilets. Walk along the paved path toward the fishing area to find the trail. There are no signs indicating the trailhead; but, hikers should pass the fishing area and follow along the shoreline until they see yellow blazes. The path is generally easy to see and is well-marked with blazes on trees and rocks for the rest of the journey.

Thanks to a 2012 Eagle Project by Connor Veglia of Troop 777, there are picnic tables in the fishing area. There are no benches or other amenities past this point.

The trail leads through woods near the shoreline, then crosses a short clearing before reentering the woods. Hikers will have a good view of the lake in the clearing and again as they hike across the top of the dam. Once crossing the dam, the trail leads into the woods again. There are rocky sections and some fallen trees across and alongside the trail. Two small creek crossings require cautiously stepping on wet stones. After ascending a short hill, the trail opens to a large meadow. Hikers have the option of continuing on another trail, or returning the way they came. While deciding, plan to take a moment and sit on one of those fallen logs and listen. Will you hear the sounds of people from the far side of the lake having fun at the beach, or will you hear a refreshing stillness in the woods?