Locust Lake State Park
| Locust Lake State Park | |
| Pennsylvania State Park | |
 A view of Locust Lake
|
|
| Named for: Locust Lake | |
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Schuylkill |
| Township | Ryan |
| Location | |
| - elevation | 1,749 ft (533 m) |
| - coordinates | 40°47′00″N 76°08′30″W / 40.78333°N 76.14167°WCoordinates: 40°47′00″N 76°08′30″W / 40.78333°N 76.14167°W |
| Area | 1,089 acres (441 ha) |
| Founded | June 10, 1972 |
| Management | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| IUCN category | III - Natural Monument |
 Location of Locust Lake State Park in Pennsylvania
|
|
| Website: Locust Lake State Park | |
Locust Lake State Park is a Pennsylvania state park on 1,089 acres (441 ha) in Ryan Township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania in the United States. Locust Lake State Park is located approximately 7 miles (11 km) north of Pottsville, 3 miles (5 km) south of Mahanoy City, 8 miles (13 km) west of Tamaqua and 6 miles (10 km) west of Tuscarora State Park. The lake is 52 acres (21 ha). The park offers hiking, camping, boating, fishing, swimming, biking, and a wide array of other seasonal activities.
The Locust Valley area was originally claimed by the Lenape. Their land was conquered by the Susquehannocks, then later controlled by New York Iroquios League of Five Nations. In the mid-19th century, settlers discovered anthracite coal in the area which led to thousands of immigrants swiftly arriving to the area to mine coal. Although the area was not suitable for coal mining, it did not escape the Industrial Revolution. The forest was quickly turned into a shrubbery area prone to flooding and fires after loggers turned the trees into lumber, shingles, tool handles, and other wood products. Tanneries used the white pine and hemlock bark for tanning leather. The forests were gone by the early 20th century, with some farmers clearing and tilling the land. After its purchase by the Marchalonis Brothers, Locust Lake became a fishing spot and picnicking area. While they were digging a lake, they found a dam with a water wheel under seven feet of debris and leaves. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania purchased the land from the Marchalonis Brothers in 1966. Locust Lake officially opened on June 10, 1972. Oldest brother, Bill, went on to create "Blue Mt. Lakes", in Schyukill Haven, Pa.
Motor boats are allowed as long as you have a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats may either have a boat registration from any state, or a launching or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks. Boat rentals are available at a nominal fee.
...
Wikipedia