Poe Valley State Park is a 620 acre recreational area in Centre County, approximately 17 miles east of State College.
As the name implies, the park sits in a valley between Big Poe Mountain to the north, and Little Poe Mountain to the south.
Those mountain ridges surrounding Poe Valley State Park are home to some amazing scenic overlooks and roadside vistas.
At the heart of Poe Valley State Park is 25-acre Poe Lake, constructed by damming Big Poe Creek in 1937.
How to Find Poe Valley State Park
There are multiple ways to access Poe Valley State Park, but ultimately all of them involve “No Winter Maintenance” state forest roads, so keep that in mind once the snow starts to fly.
If navigating by GPS, use coordinates 40.81894, -77.47689 to find the Poe Valley State Park office.
The Best Things to Do at Poe Valley State Park
Swimming at Poe Valley State Park
The beach at Poe Valley State Park is a big draw in the summer months, offering an ideal place to swim in the heart of the mountains.
Adjacent to the beach you’ll find changing rooms, restrooms, and the concessions stand, all open between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Hiking at Poe Valley State Park
There are several hiking trails located within Poe Valley State Park.
The Nature Trail is an easy loop through the forest near the park office.
You can also hike along the southern edge of Poe Lake.
Ultimately this smooth, flat trail takes you from the beach to the dam and spillway on the eastern edge of Poe Lake.
Just below the spillway you’ll find this small waterfall as Big Poe Creek continues flowing east towards Poe Paddy State Park and Penns Creek.
Boating at Poe Valley State Park
Boating is another popular pastime at Poe Valley State Park.
There is a boat launch on the north shore of Poe Lake, opposite the beach area.
No gasoline-powered motor boats are permitted on Poe Lake – electric motors or paddle/pedal powered only.
Camping at Poe Valley State Park
There are 45 campsites at Poe Valley State Park, which can accommodate tents, trailers and motorhomes.
Fishing at Poe Valley State Park
Poe Lake is stocked with trout several times per season, and is also populated by largemouth bass, catfish, pickerel, perch and sunfish.
Fall Foliage at Poe Valley State Park
Poe Valley State Park is a stunning spot for fall foliage viewing, with the surrounding mountains reflecting in the calm waters of Poe Lake.
The park’s sandy beach, rustic lodge, and lakeside playground are all framed by a brilliant tapestry of gold, orange, and red leaves.
Visitors can stroll along the lakeshore, paddle across the mirror-like surface, or simply relax and take in the views from the picnic areas.
Every angle offers a postcard-perfect glimpse of autumn in Pennsylvania.
Final Thoughts
Poe Valley State Park is off the beaten path to be sure, but well worth the effort to reach it.
Between the lake, the trails, and the surrounding mountains, there is a TON of fun to be had at Poe Valley State Park!
Nearby Attractions
Poe Paddy State Park is located 4 miles east of Poe Valley State Park, at the confluence of Big Poe Creek and Penns Creek.
The 10 Best Scenic Overlooks in the Bald Eagle State Forest gives you a map and directions to 8 fantastic ROADSIDE scenic overlooks near Poe Valley State Park that require no hiking whatsoever!
The 7 Best State Parks Near State College is a valuable guide whether you are a Penn State student, Centre County local, or simply a visitor seeking outdoor adventure in Happy Valley!
The 13 Best Scenic Overlooks in Centre County gives you maps and directions to some of the finest scenic vistas in Centre County.
Hobie’s Trail is a scenic and relatively easy to hike 2.6 mile trail that loops around the PA Fish and Boat Commission’s Colyer Lake in Centre County.
Exploring the Ghost Town of Scotia Near State College takes you inside the remains of a Centre County iron-mining boomtown gone bust.
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