PA Scenic Overlooks

Exploring the Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook in Tioga County

Collage of four photos from Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, featuring views through a binocular station over the lake, the vegetated cliff sides of a water channel, the wide expanse of a dam and its reflection in the water, and a serene lake with ripples from a passing boat, all beneath a sky with dynamic cloud patterns.

If you’re looking for information about visiting the Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook in Tioga County, you’re in the right place!

A tranquil view over Tioga Lake from the Tioga-Hammond Overlook in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, with the smooth lake waters mirroring the overcast sky and surrounding foliage-covered hills that are speckled with the warm colors of fall. — Tioga Lake as viewed from the overlook.

The Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook offers a view that not many vistas can boast of – a breathtaking view of not one, but two magnificent lakes.

Overlooking the connecting channel at Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, this view captures the channel's calm water reflecting the sky, with verdant tree-covered embankments on either side showing early signs of autumnal color change, under a sky patterned with clouds. — View towards Hammond Lake from the overlook.

Directions and Hours

The Tioga-Hammond Lakes overlook is located at the end of a paved road on the outskirts of Tioga borough, 19 miles northeast of Wellsboro.

If navigating by GPS coordinates, use 41.897112, -77.141940 to find the parking lot adjacent to the overlook.

A parking area at Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, showing several parked cars, freshly painted parking lines, handicap-accessible spaces, and a background of trees displaying early fall colors. A grassy area with mature trees frames the foreground. — Parking lot adjacent to the overlook.

From the parking lot, you’ll follow a flat concrete sidewalk 75 yards to the overlook.

A concrete walkway leading to the viewing area at the Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, with a chain-link fence on one side and a hill with green grass on the other. The American flag waves in the distance, with a serene river and forested hills under a cloudy sky in the background. — Sidewalk leading to the overlook.

The gated access road leading to the overlook has posted hours of 8am – sunset.

The entrance to the Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, with a 'Park Hours' sign indicating open hours from 8:00 am to sunset beside a gravel access road, flanked by lush green trees and a closed yellow gate across the road. — Access to the Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook is permitted from 8am – sunset.

Why Two Lakes and Why Connect Them?

The Tioga-Hammond Lakes flood control project was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1970s.

A bronze plaque mounted on a stone at the Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, commemorating the creation of the Tioga-Hammond Lakes by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, between 1974 and 1979, with names of key personnel involved in the project. — The lakes and overlook were constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

This project created two separate dams, one on the Tioga River (forming Tioga Lake) and the other along Crooked Creek (forming Hammond Lake).

An aerial photograph featured at the Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, showing Hammond Lake and Tioga Lake with the Connecting Channel Weir highlighted between them. The image illustrates the contrast between the two lakes and the surrounding landscape. — Aerial view of the two adjacent lakes.

The lakes formed by both dams are joined by a gated connecting channel, which controls the flow of water from Hammond Lake into Tioga Lake.

View from the Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, featuring a serene Tioga Lake with a reflection of the overcast sky, flanked by lush, green hillsides with hints of fall foliage, and a concrete structure at the water's edge. — The weir, or mini-dam, controlling the flow of water from Hammond Lake into Tioga Lake.

Hammond Lake, which sits 5 feet higher than Tioga Lake, is a source of “good” water.

An explanation of why the two lakes were connected.

By allowing that water to flow into and mix with the acid-mine-tainted waters in Tioga Lake, it improves the water quality in Tioga Lake enough to support aquatic life, both in that lake and downstream.

Informational display at Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, describing the function of the Connecting Channel Weir between Hammond Lake and Tioga Lake. It includes aerial photos of the lakes, a cross-section diagram of the weir, and text explaining how the channel improves water flow and quality, enhancing aquatic habitat. — An explanation for how the connecting channel uses gravity to feed good water into Tioga Lake.

Views from the Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook

Upon arrival, the view is nothing short of majestic, with the waters of Hammond Lake lying to your right, while Tioga Lake stretches out to your left.

The walkway leading to the viewing platform at the Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, with a chain-link fence on one side, an American flag flying high, and an informative plaque mounted on a stone pedestal. The overlook provides a view of the lake and forested hills under a dramatic, cloud-filled sky. — The overlook is accessible via a flat concrete walkway.

A set of binoculars (no coin required) are mounted at the overlook, should visitors care to use them.

View from the Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, featuring binoculars for visitors, overlooking a tranquil reservoir reflecting the cloudy sky above and flanked by lush green hills on either side. — Binoculars at the Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook.

Tioga Lake, with 498 surface acres of water, is touted as a boater’s paradise.

Scenic view from Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, displaying a calm reservoir with a single boat creating ripples on the water, surrounded by lush hills reflecting in the water, under a sky partially covered with fluffy clouds. — A boater on Tioga Lake.

Route 15 is visible just beyond/above the Tioga Dam.

View of the dam at Tioga Lake from the Tioga-Hammond Overlook in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, showcasing the dam's large rock-filled structure reflecting on the calm lake surface, with surrounding hills displaying the changing colors of early autumn under a cloudy sky. — The dam across the Tioga River, forming Tioga Lake.

Hammond Lake has 685 surface acres of water, and is a popular spot for fishing and boating as well.

A captivating view from the Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, featuring the connecting channel between two lakes, bordered by steep cliffs adorned with trees displaying early autumn colors, and a dramatic sky reflecting on the calm water surface. — View to the west in the direction of Hammond Lake.

The best views of Hammond Lake may be from the road driving to/from the overlook, where the drive takes you across the top of the dam that forms the lake.

A serene view over Hammond Lake from the Tioga-Hammond Overlook in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, showing a clear reflection of clouds and surrounding hills on the water's surface, with a rocky shoreline in the foreground and lush, colorful trees marking the onset of fall on the rolling hills. — View from the road across the breast of the dam forming Hammond Lake in Tioga County.

The allure of the Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook isn’t limited to its lakes; it’s also a prime spot for eagle-watching enthusiasts.

A bald eagle perched on a bare tree branch at the Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, with a scenic view of a forest with autumn-colored foliage in the background. — A bald eagle perched near the Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a bird watcher, or simply someone in search of a great view, the Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook in Tioga County is a place where the beauty of Pennsylvania’s landscape is on full display, and the sight of bald eagles may be just a glance away!

A striking view from the Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, showcasing a water channel cutting through steep cliffs covered with a mix of green and autumn-colored trees, reflecting the sky in the still water, with expansive views of the landscape under a patterned cloud cover. — View from the Tioga-Hammond Lakes Overlook in early October.

Nearby Attractions

Exploring Leonard Harrison State Park in Tioga County is your guide to the unofficial gateway to one of the Keystone State’s most famous natural wonders – the PA Grand Canyon!

Looking out over the Pine Creek Gorge at Leonard Harrison State Park. — View from Leonard Harrison State Park.

Colton Point State Park encompasses 368-acres on the west rim of the Pine Creek Gorge in Tioga County.

Looking out over Pine Creek from Colton Point State Park

Hills Creek State Park spans 407 acres of natural splendor in Tioga County, and offers a plethora of outdoor activities.

A collage of four photos showcasing various scenes from Hills Creek State Park in Tioga County, Pennsylvania. Top left: A view over a green hillside to a tranquil lake surrounded by forested hills under a cloudy sky. Top right: The start of the "Lakeside Trail" marked by a wooden signpost beside the lake, with tall pines framing the path. Bottom left: The park's entrance sign set on a stone base, displaying the name "HILLS CREEK STATE PARK" and surrounded by trees with fall foliage. Bottom right: A picnic area with a wooden table and colorful kayaks beside the calm lake, with autumn trees reflecting in the water and a cloudy sky above. Each image captures the natural beauty and recreational opportunities the park offers throughout the seasons. — Scenes from Hills Creek State Park.

37 Must-See Waterfalls in Tioga County is your guide to some of the best waterfalls in the region.

Rusty Glessner at Lower Bear Run Falls in Tioga County Pennsylvania — The author at Lower Bear Run Falls in Tioga County

The Best Trails, Vistas, and Waterfalls in the PA Grand Canyon is your guide to even more natural attractions in Tioga County.

Hiking to Barbour Rock Overlook in the PA Grand Canyon.

The 10 Best Roadside Attractions Near Wellsboro will introduce you to some excellent points of interest near Wellsboro, one of the most popular tourist towns in the PA Grand Canyon region.

The Middle Ridge UMC Church outside Wellsboro.

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