Lower Lake
Lower Lake is the smaller and quieter of Promised Land's two lakes, 173 acres with almost four miles of shoreline. It is the park's trout lake, stocked by the state with brook, brown and rainbow trout, and the home of the bald eagles that have nested here since 1999. The Bear Wallow cabins and the four areas of Lower Lake Campground sit along its shores, and like the main lake it allows electric motors only.
Lower Lake at a Glance
Trout Fishing
Lower Lake is approved trout water. It is stocked with brook, brown and rainbow trout, a trout stamp is required to fish for them, and fishing is closed until trout season opens. Bass, pickerel and panfish come up through the ice in winter. See Fishing and DCNR's Lower Lake depth map.
Watching the Eagles
A wildlife observation station stands on Lower Lake beside the Bear Wallow Boat Launch. Approach it quietly. From there you can see the eagle nest across the water with the naked eye before the trees leaf out in May, though binoculars help, and you may also spot waterfowl, otters, mink or white-tailed deer. A line of buoys keeps boats at least 330 feet from the nest: do not cross it. See Wildlife.
Staying by Lower Lake
- Bear Wallow Cabins: 12 rustic cabins that Civilian Conservation Corps crews put up in the 1930s, set among evergreens next to the lake. See Cabins.
- Lower Lake Campground: on the lake's western edge, with the Beechwood, Northwoods and Rhododendron camping areas and the Hemlock Hill equestrian sites. A dump station is at the entrance. See Camping.
Boating
Rowboats, canoes, kayaks and electric motorboats are all fine at slow, no-wake speed. The park's boat concession keeps rental boats at Lower Lake as well as on the main lake. See Boating.
Trails Nearby
Lower Lake Trail runs 0.58 mile through hay-scented ferns to Bear Wallow Trail. Big Dam Ridge Trail fords the East Branch of Wallenpaupack Creek just below Lower Lake Dam. See Hiking.
A Bit of History
The park's very first campground, opened in 1905, was in a pine plantation between Bear Wallow Road and the stream that feeds Lower Lake.
Good For
- Trout anglers and early-morning paddlers.
- Eagle watching in late winter and spring.
Maybe Skip If
- You want to swim: both beaches are on Promised Land Lake.
Lower Lake FAQ
How big is Lower Lake at Promised Land?
173 acres, with almost four miles of shoreline.
Is Lower Lake stocked with trout?
Yes. It is approved trout water stocked with brook, brown and rainbow trout. A trout stamp is required, and fishing is closed before trout season opens.
Where can you see the bald eagles at Promised Land?
From the wildlife observation station on Lower Lake by the Bear Wallow Boat Launch. Bring binoculars and stay outside the buoy line.
Can you swim in Lower Lake?
DCNR lists both swimming beaches on Promised Land Lake, not Lower Lake. Swim only at the designated beaches.
Facts from the DCNR page for Promised Land State Park.