whipple dam state park

The area around State College is a particularly scenic part of Pennsylvania. There are many state parks that offer nearby excursions for Penn State students or family visitors. Whipple Dam State Park is a great example. On a recent visit to Penn State to visit our two sons, my wife and I looked for hiking possibilities near campus. Whipple Dam State Park fit the bill: It's an easy 15-20 minute drive from campus through beautiful central PA scenery. As some other reviewers noted, the park is on the small side. It only has one hiking trail (not surprisingly named "Whipple Lake Trail"), but it was terrific. It's a three mile loop trail around the lake that takes you past the stream feeding into the dammed lake, and then rises ~100 meters above the lake for some nice birds-eye views. We all -- including our golden retriever -- thoroughly enjoyed the hike.

Had family reunion, bbq by the water. Was enjoyable! very peaceful atmosphere! Just a little spooky driving back out through the woods of the park just before sundown. Clearer direction signs would help prevent visitors getting lost in this secluded area.

My kids love going here and looking for minnows in the lake and building sand castles. There are no concessions here anymore so make sure you pack a lunch. It also has primitive bathrooms.

Whipple Dam is a pretty small state park with a pretty small lake to go along with it. Sometimes kayak rentals are available but you can paddle the whole lake three times in an hour. The trails around the park are very nice and pleasant as well. It seems like the park is most popular as a picnic destination, there are charcoal BBQ facilities all over the place. The park is a great respite for a few hours, maybe more if you boat, swim, BBQ, and hike. Also, it has pit toilets that seem remarkably clean.

We went there in an attempt to rent a canoe and go canoeing on the lake. We went there because a brochure of PA's state parks stated that Whipple Dam State Park had motor boats and boats. However, when we got there, the only boats there were private ones under lock. We stayed just long enough to take a short walk. It was okay, but nothing I would take anyone else to.

A small, no frills state park featuring swimming, boating, fishing and hiking spring through fall. Cross country skiing during the winter. Easily accessible from Huntingdon or State College. Recommend Doan's Bones BBQ just outside the entrance.