Tobyhanna State Park

Tucked into the Pocono Plateau where Monroe and Wayne Counties meet, Tobyhanna State Park spreads across 5,440 acres of dense northern hardwood forest and glacial wetlands. Established in 1949, the park centers on Tobyhanna Lake, a 170-acre lake formed by the damming of Tobyhanna Creek that serves as the hub for most visitor activity.

The lake draws anglers chasing warm-water species like bass, pickerel, and panfish, while a sandy beach area offers swimming during summer months. A boat launch accommodates non-powered and electric-motor boats, making it a quiet spot for kayaking and canoeing without the noise of gas engines. On land, roughly 5 miles of trails wind through black spruce bogs and blueberry thickets — terrain shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago that still feels distinctly wild for being just two hours from New York City.

Winter transforms the park into a cross-country skiing and ice fishing destination, with the frozen lake drawing a loyal crowd of cold-weather regulars. Fall brings exceptional foliage across the hardwood canopy, typically peaking in mid-October.

The surrounding Pocono landscape means Tobyhanna pairs well with visits to nearby Gouldsboro State Park and the larger state forest lands that connect them. Its combination of accessible lake recreation and genuinely rugged backcountry pockets makes it a strong choice for families and solo adventurers alike. Arrive early on summer weekends — parking at the beach fills fast.

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