Location & Popularity
Lake Wallenpaupack, nestled in the Pocono Mountains’ Lake Region, is a hotspot for activities like boating, fishing, swimming, and snowmobiling. The lake features 52 miles of shoreline, stretches 13 miles in length, and covers 5,700 acres, making it Pennsylvania’s third-largest lake. Its proximity to major metropolitan areas makes it a favored vacation destination for millions in the Mid-Atlantic States.
Historical Background
Before the 1920s, Wallenpaupack was a creek known to the Leni-Lenape Indians as “Wahlinkpapeck,” meaning “deep and dark.” European settlers later referred to it as “the stream of swift and slow water.” In 1926, Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. dammed the creek, transforming it into Lake Wallenpaupack to supply water for a hydroelectric power plant. The construction was a massive undertaking, completed with the help of mules and steam engines by approximately 2,700 workers over two years, costing $1 million.
Ownership Transitions
From its completion until June 2015, PPL Corporation owned and managed the lake. After merging with Stone Energy Holdings to form Talen Energy, the lake was sold to Brookfield Renewable Partners, LLC. Brookfield now owns Lake Wallenpaupack, maintaining its hydroelectric generation facilities and administering the Shoreline Management Policy.
Economic Impact & Recreation
Beyond electricity generation, Lake Wallenpaupack is vital for recreation, tourism, and wildlife, significantly contributing to northeastern Pennsylvania’s economy. The region has thrived on tourism and recreation for decades, with Pike and Wayne Counties experiencing significant growth due to the lake’s popularity.
To learn more about opportunities and events, visit the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau.
Environmental Concerns & Management
By the 1960s and 1970s, water quality began to decline. Recognizing the importance of clean water, Pike and Wayne counties and the 14 townships in the Lake Wallenpaupack watershed established the Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District (LWWMD) in 1979. This nonprofit corporation, the first watershed management district in Pennsylvania, works tirelessly to protect and improve the water quality in the 219 square-mile Lake Wallenpaupack watershed.