Elk State Park

The 3,192-acre Elk State Park is in the rugged mountains of northern Pennsylvania.

The 1,160-acre East Branch Lake is large enough for unlimited horsepower boating and is great for waterskiing. The lake and nearby streams are stocked with warmwater and coldwater fish.

Hiking at Elk State Park

Maple Trail
0.5 mile, easiest hiking

Maple Trail begins at the Army Corps of Engineers parking area and travels along the southern end of East Branch Lake. Wildlife and waterfowl viewing is possible along this trail.

Picnicking at Elk State Park

Picnic tables are available at the Instanter Drive Boat Launch. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has a picnic area and playground by the dam.

Stay the Night at Elk State Park

Camping
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates a campground by the dam.

This activity or structure is ADA accessible.

Boating at Elk State Park

unlimited horsepower motors permitted

The 1,160-acre East Branch Lake has one boat launch on Instanter Drive. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also provides a boat launch by the dam.

Fishing at Elk State Park

The 1,160-acre East Branch Lake is a coldwater fishery. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks the lake with:

Muskellunge
Smallmouth bass
Trout -- brook, rainbow, brown, and lake
Walleye
Five Mile, Seven Mile, Straight, Middle Fork, and Crooked creeks are all stocked streams. Many smaller streams abound in native brook trout.

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and laws apply.

Ice Fishing
The 1,160-acre East Branch Lake is a coldwater fishery. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks the lake with:

Muskellunge
Smallmouth bass
Trout -- brook, rainbow, brown, and lake
Walleye

Hunting at Elk State Park

During established seasons, about 3,151 acres are open to:

Hunting
Trapping
Training of dogs
Common game species are:

Black bear
Deer
Turkey
Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas.