Pennsylvania’s Whipple Dam State Park
Pennsylvania’s Whipple Dam State Park is a beautiful 256-acre state park located in Jackson Township, Huntington County, twelve miles south of State College, Pennsylvania.
The park is nestled within the 96,975-acre Rothrock State Forest.
History
Whipple Dam State Park is located on land that was owned by several entities throughout history starting with the Iroquois confederation, the Government of Pennsylvania, the Monroe Iron Works, and finally purchased by Osgood M. Whipple in 1868.
Soon after he purchased the land, Whipple built a dam to harness the power of Laurel Run for a sawmill that he operated on the property. Whipple eventually left the sawmill business but the Whipple’s Dam remained.
In 1928 a new dam was constructed by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry on Laurel Run just upstream from the dam originally built by Whipple for his sawmill.
Starting in the early-1930’s until the mid-1940’s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built many of the structures now seen within the park including the roads, pavilions, and restrooms.
The current dam which creates the 22-acre Whipple Lake was also rebuilt by the CCC in 1935.
On February 12, 1987, Whipple Dam State Park’s day use area was added to the National Register of Historic Places as the “Whipple Dam State Park Day Use District“.
Fishing
Fishing is very popular at Whipple Lake. The lake and stream are stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
The lake also holds sunfish, chain pickerel, and surprisingly a few largemouth bass.
When I was a young kid, many years ago, Whipple lake was one of my favorite fishing destinations for the first day of trout season. I remember getting there while still dark to get a good spot and then waited for what seemed like forever until 8:00 AM to cast in my line.
Ice fishing is also permitted on Whipple Lake.
Swimming
On the east side of the lake is a 300-foot beach for swimming with a beach volleyball court. There are also dressing rooms available at the beach.
The water source of Whipple Lake is from a cold-water mountain stream and for this reason the water is pretty cold yet very refreshing during the hot days of summer.
You may notice while swimming in the lake, the water appears a little dark in color. This is caused by the natural tannins in the water from the ground and plants in the surrounding area that give the water a dark, almost tea-like appearance. This is totally natural and in no way harmful.
Boating
Water activities such as sailing, kayaking, canoeing and boating (electric motors only) are available on Whipple Lake. Boat rentals are available at the concession near the beach during the boating season.
Whipple Lake is shallow with the deepest part only about 8 feet deep. The majority of the lake is between 3 and 6 feet deep making it a very comfortable place to learn how to kayak or paddleboard.
It is also a small lake at only 22 acres so it feels less intimidating when getting out on a kayak or paddleboard especially for inexperienced kayakers.
During one of our recent visits to the park, we saw a group of people practicing yoga on their paddleboards. The lake and the surrounding forest is such a beautiful and peaceful place to relax, it seems natural to me that paddleboard yoga could become be a popular pastime here.
Hiking
While there are many trails in and around Rothrock State Forest near Whipple Dam State Park, the 3 mile Whipple Lake Trail is the only trail located within the park.
The yellow-blazed trail offers many scenic views including Whipple Lake, Laurel Run, and Greenlee Mountian to the east. T
The trail is an easy walk so it is ideal for small children however it can be a bit muddy in some areas, particularly during the wet seasons. Children will most likely want to stop and play in the creek along the way.
Starting Point
Starting at the boat launch on the southwest side of the lake, the trail starts uphill for a few hundred yards and then follows the ridge northeast along Laurel Run to near the boundary of the park.
When you get to the top of the ridge in just a few minutes after starting the trail, you will then join Biedler Road for a few hundred feet until the trail veers off to the right.
Walking along the ridge, especially on a warm afternoon, you may notice the aroma of the tall pine trees growing along the ridge.
Be aware as you are walking along, there are a lot of tree roots crossing the path so watch your step.
The trail descends the ridge and then turns southwest toward Laurel Run.
This is the section of the trail where you may encounter some muddy conditions.
The first of several bridges that you encounter will cross over Laurel Run at this point.
Halfway Point
This is an excellent spot to stop for a short break and a snack. There is a nice bench overlooking the stream with a view that is absolutely beautiful and very peaceful.
As we continue on the trail downstream to the east side of the lake, you will cross several bridges over the small tributary streams that feed into Laurel Run.
There are a few spots in this area that can be muddy even in the driest part of the year so keep that in mind.
When we visited the park recently, we saw what appears to be a marsh type boardwalk they are constructing over this area of the trail. It will be a nice addition during the wet seasons.
This entire trail is full of beautiful scenery so be sure to bring your camera as there are many photo opportunities on this little trail.
The trail ends at the upper part of the eastern shore of Whipple Lake.
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Other Outdoor Opportunities
Some of the other outdoor opportunities at Pennsylvania’s Whipple Dam State Park include:
Pennsylvania State Parks & State Forests Passport
If you do not already have one, be sure to get your Pennsylvania State Parks & State Forests Passport checked when you visit the park. The passport is a way to keep track of the 121 state parks and 20 state forest districts that you have visited in the commonwealth.
For information on other Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests, visit www.visitPAparks.com.
Nearby Attractions
There are several state parks and recreation areas within just a few miles of Whipple Dam State Park.
Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center
https://web.archive.org/web/20110720013950/http://www.outreach.psu.edu/shaverscreek/
Stone Valley Recreation Area
https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/campusrec/stonevalley
Greenwood Furnace State Park
https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/GreenwoodFurnaceStatePark/Pages/default.aspx
Penn-Roosevelt State Park
https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/Penn-RooseveltStatePark/Pages/default.aspx
Directions and Information
GPS: Lat. 40.6823 Long. -77.86436
From State College
Follow PA Route 45 to the intersection of PA Route 26 at Pine Grove Mills. Turn left and go over Tussey mountain for 5.6 miles. Turn left on Whipple Dam Road.
From Altoona
Follow I99 North to Tyrone, then follow PA State Route 453 for 8.1 miles to Spruce Creek. Turn left onto PA State Route 45 at Spruce Creek.
Follow PA Route 45 to the intersection of PA Route 26 at Pine Grove Mills. Turn right and go over Tussey mountain for 5.6 miles. Turn left on Whipple Dam Road.
From Huntington
Follow PA Route 26 for 20 miles turn left onto Whipple Dam Road.
Mailing Address
c/o Greenwood Furnace State Park
15795 Greenwood Road
Huntingdon, PA 16652-9006
Street Address
3746 Laurel Run Road
Petersburg, PA 16669
Phone: 814-667-1800
Email – greenwoodfurnacesp@pa.gov
Conclusion
Have you ever visited Whipple Dam State Park? If you have, let us know how you liked it and what your favorite part is. If you have any recommendations or tips that you would like to share, please let us know in the comments.
We hope that you have enjoyed your visit and this was helpful.
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