Lakes in the Poconos

More than 100 lakes dot the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania. The Pocono Lake Region is home to lakes carved by ancient glaciers as well as those carved out by modern machinery. Fish, swim, hike, boat -- or just sit by the lake and enjoy the view.

The Big One

• Lake Wallenpaupack is the largest lake in the Poconos. Found 25 miles east of Scranton, the 13-mile long lake has 52 miles of shoreline. There's no limit on horsepower for motorized boats on the lake, which is also open to paddleboats and personal watercraft. Seven boat ramps around the lake provide access, and watercraft rentals are available at some of the marinas. Stretch out on the sand at Palmyra Township Public Beach. The beach has lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day, as well as picnic areas, barbecue grills and a snack bar. A lakeside trail extends past the beach connecting with Wilsonville Campground, a visitors center and the Wallenpaupack Dike.

State Park Lakes

• Several state parks in the Poconos have lakes with publicly accessible boat ramps and beaches. Beltzville Lake in Beltzville State Park has a 525-foot beach and a public boat ramp along the 949-acre lake. A boat rental next to the beach rents kayaks, motorboats and paddleboats. State parks at Promised Land Lake, Gouldsboro Lake and Tobyhanna Lake allow only boats driven by electric motors or paddles. You'll find sand beaches at the parks open from Memorial Day through mid-September.

Deep In the Woods

• Delaware State Forest is home to 13 lakes within its 83,500 acres. Six of the lakes are glacially formed, with the remaining seven man-made. They range in size from the 2-acre Snow Hill Pond to 315-acre Peck's Pond. Only electric motors and paddleboats can set out on the forest lakes, and boat ramps lie at White Deer Lake, Lake Minisink, Little Mud Pond and Peck's Pond. Cast your line for native brook trout, muskie, walleye, shad and pan fish in the lake with a valid Pennsylvania fishing license.

In the City

• Take a swim at Mauch Chunk Lake Park in Jim Thorpe from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Lifeguards are on duty from late morning until early evening when swimming is permitted. Pets and alcohol aren't allowed at the lakes, and you'll pay a nominal fee to access the sand beach. Lake Scranton has a 3.5-mile lakeside hiking trail as well as a fishing pier for exclusive use of blind or disabled individuals. One companion may assist the disabled individual while using fishing equipment.

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Lakes & Water Parks in Pleasanton, California

Pleasanton has a long and rich history, dating back to the Ohlone tribe that first settled the area 4,000 years ago. The town was later a part of the pasture extending north from the Spanish San Jose Mission. Today, Pleasanton is a thriving town with a population of over 70,000. With an average high temperature of 89 degrees Fahrenheit, the area features a number water parks and lakes where you can go to cool off.

Val Vista Community Park

• Val Vista Community Park is run by the city of Pleasanton and open to the public. In the northwest section of town, the park's sizable playgrounds feature slides, swings, bridges and wheels alongside several water features, such as a timed sprayer with buttons, for those who want to cool off. In addition, Val Vista has a stream running through the park, an inline skating rink, climbing wall, roller hockey arena, labyrinth and picnic tables that can accommodate up to 250 people.

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area

• Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area, in the center of Pleasanton, is operated by the East Bay Regional Park District and covers 266 acres, including an 80-acre lake. The lake is open for swimming year-round, with lifeguards on duty during summer months. Boaters can choose from several rental options or bring their own human-powered vessels, and anyone who drops a line may snag a bluegill or black bass. If you'd prefer a more peaceful lakeside retreat, there are several smaller ponds at Shadow Cliffs with no swimming or boating allowed.

San Ramon Olympic Pool & Aquatic Center

• Just 10 miles north of Pleasanton, the city of San Ramon runs its own Olympic-sized pool and aquatic center. For a small entry fee, you can enjoy a wading pool with buckets that fill and pour water and a second child-friendly pool alongside the full-sized one. The center also features a tube slide, tunnel, cannons and showers in the primary play structure. The pool also has a couple of diving boards for good measure.

Lake Chabot Regional Park

• A 20-minute drive west of Pleasanton sits the stunning 315-acre Lake Chabot. Visitors can enjoy views of the lake from the surrounding trails or by gliding over its placid waters. Lake Chabot is an emergency reservoir for the Bay Area, so swimming is not allowed, but you can tour the lake in anything from a pedal boat to a canoe. There are over 20 miles of trails open to hikers and 14 to cyclists, while anglers can expect to catch trout and catfish.

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