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Cowanesque Lake, Pennsylvania, USA

Peacefully nestled between forested ridges in north central Pennsylvania lies Cowanesque Lake. Located near the New York state line, the name Cowanesque comes from a Native American word for “overrun with briars”. Today the area around the lake is groomed and maintained for outdoor adventure and water excitement. Cowanesque Lake was formed as part of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission and built and maintained by the Army…
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Welcome to the ultimate guide to Cowanesque Lake! Article topics include:

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    • All About Cowanesque Lake, PA

    Lake Locations: USA - US Mid-Atlantic Region - Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania Wilds Region -

    Peacefully nestled between forested ridges in north central Pennsylvania lies Cowanesque Lake. Located near the New York state line, the name Cowanesque comes from a Native American word for “overrun with briars”. Today the area around the lake is groomed and maintained for outdoor adventure and water excitement.

    Cowanesque Lake was formed as part of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission and built and maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers for low flow storage. With 1,090 acres of water, the lake offers visitors a get away from the hassles of everyday life and a chance to enjoy the beauty and fun of a great lake.

    With recreational areas around the water, guests can access the beaches, swimming facilities, picnic areas, boat ramps, camp sites, hiking trails, hunting, amphitheater programs, an informational visitor’s center and scenic overlooks. Whether you choose a pleasure boat, bass boat, sailboat or canoe, there is no limit on boat size or horsepower. Many quiet coves with No Wake zones are available for those wanting the slower pace of kayaking or just to sit in the gentle rocking boat watching the wildlife come to shore for a drink or bird watching as osprey dive for their meal.

    Birds are not the only fishing experts at Cowanesque Lake. Many tournaments are held each year for professional to novice anglers. Trophy size muskellunge, catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass are the most popular catches.

    Located in the Pennsylvania Wilds Tourism Region, Cowanesque Lake is not the only recreational opportunity available in the area. The Alleghany National Forest offers scenic beauty in addition to opportunities for biking, camping, climbing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, skiing, snowmobiling, and white water rafting.

    “The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania”, Pine Creek Gorge is often described as “The Crown Jewel of Pennsylvania is also located in this region. The 47 mile long and 1000 feet deep gorge is the site of breathtaking beauty that is designated as a Natural National Landmark. Located in the Tioga State Park with two state parks on either side of the gorge, the many ways to explore and view this national treasure is as varied as your imagination and courage will allow. Hiking, backpacking, biking, skiing, snowmobiling, snow-shoeing, ice climbing, horseback riding, horse-drawn wagon rides, rock climbing, rafting, canoeing and kayaking are all available for your exploration.

    Although much emphasis is placed on the mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes of the Pennsylvania Wilds Tourism Region, you will find many opportunities for shopping, dining, and native culture exhibits. Home to famous, Punxatawney Phil, the area is in the spotlight every February on Groundhog Day as the famous groundhog predicts the end of winter. It is here in these quaint communities that you will find opportunities for vacation rentals from quiet cabins and chalets, to cozy bed and breakfasts, to luxurious spas and romantic retreats whether you choose to stay in the towns or at ski lodges or somewhere in between.

    Lake Cowanesque and the surrounding area offer opportunities for fun, excitement, breathtaking beauty, and relaxation. How you choose to spend your time is up to you and your imagination. Stop imagining and start packing – it is all there waiting on you.

    Things to Do at Cowanesque Lake

    These are some activities in the Cowanesque Lake, PA area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Sailing
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Whitewater Rafting
    • Camping
    • Picnicking
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Hiking
    • Rock Climbing
    • Ice Climbing
    • Biking
    • Snowmobiling
    • Horseback Riding
    • Hunting
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • State Park
    • National Forest
    • Shopping

    What Kind of Fish Are in Cowanesque Lake?

    Cowanesque Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Catfish
    • Crappie
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Muskellunge
    • Pike
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    Find Places to Stay at Cowanesque Lake

    If you’re considering a Cowanesque Lake lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Cowanesque Lake Vacation

    Our interactive Cowanesque Lake lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Cowanesque Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: United States Army Corps of Engineers

    Surface Area: 1,090 acres

    Shoreline Length: 17 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 1,080 feet

    Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 0 feet

    Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 1,114 feet

    Maximum Depth: 200 feet

    Water Volume: 32,600 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1990

    Drainage Area: 298 sq. miles

    Cowanesque Lake Map
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