The park's name is derived from a Native American word meaning 'a stream where alder trees grow.'
The area served as an artillery training ground for the United States Army during World War I and World War II.
Tobyhanna Lake is an artificial water body created by the damming of Tobyhanna Creek.
The park contains rare bog environments that host specialized plant life sensitive to human disturbance.
The high elevation results in a shorter growing season, leading to vibrant fall foliage that often peaks earlier than in lower valleys.
Tobyhanna State Park encompasses 5,440 acres in the Pocono Mountains, centered around the 170-acre Tobyhanna Lake. The park sits at an elevation of 2,100 feet, which often keeps temperatures significantly cooler than surrounding low-lying areas. Visitors can access a beach area for swimming and multiple boat launches for non-motorized watercraft including kayaks, canoes, and sailboats. The park provides approximately 10 miles of hiking trails that navigate through diverse habitats including wetlands and hardwood forests. Winter activities are a primary draw, with the lake frequently freezing enough to support ice fishing and ice skating. The park contains a large campground with 140 sites, most of which provide electric hookups. Wildlife enthusiasts frequently spot white-tailed deer, black bears, and various waterfowl species near the water's edge. Fishing is popular, with the lake stocked with trout and also containing panfish, bass, and pickerel.
The wooden footbridge spanning the spillway near the dam provides a panoramic view of the lake.
Bring a pair of binoculars for birdwatching, as the lake is a stopover for migratory waterfowl.
Check the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) website for water quality reports before planning a swim.
Pack layers even in summer, as the 2,100-foot elevation can cause rapid temperature drops in the evenings.
Do not attempt to swim in areas outside the designated beach zones, as lake depths and underwater obstacles vary.
Beach swimming is only permitted during the summer season; campground facilities typically close during winter months.
Stay on marked trails to protect fragile bog ecosystems; follow 'Leave No Trace' principles.
