Poe Valley State Park
Poe Valley State Park is a great place to get some exercise, with multiple hiking trails winding around two different swimming areas and a fully stocked lake store. Poe Valley State Park has three total miles of trails, which vary dramatically in intensity and accessibility.
Guests are highly encouraged to pick up a copy of the park's trail guide before setting off, as these trails connect to the extensive Bald Eagle State Forest trail network as well as the 189-mile Mid State Trail. This means that if you're not paying attention, you could potentially wander right out of the park and end up having a much longer hike than expected.
If you come to these trails with dog walking in mind, make sure you have a sturdy leash to keep them on. It's also wise to pack plastic bags for any waste they might leave on the ground. Swimmers can enjoy the beach at Poe Lake, which is open seasonally. The depth here is a maximum of five feet, so make sure to avoid diving or jumping in.
No lifeguard staff is posted here, so you'll be swimming at your own risk. There's also a concession stand located on the beach that offers guests everything from hot dogs to ice cream, in addition to camping staples like firewood and paper plates. For more info on the store's hours, make sure to check the Poe Valley State Park's website.
If you're excited about bringing your dog to the shore, make sure you bring a short and sturdy leash to keep them on. The 45 total campsites are available for guests to enjoy inside of Poe Valley State Park. All of these sites can handle tents, motorhomes, and pop up trailers so feel free to come with whatever type of structure you care to bring.
Of the 45 sites, 27 have full electrical and water hookups, as well as individual dump station access for recreational vehicles. The campground also contains multiple restrooms and coin-operated showers to keep guests comfortable. If you'd like to let your dog stay the night with you, they'll have to bunk in your tent or RV as no staked leashes are allowed here.
