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Welcome to Beltzville Dam & Reservoir

Beltzville Lake
Constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1972 Beltzville Lake is a multi-purpose project, providing flood control, water supply, and recreational capabilities.
Lake fog at Beltzville Lake
Lake fog forms when warm, moist air flows over relatively colder waters. It is a common occurrence as the morning sun warms the air over the cold waters of the reservoirs, and can be seen by early risers who visit Beltzville Lake and the other Northern Area Projects.
Beltzville Dam & Emergency Spillway
Beltzville Lake was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1972 and has prevented more than $35 million in flood damages.
Waterfall by Saw Mill Trail
Waterfalls occur where water flows over a vertical drop or a series of steep drops along the course of a stream or river. This feature can be found while hiking the Saw Mill Trail, one of the 15 miles of trails developed by PA DCNR’s Beltzville State Park.
Kayaking in the Fall, Beltzville Lake
The 3,002-acre Beltzville State Park is in the southern foothills of the Poconos. Pohopoco Creek feeds the 949-acre Beltzville Lake. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers owns and operates the dam while the PA DCNR operates the park facilities.
Beltzville State Park
While the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the dam, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources manages Beltzville State Park. Consisting of 3,002 acres of land, the state park is a recreation hotspot in the summer months.
Covered Bridge Through A Lens Ball
Originally built in 1841 to cross the Pohopoco Creek, the “Buck” or “Harrity” covered bridge at Beltzville State Park was relocated to its current resting place by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1970 during the construction of Beltzville Dam. The 66 ft long, 31 ft wide structure is now enjoyed as a pedestrian bridge by visitors to the park.

Project Overview

Beltzville Lake was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1971. The multi-purpose project was authorized by Congress primarily for flood risk management, water supply, and low flow augmentation; and authorized secondarily for water quality and recreation purposes. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources manages the 3,002 acre Beltzville State Park surrounding the lake, which attracts numerous visitors each year.

The dam is located on Pohopoco Creek 5.2 miles from its confluence with the Lehigh River and 4 miles east of Lehighton, Pennsylvania. Beltzville Dam operates as a system in conjunction with Francis E. Walter Dam, located in White Haven, to reduce flooding in the downstream communities along the Lehigh River. Since it's construction in 1971, the dam has prevented more than $73 million in flood damages to date. 

Contact

Beltzville Dam
2145 Pohopoco Drive
Lehighton, PA 18235
(610) 377-0332

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Helpful Links

Water Quality Reports