Alternate A16 · Northeast
Tobyhanna Lake
Monroe County · Northeast region · 170 acres
Quiet Water Checked Oct 2026
- Size
- 170 acres as listed by the state park's boating page
- Boat traffic
- Quiet water: paddle craft and electric-motor boats only. As listed by the state park's boating page, checked Oct 2026.
- Permit
- PA boat registration or a PFBC/State Parks launch permit is required to launch here. Paddling rules →
- Dam
- This lake is held back by a dam. Stay well away from the dam, spillway and outlet structures.
Where to put in
Tobyhanna Lake access area
Ramp · paved ramp, pier, dock
41.21023, -75.40346 (about ±50 m)
Parking: 10 spaces or more
PA boat registration or a PFBC/State Parks launch permit is required to launch here.
Tobyhanna State Park
Ramp · ramp, pier
41.20363, -75.40405 (about ±50 m)
Parking: 10 spaces or more
PA boat registration or a PFBC/State Parks launch permit is required to launch here.
Access notices
DCNR says a drawdown for dam work is set to begin in early spring 2027, and the lake will be closed to all use while it lasts.
Access notice from the state park's alerts page, published Oct 4, 2026.
About Tobyhanna Lake
Tobyhanna Lake is alternate A16 for the LakePA 100: a 170-acre reservoir in Monroe County, in our Northeast region. The acreage comes from the state park's boating page. Only paddle craft and electric-motor boats may use it, so it counts as Quiet Water. (Boat rules as listed by the state park's boating page.) We list two put-ins, including Tobyhanna Lake access area and Tobyhanna State Park. Tobyhanna Lake access area has a paved ramp, a pier, a dock and parking listed as 10 spaces or more. At Fish and Boat Commission and state park launches your boat needs a Pennsylvania registration or a PFBC or State Parks launch permit. It is held back by a dam: stay well clear of the dam, the spillway and the outlet structures. It is an alternate this season because of a dated closure or drawdown notice, so read the notice box before you plan a trip. Logging it moves you toward the Northeast region milestone. As the crow flies, the closest put-in is about 19 miles from Scranton. Before you go, check posted signs, the weather and the operator's notices.
Rules for paddlers
Pennsylvania's paddler rules (permits, life jackets, whistle and light) are on one dated page. Paddling rules →
Safety
Paddling has real risks. Wear your life jacket. Pennsylvania requires it to be worn on canoes, kayaks and paddleboards from Nov 1 through Apr 30, and by children 12 and under all year. Check the weather, posted signs and the operator's notices before you launch. Stay well away from dams, spillways and outlet structures. You paddle at your own risk.
Nearby on the list
Straight-line distance between the lakes, not driving distance.
Questions about Tobyhanna Lake
Where do I put in at Tobyhanna Lake?
Tobyhanna Lake has two listed put-ins: Tobyhanna Lake access area, Tobyhanna State Park. Tobyhanna Lake access area is at 41.21023, -75.40346 with paved ramp, pier, dock; parking: 10 spaces or more.
Are motorboats allowed on Tobyhanna Lake?
Quiet water: paddle craft and electric-motor boats only. As listed by the state park's boating page, checked Oct 2026.
Do I need a launch permit at Tobyhanna Lake?
Yes, at the state park launch: a Pennsylvania boat registration or a PFBC or State Parks launch permit is required.
Source: PFBC, “Registration vs. Launch Permit”, checked 4 Oct 2026.
How big is Tobyhanna Lake?
170 acres, as listed by the state park's boating page.
Is there a notice for Tobyhanna Lake?
DCNR says a drawdown for dam work is set to begin in early spring 2027, and the lake will be closed to all use while it lasts. Source: the state park's alerts page, published Oct 4, 2026.
Sources
- DCNR park boating page — checked Oct 4, 2026
- USACE National Inventory of Dams (Tobyhanna No 2, PA00779) — checked Oct 4, 2026
- Fish and Boat Commission access map — checked Oct 4, 2026
- Access notice source — checked Oct 4, 2026
- USGS National Hydrography Dataset — checked Oct 4, 2026
Every fact on this page comes from these public sources. Posted signs and official notices always control.
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