Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Lake Harmony, PA

  • Published 2022/02/04

Lake Harmony is a reservoir with an unforgettable view that has four constant seasons all in a year.

It’s not a proper city with its own government but rather unincorporated areas and communities that blend together seamlessly.

Lake Harmony consists of 1,480+ citizens as of 2021.

One of Carbon County’s biggest attractions is Lake Harmony’s assortment of clean, glacial lakes and rolling hills.

Within this vacation haven are state parks, ski areas galore, and many sports arenas that offer activities you may partake in.

There’s a lot more to do here than just skiing and snowboarding.

Whether you prefer heading down a scenic path on skis or skates or riding through stunning scenery on four wheels, there’s always someplace fun to be found.

Here are 15 of the best things to do in Lake Harmony, PA, if you want to make your stay as relaxing and rejuvenating as possible.

Visit Terra Cottage Cafe and Gifts

Front view of Terra Cottage Cafe and Gifts

Editorofthewiki, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Terra Cottage Cafe and Gifts is a quaint cafe, eatery, and boutique with little home accents that you can purchase for your abode.

Their morning menu is simply amazing!

You’ve got to try their Sweet Cream Pancakes and Pa-Pa’s Feast.

Also served at lunchtime is the popular Italian Burger Bar and Cottage Salad, which you’ll surely love.

It’s one of the best places to eat in the Poconos and also a lovely place to buy gifts for every occasion, from birthdays to first communions to wedding anniversaries.

The design of the store is artistic yet comfy and welcoming — definitely an “absolute hidden gem” in Lake Harmony.

Take a Relaxing & Informative Pontoon Boat Tour with Lake Harmony Cruises

Lake Harmony Cruises with Capt. Wolf is an extravagant experience — a perfect way to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Lake Harmony and all its surrounding areas.

There are many stories you can hear about the houses surrounding the lake and many anecdotes about some of the notable people who’ve made their summer homes nearby.

The 45-minute tour is a highlight to any stop in Pennsylvania’s Poconos region.

Catch a glimpse of some of Lake Harmony’s most famous houses and landmarks while you relax and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature at its prime.

When you arrive at 20 S Lake Dr, you simply jump aboard and let Lake Harmony Cruise get you to where you need to go.

Have Delicious Lakeside Dining at the Lake View Tavern

Dining at Lake View Tavern is a fantastic experience on the shores of Lake Harmony at Split Rock Resort.

You’ll be treated to a great view and an appetizing meal if you come during spring, summer, or fall.

The lakeside view from the back deck is simply dazzling no matter what time of day it is.

But when the sun sets on Lake Harmony’s shoreline, it’s a show that any visitor should not miss.

Their large back deck serves meals and drinks, which are served by efficient servers who will make you feel welcome.

Make sure that you jot this down as one of your stops when you’re near Split Rock Resort or even if you live right here in the area.

Indulge in Ultimate Luxury at Split Rock Resort

In what must be one of the most beautiful settings on earth, Split Rock Resort sits on over 1,200 acres high up in the Pocono Mountains.

In addition to suites, cottages, and villas, they also feature cozy lodge rooms and lakeside cabins, with homey amenities you can use such as kitchens, televisions, and even fireplaces.

There’s a 27-hole golf course, a water park, a fitness center, and a movie theater.

Many sports facilities are also on-site, including tennis courts, a bowling alley, and indoor and outdoor pools.

Dining options include a sports bar and an Italian restaurant.

Have a Relaxing Stay at Retreat in the Wild

For those looking for a rustic experience with modern conveniences, Retreat in the Wild just might be the place.

The home is classic and has a number of unique amenities that cater to guests’ needs.

The home features an outdoor hot tub, sauna, and indoor Peloton bike.

Seven bedrooms allow plenty of space to bring the whole gang along.

This secluded Poconos cabin is amongst the eye-candy of the gorgeous Pocono Mountains.

They have all sorts of fun activities planned, from wine tasting to shopping to gambling.

Enjoy Water Activities with Yeti WaterSports

If you’re looking for a fun outdoor water sport, head over to Yeti WaterSports in Lake Harmony on 1 Lake Dr.

You can go on a leisurely cruise on their 24′ pontoon boat while enjoying a tour around the natural beauty of Lake Harmony.

Or how about trying tubing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes? They offer these things too!

Or maybe going for some pedal boats or rowboats to enjoy a stress-free time out on the lake is just what you need.

Just be careful when choosing which activity to pay attention to and keep an eye open for other boaters — after all, it is a lake!

Sing Your Heart Out at Shenanigans

If you’re searching for a place in Lake Harmony to get your drink on, you can’t beat Shenanigans.

It’s the best bar for miles around for over 30 years and has an atmosphere that is both fun and also suitable for all ages.

This classic joint sits in the east of the lake, where you’ll win over crowds when you take the stage — because it’s always reserved for singers!

If you dine here, you’re going to find their Bacon-wrapped Scallops, Crab Cakes, and Fried Calamari worth the visit.

Sports fans are more than welcome at Shenanigans.

In fact, they have plenty of screens throughout the establishment for them to watch games on.

One can also simply head up for some base-pounding fun in the Boomers Night Club — attached to the establishment on level 2.

The club comes with plenty of modern beats and lights flashing through the air, giving it a unique atmosphere.

Aside from the karaoke and the club, they also have Burger Night on Thursdays.

Enjoy Skiing at Jack Frost and Big Boulder

When Peak Resorts took over the management of Jack Frost and Big Boulder ski areas, it became confusing for many people to recognize where exactly each area was located.

For those wondering exactly how close Jack Frost and Big Boulder locations are together, you only have to go about 10 miles from one resort to another.

Just because these are two separate resorts that Peak Resorts combined into one doesn’t mean they’re in the same town.

Big Boulder is in Lake Harmony, while Jack Frost is in White Haven.

Baked on the opposite side of the state, Big Boulder opened its doors to individuals looking for a fun time on snow in 1949 and is the first commercial ski resort in Pennsylvania.

They’re best known for their state-of-the-art snowmaking system, which is now being used successfully in many commercial applications.

Visit St. Peter the Fisherman Church

To Christians visiting Lake Harmony, make sure to set aside some time to visit St. Peter the Fisherman Church.

It’s been a parish in Lake Harmony for many years, preceding its mission status by several decades.

It was established when the Allentown diocese merged with the Jim Thorpe diocese.

It used to be the dwindling congregation of vacationers who used to attend Sunday Mass at Split Rock Lodge.

As the community developed, the Bishop realized a dedicated place of worship was needed.

It was thanks to a generous bequest from one of its faithful patrons that St. Peter the Fisherman eventually came into existence.

Dine at Nick’s Lake House Restaurant

Nick’s Lake House Restaurant is a lovely, rustic hangout perfect for big groups of people wanting to make the most of their vacation time.

They have a large indoor and outdoor bar with plenty of seating available.

From intimate dinner dates with loved ones to birthday celebrations, this restaurant has plenty of space to offer guests.

True to its name, you’ll feel like you’re in your own lakeside house by the water.

They offer a wide range of dishes, including all sorts of seafood, steaks and chicken, cocktails, a full bar, and most importantly, yummy sweet treats!

The Bavarian Jumbo pretzel is a favorite at this restaurant.

In the evenings, you’ll want to try the Shrimp Scampi — sweet shrimp sautes in a chicken broth and garlic sauce before being sprinkled with red pepper flakes for an added kick.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Catch NASCAR Stars in the Flesh at Pocono Raceway

A blue car parked on the starting line of the raceway.

Grindstone Media Group / Shutterstock.com

For those who prefer to get up close and personal with their sporting heroes, why not catch NASCAR stars in the flesh at Pocono Raceway.

The racetrack sparks to life for NASCAR double-headers action and family-friendly activities.

Pocono Raceway takes only 8 minutes (5.3 miles) to reach.

White and red race car on the lead, with other race cars behind it.

Grindstone Media Group / Shutterstock.com

If you ever want to try a NASCAR experience ahead of your favorite driver next season, you can get behind the wheel during a stock car experience and race around the tricky triangle of the Poconos.

Filled with twists and turns, the raceway is a lot of fun to drive on and offers plenty of opportunities.

The Stock Car Racing Experience is on the south and takes 10 minutes (6.8 miles) to reach.

A bunch of race cars along the raceway.

Grindstone Media Group / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy a Picnic at Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area

It’s a 10-minute (6.2-mile) drive from Lake Harmony to Blakeslee, PA’s Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area, also known as The Highland Trail Loop.

The trail is used for running, walking, hiking, and fishing throughout the year and is accessible to dogs as well.

At times, it may get quite muddy, so use caution if you’re bringing a prized pair of shoes with you.

There’s an awesome waterfall area, with charming pavilions and picnic tables perfect for having a bite to eat.

This 3.5-kilometer trail should take approximately an hour and a half to hike if you’re traveling at a moderate pace — which is just enough time to enjoy the finely tuned flora and fauna here.

Enjoy an Exhilarating Hike to Hawk Falls

The view of Hawk Falls with rushing water cascading down.

Mad Hare Imagery / Shutterstock.com

The Hawk Falls is a gorgeous little waterfall that has a 25-foot drop.

The falls is like walking into a dream of paradise hidden inside a dense forest, but they are definitely worth taking the time to find.

The clear and brilliant water cascades nicely down into a small pool where swimming is possible, with the calming sounds of the waterfall in the background.

Due to the volume of visitors, parking gets pretty crowded every weekend, so be sure to get here early if you want a more peaceful experience at this lovely location.

It’s a 10-minute (6.2-mile) trip from Lake Harmony to Hawk Falls.

Play Paintball with Skirmish USA

Skirmish USA lies southeast of Lake Harmony and takes 12 minutes (7.0 miles) to get here on four wheels.

Head to Albrightsville, PA, at 211 North Meckesville Road to find it.

Skirmish Paintball is a home away from home for paintball players that span 750 acres.

Each of these fields contains everything players could want in the topography, like open fields, rhododendron trees, creeks, dense woods, swamps, bridges, forts designed to look like villages and castles with cargo containers, tanks, and planes.

Plus, they have speedball arenas with inflatable bunkers!

Don’t worry about having an experience or not to play paintball here at Skirmish Paintball.

They keep it simple and give you everything you need to take care of all required prep before the game begins.

Take a Sightseeing Tour at Hickory Run State Park

Tall, green trees surrounding a small water cascade.

Mad Hare Imagery / Shutterstock.com

The 15,990-acres of beautiful Hickory Run State Park in the heart of Carbon County is full of variety.

If you’re in Lake Harmony, you’ll have to drive 15 minutes (10.4 miles) to the west.

It’s got more than 40 miles worth of hiking trails that are great to test your fitness limits and also great spots to sit back and relax too.

A few people sitting on top of big boulders.

Rosemarie Mosteller / Shutterstock.com

With three state parks natural areas to explore, you’re sure to find some beautiful scenery.

Plus, there are so many spots here where you can go fishing.

You’ll find two lakes here as well.

If you go along the road to Sand Spring Day Use Area, you’ll find the larger Sand Spring Lake.

Going along the road to Boulder Field, on the other hand, leads to the smaller one, Hickory Run Lake.

The Hickory Run State Park is open to visitors every day.

Final Thoughts

The charming town of Lake Harmony is a playground for outdoor explorers, surrounded by majestic natural landscapes in Pennsylvania.

Whether you’ve come for fishing, camping, or hiking through nature’s beautiful wonders, this Pennsylvania town has something for everyone and all ages.

Consider this list of adventure-filled things to do in Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania.

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