Sweet Arrow Lake County Park is one of the hidden gems of Schuylkill County. Just a few minutes from Pine Grove Pennsylvania you will find one of the most beautiful parks in Pennsylvania. Sweet Arrow Lake has a wide variety of outdoor activities and things to do.
Sweet Arrow Lake Quick Information
Hours: Dawn To Dusk
Activities: Fishing, Frisbee Golf, Boating, Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Dog Walking, Ice Fishing, Ice Skating Playgrounds, Picnicking, Bird Watching, Short Trails For Walking, and of course relaxing views.
Sweet Arrow Lake Rules & Regulations: You can find the rules and regulations of the park on signs posted throughout the park (primarily at entrances and pavilions). You can also find the Sweet Arrow Lake park rules here.
All Sweet Arrow Lake Information: This is simply an article about Sweet Arrow Lake and all it has to offer. We want people in and around Schuylkill County to be aware of this beautiful park and that is why we put this article together. For more detailed and specific information you can access their website here: http://www.sweetarrowlakepark.com/
Sweet Arrow Lake Frequently Asked Questions
Before we jump into al of the fun we are going to answer a few of the most common questions we receive about the Schuylkill recreational park.
1. Can you swim at Sweet Arrow Lake Park?
No. The park does not allow swimming. Bummer!
2. Where is Sweet Arrow Lake located?
Sweet Arrow Lake is located in Pine Grove, or Washington Township in Schuylkill County Pennsylvania. Pine Grove is one of the nearest towns to the lake and you can quickly get to the lake by exiting off of exit 100 on Interstate 81.
3. Can you fish at Sweet Arrow Lake?
Yes! You can fish at Sweet Arrow Lake and it is probably the most utilized aspect of the park.
4. Is Sweet Arrow Lake stocked with trout?
Yes, but it depends on when you are going to the lake. Most years they stock it for different events. Either way you will make some excellent catches.
5. Is Sweet Arrow Lake man-made?
Sweet Arrow Lake is not man-made. While the dam does increase the size of the lake, it has historically existed as a lake.
Sweet Arrow Lake Activities & Things To Do
As listed above, there are a lot of things you can do at Sweet Arrow Lake. That is why it is a park that draws in so many people from Schuylkill County to neighboring counties like Lebanon or Berks. People looking for things to do outside to enjoy the beautiful weather are always coming to Sweet Arrow Lake. From young to old there are wonderful relaxing activities to enjoy the outdoors.
Disc Golf At Sweet Arrow Lake
One of the most used and most attractive activities at Sweet Arrow Lake is their disc golf course. This is one of the few areas in Schuylkill County that has a well-maintained frisbee golf course.
This 18 hole course has challenging spots that are in a variety of terrains. From the baskets in the forest that have obstacles around trees to difficult baskets located near bodies of water. There are of course longer distance baskets that will challenge your accuracy in disc golf. The scenery combined with the water is perfect for a disc golf outing. Be sure to wear shorts so you can wade out and retrieve your disc or frisbee out of the water.
Come to Sweet Arrow Lake to enjoy our disc golf course. The course is available and accessible in all seasons. Make sure you are courteous to other disc golfers at the park and clean up your trash before leaving.
Fishing At Sweet Arrow Lake
There are a lot of people who go fishing at Sweet Arrow Lake. This is probably the most consistent activity that occurs at the park. Locals are crazy about their fish. There is a nearby shop to get bait and there is almost always someone on the water fishing.
Many fishermen take their boats out on the water to get to their favorite fishing hole. It is a good idea to get there early to claim your spot. Actually, the people who are fishing are allowed to be at the lake from 5 am-10 pm. This exception to the park’s hours of operation is primarily for the people fishing. It does not disclose if this also applies to people ice fishing.
Ice Fishing At Sweet Arrow Lake
Ice fishing is a pretty exciting and fun way to go fishing at Sweet Arrow Lake. You can catch a variety of fish during the colder seasons. Make sure you look into the depth of the ice before you go fishing. The ice depth is not monitored so you will be ice fishing at your own risk.
Ice Skating At Sweet Arrow Lake
Where there is ice fishing, there is also ice skating! Make sure you avoid the ice fishing holes and it is important to be aware of the ice depth before you go ice skating on Sweet Arrow Lake. You can find lots of people ice skating at the Sweet Arrow Lake Fire and Ice Festival. Of course, you will only see people ice skating at this time if the weather permits.
Boating, Paddleboarding, & Kayaking At Sweet Arrow Lake
Want to get a workout and a tan at the same time? Paddleboarding at Sweet Arrow Lake is for you. If you are looking for a more relaxed route, boating, or having someone else paddle you around in a canoe. Their boating dock allows for easy access to the lake. Make sure you
Bird Watching At Sweet Arrow Lake
Bird watchers love Sweet Arrow Lake Park. The combination of waterfowl and birds that can be seen in the park’s forest allows for a wide variety of bird species in such a small area. There is a bird preservation in Swatara park only a few miles away so a large number of birds from that area can be seen. You will primarily see waterfowl.
There is always a large group of ducks meandering between Sweet Arrow Lake and the falls. They wander up and down the stream on a regular basis. You can also see them on the upper side of the lake near the more “wetland” area. Additionally, you will see great blue herrings, kingfishers, and a mixture of birds that are drawn to the park’s water for food.
In the woods, you can always spot a bright cardinal or red-bellied woodpecker. Speaking of woodpeckers you can see a lot of downy woodpeckers but mixed in we occasionally spot a pileated woodpecker (yes, we are far enough north!). Our personal favorite bird to spot on is an indigo bunting. Typically you can spot these in the section of the park that is closest to Pine Grove when the sun is setting.
Playgrounds At Sweet Arrow Lake
Close to the lodge at Sweet Arrow Lake is an excellent playground for your kids to enjoy the outdoors and get some of their energy out before you walk the trails. I’ve seen many families go to the playground first so they do not have to chase their children down the trails or pull them from the water. You should supervise your children as they play since you are responsible. I know the lake is really close and you want to cast a fishing line in to capitalize on the perfect time to fish, but you will get there. Enjoy the time with your kids at the park.
Picnicking At Sweet Arrow Lake
There are a wide variety of pavilions, park benches, shaded areas, and gazebos to have a picnic at Sweet Arrow Lake. During covid, the park was swarming with people just looking to get outside and do something. A group of our friends met at the park, had a picnic, and played Settlers of Catan in the gazebo on the hill. Many of the pages and articles of this website were written while sitting in that same gazebo.
Sweet Arrow lake is the perfect place to relax, throw down a blanket, and have a picnic with friends and family. With such a wide variety of activities in the park as well as the different places and locations to relax you can have fun, privacy, and an outdoor day with the family.
Swimming At Sweet Arrow Lake
Swimming is not allowed at Sweet Arrow Lake Park. Although, you are allowed to “wade” in the situation where you are fishing at the park. From personal experience, I have seen many people disregard this rule and swim anyways. Just ging on Instagram there are many people who take pictures in front of the Sweet Arrow Lake Falls. If you choose to swim at Sweet Arrow lake, know that you are doing it at your own risk and it is strictly against the rules. Swimming on the falls is also strictly prohibited. You would not want to swim after a flood. Check out the raised flood waters pouring over the waterfall.
Pine Grove Flooding At Sweet Arrow Lake
Recent flooding in Pine Grove brought many people to Sweet Arrow Lake Park to view the lake’s water level. As the video below shows, large sections of the park were under water and the falls were massive.
Visit Sweet Arrow Lake
Visit Sweet Arrow Lake in Pine Grove Pennsylvania, the southwestern side of Schuylkill County. This beautiful park is just 15 minutes off of interstate 81. Make your exit 100 rest stop more than fast food. Visit Pine Grove Pennsylvania and enjoy a small town with lots of things to do. Check out Pine Grove events while you are in town, visit our local Pine Grove shops, and learn more about local tourism in Pine Grove.
