Fuller Lake

Fuller Lake is the smaller of the two lakes at Pine Grove Furnace State Park and the one with lifeguards. It is a former iron ore quarry that filled with groundwater after mining stopped, and DCNR warns swimmers about its extreme depths and cold water below the surface. The beach is open May 1 to September 30, 8 a.m. to sunset, with lifeguards 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends. Boats and ice sports are not allowed.

Swimming at Fuller Lake

Fuller Beach is the park's guarded beach. Lifeguards are on duty 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend, unless posted otherwise. Outside those hours, and in May and September, it is swim at your own risk; follow the posted rules.

Take the depth warning seriously. Fuller Lake was dug as an ore pit, not shaped as a swimming pond, and DCNR specifically advises swimmers to use caution because of the extreme depths and cold subsurface water. Stay inside the swimming area.

A snack bar serves the beach in summer, and the beach is smoke-free; designated smoking areas sit next to it. See Swimming to compare Fuller Beach with Laurel Beach.

Fuller Lake Day Use Area

The day use area by the park office has picnic tables (including ADA-accessible tables), charcoal grills, drinking water and restrooms. The park's beginner orienteering course, an easy 1-mile white course, starts at the Fuller Lake Day Use Area picnic grove; maps are at the park office.

The Appalachian Trail and the Hiker Biker Trail both pass the lake, so you can walk here from the Furnace Stack area or keep going to Laurel Lake.

Fishing

DCNR lists pickerel, perch, bass and stocked trout in the lake. Fishing is not allowed inside the beach and swimming area, and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission rules apply (Fishing).

What Is Not Allowed

• Boats: boating is prohibited on Fuller Lake. Paddle on Laurel Lake instead (Boating).
• Ice sports: no ice skating or ice fishing on Fuller Lake in winter.
• Smoking: prohibited on the beach and in the swimming area.
• Pets: not allowed on the beach or in the swimming area (Dogs).

Where the Lake Came From

Iron ore for Pine Grove Furnace was dug here. When mining ended, groundwater filled the pit, and DCNR says the lake became a popular swimming area once the land was part of the state park. Read the furnace story on About. Each October, hundreds of lit jack-o'-lanterns float on Fuller Lake during the Fall Furnace Festival.

Good For

• Families who want a lifeguard on duty.
• A swim at the end of a walk on the Appalachian Trail.

Maybe Skip If

• You want to paddle or launch a boat: go to Laurel Lake.
• Your kids are weak swimmers outside guarded hours: the water gets deep and cold fast.