Swimming

Yes, you can swim at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, at two free lake beaches: Fuller Lake and Laurel Lake. Both are open May 1 to September 30 from 8 a.m. to sunset. Fuller Beach has lifeguards 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend; Laurel Beach is never guarded but has an accessible ramp into the water. Each beach has a summer snack bar.

Fuller Beach vs Laurel Beach

Fuller Beach

• Lifeguards 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends (unless posted).
• A former iron ore quarry: DCNR stresses its extreme depths and cold water below the surface.
• Smoke-free beach and swimming area.
• Next to the park office, Furnace Stack area and Appalachian Trail.

Laurel Beach

• No lifeguards; swim at your own risk.
• ADA-accessible ramp into the water from the upper Laurel Day Use lot.
• On the park's boating lake, with a boat rental nearby.
• Across the road from the Pole Steeple Trail.

Families with young children usually pick Fuller Beach for the lifeguards; anyone who needs a ramp, or wants to combine a swim with a paddle, picks Laurel.

Swimming Rules

• Swim only in the marked swimming areas, during posted hours.
• No glass or breakable containers in swimming areas.
• No snorkels or underwater breathing gear.
• No pets in swimming areas or on beaches (Dogs).
• No fishing inside the swimming areas.
• No smoking on Fuller Beach; use the designated areas next to it.

Safety

DCNR advises caution at Laurel Lake and especially at Fuller Lake because of the extreme depths and cold subsurface water. Outside guarded hours, and all season at Laurel, follow the posted rules for unguarded swimming. Call 911 and alert a park employee in an emergency; the beaches have first aid stations marked on DCNR's map.

Practical Tips

• Parking and swimming are free.
• Arrive early on hot summer weekends.
• Each beach has a snack bar in summer; grills and picnic tables are nearby (Picnicking).