The Wild Life at Shohola Lake, Pike County, Pennsylvania
About halfway between Hawley and Milford on the south side of US Route 6 lies Shohola Lake. I'm not sure when Shohola Creek was dammed to form the lake, or if it was done primarily for flood control or to enhance wildlife habitat (or both.) In any event, the lake and the surrounding area has become a home for mammals, reptiles, and birds of all sorts.
Immediately below the lake is the waterfall, the usual attraction. The fast water crashing over the rocks and splashing into a gorge is allegorical to the amount of excitement it provides. Although it is definitely a must-see while there, the quiet vastness of the lake offers more in the long run.
There are two launch areas on the lake. The first one has a large paved lot and easy ramp access for boaters with trailers. It is very close to the dam at the north end of the lake. I rarely use this launch since it makes for an extremely long trip up the lake and back. It is good if you have more than four hours to paddle or if you are using a motor. If you lack that sort of time or use manpower to move your craft, choose the second launch further up the lake. It too has a ramp, but the launch area is dirt and you must move your vehicle about 100 yards up to the parking area before embarking on your journey. I prefer the second launch because it puts me closer to the better wildlife viewing areas and I generally paddle for about two hours when I go there.
Early season explorers will find the water fairly open in most sections of
the lake. Lake level and plant growth contribute significantly to where you can easily travel later in the season. Subsurface and emergent plants can dominate the lake at times leaving only a defined channel where the creek flows through the lake. Overall, the lake is fairly shallow allowing Watershield to blanket much of the water. Spatterdock and White Lillies make occasional appearances, poking out of the water here and there.
The shallow water does make for some tricky paddling at times. Many stumps and bog mats protrude here and there throughout the lake. However, these obstacles generally serve as excellent perches for birds and reptiles.
Painted turtles catch some afternoon sun .
Cormorants frequently take up summer residence at the lake.
The reasons the lake has such an abundant population of wildlife has a lot to do with the fact that much of the lake is a designated propagation area. One side of the lake is practically inaccessible by foot, and observation areas for those without boats are located far from the lakeshore. Additionally, power restrictions for watercraft make the area a welcome place for nesting, breeding, and residency. Similarly, standing dead trees act as great hunting perches for Osprey and Bald Eagles and nests for cavity dwelling waterfowl, such as Wood Ducks and Woodpeckers.
A trip here on any given day from May through October should yield at least one Bald Eagle sighting. Wintertime viewing may not be as successful if the lake is frozen over. While eagles have been know to stay in the area through the winter mating season, often the birds will fly a few miles to the Delaware River to fish during the daytime.
To get to Lake Shohola, take Exit 34 off Interstate 84 to State Route 739. Travel north on 739 for 0.7 miles to Well Road. Turn right on Well Road and travel 3.8 miles to U.S. Route 6. Turn right onto Route 6 and travel east two miles to the Shohola Falls Water-fowl Management Area. An access road to the boat launches can be found just west of the large parking area on Route 6.
