Blue Marsh State Park
🏆🏆🏆🏆 Tulpehocken Creek — 6,100-acre recreation area around Blue Marsh Lake — Army Corps of Engineers flood-control reservoir in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country
Blue Marsh State Park encompasses 6,100 acres around Blue Marsh Lake — an Army Corps of Engineers flood-control reservoir on Tulpehocken Creek in Berks County. The lake was created in 1979 after devastating floods hit the region. The park sits in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country — home to the largest Amish community in the world (Lancaster County, just south). The Tulpehocken Creek was named by the Lenape people and later became a major route for German immigrants (the “Pennsylvania Dutch” — actually “Deutsch”) who settled here beginning in 1683.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Berks County, PA (Dutch Country!) |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Size | 6,100 acres! |
| Culture | Largest Amish community in WORLD! |
About Blue Marsh
Blue Marsh State Park in Berks County surrounds a 1,147-acre Army Corps of Engineers reservoir northwest of Reading. Built in 1979 for flood control on Tulpehocken Creek, the lake has become one of southeastern Pennsylvania’s most popular multi-use recreation areas. The Tulpehocken Valley was settled by German immigrants in the 1720s — the “Pennsylvania Dutch” whose cultural influence still defines Berks County.
Things to Do
Swimming at the sandy beach, fishing for walleye, bass, and muskie, boating (electric and gas motors permitted), 35 miles of multi-use trails (hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding), cross-country skiing and ice fishing in winter. One of the few inland beaches in southeastern PA.
Insider Tips
Multi-use reservoir: Blue Marsh Lake covers 1,148 acres in Berks County — popular for boating, fishing, and the 30-mile multi-use trail circling the lake. Pro tip: The trail is one of the best mountain biking loops in southeastern Pennsylvania. Army Corps: Blue Marsh Dam was built by the US Army Corps of Engineers (1979) for flood control — the lake is a happy side effect of infrastructure engineering.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Swimming beach and boating. Fall: Lakeside foliage and cycling. Spring: Bass fishing picks up. Winter: Ice fishing and winter hiking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the trail?
The multi-use trail circles Blue Marsh Lake for 30 miles — mostly singletrack through forest and along the lakeshore. It’s rated as one of the best mountain biking destinations in the region. Hikers, runners, and equestrians also use the trail. The varied terrain includes rocky sections, smooth forest floor, and lake-view ridges.
