R. B. Winter State Park
A Spring-Fed Mountain Lake in the Heart of Pennsylvania’s Bald Eagle State Forest
R.B. Winter State Park is a 695-acre gem nestled in a shallow basin surrounded by rocky ridges in Union County, Pennsylvania — deep within the Bald Eagle State Forest. The park’s centerpiece is Halfway Lake, a 7-acre mountain lake fed by cold spring water and contained by a hand-laid native sandstone dam built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The CCC dam alone is worth the visit — a beautiful piece of Depression-era stonecraft that’s still holding water nearly a century later.
The spring-fed water makes Halfway Lake a productive coldwater trout fishery — regularly stocked with brook, brown, and rainbow trout. A swimming beach provides lake access in summer, and the park’s trails connect to the broader Bald Eagle State Forest trail system, including a segment of the Mid State Trail — Pennsylvania’s premier long-distance hiking route. In winter, the park transforms into a cross-country skiing and snowshoeing destination. It’s small, unassuming, and exactly the kind of place that rewards a return visit in every season.
Things to Do
Swimming
Halfway Lake has a designated swimming beach — a refreshing option given the spring-fed water temperatures (notably cool even in summer). No lifeguards are provided; swim at your own risk.
Trout Fishing
Halfway Lake is a coldwater fishery regularly stocked with:
- Brook trout
- Brown trout
- Rainbow trout
Fishing is also productive in the lake’s tributaries, particularly Rapid Run. Pennsylvania fishing license required.
Hiking
The park’s own trails circle the lake and explore the surrounding ridges. More significantly, the park connects to the Bald Eagle State Forest trail network, including the Mid State Trail — a 333-mile long-distance route traversing central Pennsylvania. Day hikers can access forest trails directly from the park.
Winter Sports
The park remains open year-round and is a popular destination for:
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Snowmobiling
- Ice skating (when lake conditions permit)
Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halfway Lake Loop | ~1 mi | Easy | Lakeshore circuit; CCC dam views; trout fishing access; scenic |
| Mid State Trail (segment) | Multi-mile | Moderate–Strenuous | Long-distance trail; ridge-top views; deep forest; connects to 333-mi route |
| Rapid Run Trail | Varies | Moderate | Stream-side hiking; trout habitat; forest immersion |
Camping
| Type | Sites | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Modern Campsites | Multiple loops | Many with electric hookups; restrooms with showers; dump station; fire rings |
| Cottages/Cabins | Available | Furnished; seasonal availability; reservations through PA DCNR |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | ⭐ Trout stocking; wildflowers; waterfalls in Rapid Run; warming trails | Cool water for swimming; muddy trails; variable weather |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Swimming beach; full camping; warm hiking; fishing; family recreation | Popular weekends; spring-fed water stays cool; reserve campsites early |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | ⭐ Ridge foliage; peaceful hiking; trout fishing; CCC dam photography | Swimming season ending; shorter days; bring layers |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Cross-country skiing; snowshoeing; ice skating; winter solitude; cabin stays | Cold mountain temps; check road conditions; some facilities limited |
Visitor Tips
- CCC dam: Take time to examine the hand-laid sandstone dam — each stone was quarried locally and fitted by CCC workers in the 1930s. It’s a masterpiece of Depression-era construction and the most photogenic feature of the park.
- Spring-fed water: The lake water is notably cold year-round. Even in July, it’s refreshing (some would say bracing). Wetsuits are not necessary but a quick dip is definitely a cold-water experience.
- Mid State Trail access: For serious hikers, R.B. Winter provides a gateway to the Mid State Trail — Pennsylvania’s longest hiking trail at 333 miles. Plan day hikes or use the park as a base camp for multi-day sections.
- Bald Eagle State Forest: The surrounding state forest offers hundreds of thousands of acres of additional hiking, hunting, and dispersed recreation — far beyond what the park itself provides.
- Location: The park is about 18 miles west of Lewisburg along Route 192 — a scenic drive through the ridge-and-valley landscape of central Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at R.B. Winter State Park?
Yes — Halfway Lake has a designated swimming beach. The water is spring-fed and notably cold, even during summer months. No lifeguards are provided, so swimming is at your own risk. The beach area is the primary swimming location; swimming is not permitted near the dam.
What kind of fish are in Halfway Lake?
Halfway Lake is a coldwater trout fishery regularly stocked with brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The lake’s spring-fed water maintains cold temperatures year-round, creating ideal trout habitat. Rapid Run, a tributary of the lake, also offers productive stream trout fishing. A Pennsylvania fishing license is required.
Last updated: April 2026
