schellsburg / shawnee loop

For a place to camp in summer try this state park. Over 100 sites with or without electricity. There is a huge lake with boating, fishing and swimming. Picnic areas, too. It is right on US 30, Lincoln Highway west of Bedford.

I was just in that area for a weekend of field trips with a birding group. I checked out the lake and park friday, saturday and sunday. I enjoyed the water, scenes and wildlife. I hope to come back and possibly camp and picnic here too. Another wonderful example of the state parks our state of PA offers.

We took the 3.4 mile walk around the major part of the lake and it was delightful. Some lovely views of the lake. A nice thing to do in the morning.

This is a very scenic and pretty park. There are lots of nice picnic areas however some of the table are in need of replacement. A great. The hike around the lake is just a little over 3 miles and an easy walk/run. Boating, fishing, swimming, ball fields , play grounds, and camping available.

I grew up going to Shawnee to swim, walk around the lake and have family picnics. So last week I took my husband and son for a walk around the lake. We had a lovely 4 mile walk around the lake. This is particularity a great walk to bring a dog. Great park for family fun whether that is swimming, biking, boating or walking/running.

Thiss is an outstanding area to take a pleasent drive. You can stop at the lake, camp at the State Park or go to Hok E Gez in Bedford to do some shopping at the flea market. Nearby is an Martin's Amish Mkt on Rt 220 about 5 miles north of Bedford. If you want to extend your ride, go up on the Allegheny Plateau.

During July 2012 my sister and I spent several days at the Bedford Springs Hotel and Spa and enjoyed Shawnee Park and Lake as a wonderful compliment to the Springs. It is about ten miles from the hotel. When you go into the park, drive toward the beach signs and you will find a large parking lot which is mostly in the shade. We found it a nice place to sit, cool down and have a snack after biking. The four mile loop around the lake is wonderful for biking. The trail is groomed very well and while mostly flat there is enough incline to raise your heartbeat! We saw people of all ages riding the loop. You can also walk this trail and even step off the trail at one of the picnic tables to fish or have a snack. Our excitement was finding a guide through the hotel to take us kayaking around the lake. Scott was a park ranger and was an excellent instructor and guide. The lake is perfect for a boat ride of any kind and fishing, but no gas propelled motors are allowed. We noticed that there were also paddle boats, a sand volleyball court, a beach, and picnic areas. I'm not sure if any refreshments are offered at the parking area. We were there both morning and evening and it appeared to be a very safe and enjoyable area for exploring the loop and for entertaining children. We thoroughly enjoyed having this park so close to the hotel, but there is camping at the park for those passing through that area. The Shawnee Park is a Pennsylvania State Park and there is an "app" for state parks that gives much more information about the trails and the activites at the park. It is PA State Parks Forests Guide.

This is probably the best state park I've ever been to and it is very quiet and peaceful perfect place to just get away from it all!!! Lots to do you can have a picnic, bike ride, you can walk the trail, padal boating, fishing, swimming, volleyball, disc golf. I enjoy every aspect of the Schellsburg/Shawnee Loop, I would have to say the trail is my most favorite part of going up there. The trail is more for the experienced bike riders, but it is very enjoyable and walking on the trail is great exercize!

Excellent walking paths around Shawnee Lake--quiet, safe and just over three miles if you do the whole loop!