Shenango River Lake
2442 Kelly Road
Hermitage, PA 16148-7308
(724) 962-7746
Daily Lake & Recreation Information:
(724) 962-4384 

v      Lake & Dam Statistics

v      Vicinity Map

v      Recreation

v      Current Events

v      Facilities & Activities

v      Links of Interest

Authorized by the Flood Control Acts of 1938, Shenango River Lake is one of 16 flood control projects in the Pittsburgh District.  The project provides flood protection for the Shenango River Valley as well as for the Beaver and upper Ohio Rivers.  Since its completion in 1965, Shenango has prevented over $140 million in flood damage.  The project has the capability to store the equivalent run-off of 10.5 inches of precipitation from its 589 square mile drainage area.  Shenango River Lake’s flood control benefits were demonstrated during the June 1972 flooding resulting from Tropical Storm Agnes when over $1.8 million in damages were prevented.  Shenango also provides water releases during dry periods to improve water quality and quantity for domestic and industrial use, recreation and aquatic life.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission manages approximately 3,000 acres of project land for wildlife purposes including a waterfowl propagation area.  The Ohio portion of the project is managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources also for wildlife management.

History buffs will enjoy exploring the remnants of the Erie Extension Canal, sections of which are located on project property.  The Erie Extension Canal played a key role in the economic development of Northwestern Pennsylvania.  Portions of the canal’s towpath are maintained for hiking and are part of the Shenango Trail.  The well-preserved remains of Lock Number 10 are found in Sharpsville, approximately one-half mile downstream of the Shenango Dam.

Lake & Dam Statistics

Vicinity Map

Recreation
Come explore and enjoy the outdoors!  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to visit Shenango River Lake and experience the variety of recreational opportunities available at the project.

Situated within the suburban Shenango Valley, Shenango River Lake provides an attractive setting for your enjoyment.  Visitors may choose to spend their day picnicking, camping or enjoying nature's beauty at one of the many recreation or access areas located on the project.

Many fishing enthusiasts are attracted to the waters of Shenango River Lake for the bass, walleye, muskellunge and variety of panfish that inhabit the lake.  In addition, thousands of anglers are drawn to the dam's outflow area to fish for trout which are stocked annually by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission during the spring.  Boating is among the most popular and varied of recreational activities at Shenango River Lake with six boat launch ramps provided.  Most of the lake is available for unlimited horsepower operation and water skiing, however some areas are on the lake are designated for 10 horsepower motors and minimum wake operation only.

Areas are provided on the lake for unlimited horsepower operation and water skiing as well as areas designated for 10 horsepower motors only and minimum wake operation.

For those visitors who prefer to canoe, both the Shenango River, upstream of the lake, and Pymatuning Creek offer excellent canoeing opportunities, beautiful scenery and a chance to observe nature.

Campers visiting Shenango River Lake will enjoy the spacious and modern facilities available at the Shenango Recreation Area campground.  Hot showers, flush toilets and a sanitary disposal station are provided, as well as 330 campsites, many of which are equipped with electric hookups.

The Seth Myers and Coonie Trails which are one-half mile, self-guided, interpretive nature trails, invite visitors not only to experience the beauty of Shenango River Lake but at the same time to learn about its varied habitats and the relationships between plants, animals and man.

Hunting and trapping are permitted on project lands with the exception of developed recreation areas, wildlife propagation areas and posted areas.  All federal, state and local laws governing these activities apply on project lands and waters.

Current Events
Campground Reservations
Many campsites at four Pittsburgh District lakes – Berlin Lake, Shenango River Lake, Tionesta Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake – can be reserved in advance through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS), an interagency one-stop center for recreation reservations.  Reservations can be made up to six months before arrival by calling the NRRS toll-free at 1-877-444-6777 or on their web site www.Recreation.gov.  Campsites at all other Pittsburgh District lakes, as well as other campsites at Berlin, Shenango, Tionesta and Youghiogheny, are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  At Tionesta Lake, reservations for the Tionesta Recreation Area Campground are available through the NRRS.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Program at Shenango Lake Ampitheater, July 26 at 7:00pm

Join the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Members for evening full of important safety information.  Learn about Federal and State Regulations and about Vessel Safety.  Ask any questions you may have about the operation of your vessel or the items required onboard.  Come and get your FREE brochures, coloring books, and life savers.  We look forward to see you…SAFE!

Movie Night at Shenango Lake Ampitheater, July 26 at  9:00pm

Come watch Jack Hannah of Zoo Life and the Columbus Zoo talk and share the discoveries of our world’s many Amazing Animals.  Learn of the unique adaptations animals have developed in order to live in such environments as the desert, the jungle, and the sea.  See a slithery boa constrictor, a black furry bearcat, sea lions having a splash and much more!  Spend just 40mins with us and you will experience a multitude of worlds – a great way to cap off Saturday night.

Finding of of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for Trout Island Recreational Trail
Mercer County Trails Association, Inc. is seeking a real estate easement from the Pittsburgh District to construct a recreation trail along an abandoned railroad bed that extends from Sharpsville, Pa. to Orangeville, Ohio. An Environmental Assessment for the proposed trail was prepared by Winslow Engineering, Inc. for the Trails Association. After careful review and evaluation of the environmental effects of the proposed trail, the Pittsburgh District prepared a FONSI for the segment of the trail that is on Federal land at Shenango River Lake.

Bayview Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Area
The Bayview ORV Area is open for the 2008 recreation season from May 24 through September 28.  Operating hours are sunrise to sunset.  ATV riders are reminded to observe posted regulations.

Mahaney, Clark and Shenango Day Use Areas
The Mahaney, Clark and Shenango Day Use Areas are open from sunrise to sunset.  The Shenango Day Use Area remains open to pedestrian and vehicle traffic year-round.  The restrooms at the Shenango Day Use Area close when the entire Clark and Mahaney Day Uses Areas close in late October.  Vehicles left in the Mahaney Area past sunset are subject to fines and/or towing.  Call the Park Office for more information.

Boat Launching
The Shenango and Clark boat launch ramps are open 24-hours a day.  Beginning May 11, 2007 a boat launching fee of $3 per day will be charged.  An annual Day Use Pass may be purchased for $30 ($15 with a valid America the Beautiful Senior/Access Pass or Golden Age/Access Passport).  This pass permits the holder and accompanying passengers in a vehicle to use all boat launch ramps and swimming beaches at any Corps-operated recreation area without further charge.  An annual pass, valid for 12-months from the month of purchase, can be purchased at the Park Office using cash or a personal check or money order payable to "FAO, USAED, Pittsburgh".  Call the Park Office with questions or to make an appointment to purchase a Corps of Engineers Annual Day Use Pass.

Pavilion Reservations
The fee for reserving a picnic pavilion at Shenango Lake is $40 per day.  Pavilions can be reserved at the Park Office, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., or by calling the Park Office.  There are five pavilions available in the Mahaney Area, one in Shenango and one in Clark.

Life Jacket Loaner Program
The Boat/U.S. Foundation for Boating Safety has funded a Life Jacket Loaner Program at Shenango Lake.  Life jackets are available for infants, children and youth as well as some adults.  The U.S. Coast Guard requires recreational boaters to have a wearable life jacket on board for each passenger, but life jackets suitable for children are not always available. In addition, at Shenango Lake and other Corps of Engineers lakes in the Pittsburgh District, it is required that children under 13 years of age wear a life jacket while boating. Children are especially at risk on and near the water. A properly sized life jacket can be the difference between life and death for a small child. A boater merely signs out the jacket(s) and returns them at the end of the day. Please call the Campground Contact Station at 724-646-1115 to make arrangements.

Facilities & Activities

Links of Interest

v       Shenango River Lake's Corps Lake Visitor's Gateway
v       Mercer County Convention & Visitors Bureau
v       And for the kids, the Freddie the Fish Coloring Book!