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Take a hike and conquer the trail system at Ohio Pymatuning State Park for 2025! Participants can do it on their own or join one of the many Naturalist led programs held on the trails. Please note, some closed trails are only accessible with the Park Naturalist. Programming opportunities for access to those trails will be posted on the Ohio Pymatuning State Park website and Facebook page. Participants will be awarded a digital badge upon completion of all the trail check-ins, using the OuterSpatial app. A Pymatuning 2025 - Take a Hike: Master Series pin (pictured above) can be redeemed when the digital badge is shown to the Naturalist at the Pymatuning State Park Nature Center. Nature Center hours change seasonally and can be found on the Pymatuning State Park website and Facebook page. Use the OuterSpatial app for self-guided challenge check-ins, trail maps, and hike details. Download the free app at: https://outerspatial.link/i2knRU2MwIb See you on the trails!

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced February 7, 2025, the appointment of Jessica Fischer as the new park manager for Pymatuning State Park in Crawford County. “Jessica brings extensive experience and deep knowledge to this role,” said Secretary Dunn . “We are confident she will continue to uphold the high standards visitors expect at one of our most popular state parks.” Fischer assumed management of the 16,872-acre park in late December. Pymatuning State Park, home to the 17,088-acre Pymatuning Reservoir—Pennsylvania’s largest lake—offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. An Erie native, Fischer is eager to return to the region after a decade away. “This is truly a full-circle moment for me—coming home to lead the park where I’ve built so many memories,” Fischer said. “I’m excited for this opportunity and look forward to connecting with the community around this incredible natural resource.” Fischer previously managed Little Buffalo State Park in Perry County and has held multiple roles within DCNR, beginning as a seasonal resource ranger at Presque Isle State Park. She later became a park manager trainee and has served at Moraine, Point, and Laurel Hill state parks, as well as assistant park manager at Cook Forest and Clear Creek state parks. Before her most recent assignment, she worked in the operations and training section of DCNR’s Bureau of State Parks. Fischer holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree in park and resource management from Slippery Rock University. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, boating, biking, paddling, foraging for mushrooms, reading, exploring new restaurants, and singing. She also looks forward to enjoying outdoor adventures with her husband, Henry, son Leopold, and cat, Taylor. Former Pymatuning State Park Manager Dan Bickel has transitioned to a new leadership role overseeing the Western Plateau Division of State Parks , which includes Jennings Environmental Education Center, Pymatuning, M.K. Goddard, Oil Creek, McConnells Mill, and Moraine state parks. “I’m eager to take on this new role and help managers across the division create stronger connections,” Bickel said. “I grew up at Pymatuning and will miss the daily interactions with staff and visitors, who have become like family. But I have full confidence in Jessica’s leadership and her vision for the park.” Bickel holds a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation resource management and environmental education from Slippery Rock University. With 29 years of experience in Pennsylvania’s state parks, he has served in various roles, including as an environmental education specialist, park manager trainee, assistant manager at Ohiopyle State Park, and manager at Greenwood Furnace, Prince Gallitzin, and Moraine state parks.

Watch for eagles at any of the launches around the lake Catch a walleye or a crappie from one of the many developed shoreline fishing areas Take a kayak or canoe trip on the Shenango River Feed the carp at the Spillway Rent a pontoon boat at Jamestown, Espyville, or Linesville marinas Explore the history of the swamp, reservoir, and dam at the Gatehouse Spend a weekend at the Jamestown, Tuttle, or Linesville campground Visit the Fish and Boat Commission’s Linesville Fish Hatchery Watch the sunset from the Spillway Trail Stay the night in a modern cabin

Help bring an Eagle Camera to Pymatuning. The Pymatuning Lake Association is currently working with Pymatuning State Park management to install an eagle camera on one of the nests within the park. The camera would be live-streamed so folks could watch the eagles during nesting and the eaglets after they hatch. It will also be a valuable asset for our Environmental Educators to teach students about our national bird. Our goal is to raise $10,000 total, which will not only purchase the camera equipment, but help pay for the necessary internet connection and subscription to be able to live-stream for the next 5 years. Our area also supports one of the largest concentrations of nesting Bald Eagles in the state and Pymatuning is the only known place in Pennsylvania where bald eagles have nested continuously, even through their population decline in the mid-1900s. Today, park visitors can spot eagles nesting and soaring over the lake throughout the year and during the winter months, eagles can often be seen sitting on the ice. This year, we had 15 nests around the lake and at least 11 of those had eggs. We currently have $5,127 raised toward our goal. Frequency One time One time Monthly Monthly Yearly Yearly Amount $20 $20 $50 $50 $100 $100 $200 $200 Other Other 0/100 Comment (optional) Donate $20 Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Fly Higher, Together

Each August the PLA hosts a two-day fishing derby for kids ages 2 - 18. Register Here!

Looking for something to do around Pymatuning Lake? Check out our calendar to see what is going on in the Park and surrounding communities! Events at Pymatuning A number of events occur on and around Pymatuning Lake each year. Some are hosted by the Pymatuning Lake Association, some by Pymatuning State Park, and some by other community partners. For more information on annual events around the lake, check out below. To see what is coming up, just visit our Event Calendar . Fishing Tournaments Each year Pymatuning Lake Association hosts a crappie tournament and walleye tournament in the spring. Kids Free Fishing Derby Kids ages 2-15 are welcome each August to participate in the free kids fishing derby. Prizes, lunch, and gear is provided! Pymatuning State Park Programs Every month the Environmental Educator's at Pymatuning State Park host a wide variety of programs the whole family can participate in. Great Shoreline Cleanup Mark your calendars for the first weekend in May for the Great Shoreline Cleanup at Pymatuning. This volunteer led event is instrumental in keeping the shoreline safe and healthy for everyone to enjoy. Onion Festival Don't miss the annual Onion Festival, held the second weekend in July at the Linesville Beach in Pymatuning State Park. Ohio Events Our partners at the Pymatuning Area Chamber of Commerce host a number of events throughout the year on the Ohio side of the lake. Be sure to check them out when planning your visit!