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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Boating Opportunities

    Electric motors only; slow, no-wake speed

    ♿  The 250-acre Black Moshannon Lake has 87 mooring spaces and four boat launch/mooring areas.

    Boat rentals are available during the summer season.

    Boating Area #1 is ADA accessible.

    Iceboating

    Most of the lake is open for iceboating. A state park launch permit is required for iceboats.

    Ice thickness is not monitored for this activity.

    Be Safe on the Ice

    • Test ice thickness with an auger before recreating. Four inches of solid ice is the minimum recommended thickness for a single person. Seven inches of solid ice is the minimum recommended thickness for small group. Ice should be six inches thick for iceboating.
    • Always carry safety equipment and know how to use it.
    • Spread out. Crowds can put too much weight onto one area.
    • Be aware of changes in ice thickness across a body of water. Perimeter ice is weaker due to shifting, expansion and sunlight reflecting off of the bottom.
    • Avoid areas with protruding logs, brush, plants, and docks. These structures absorb heat, weakening the surrounding ice.
    • Avoid areas with multiple or intersecting cracks, and standing water over ice.
    • Venturing out on ice alone is not advisable. Take a friend along for fun and for safety.
    • Wear a PFD (life jacket).
    • Check the weather and plan accordingly. Several days with temperatures above freezing will weaken the ice.

    Boating Regulations

    The use of gas powered motors is prohibited.

    Motorboats must display a current boat registration. Non-powered boats must display one of the following:

    • Boat registration
    • Launch permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania state parks -- available at most state park offices
    • Launch permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

    Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and rules apply.