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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Unlimited horsepower motors permitted

    The 1,160-acre East Branch Lake has one boat launch on Instanter Drive. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also provides a boat launch by the dam.​​​​​

    Boat Registration

    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 laws apply.

    Boat Mooring

    Elk State Park has three mooring/docking areas around the lake:

    • Instanter
    • Swamp Creek
    • Army Corps of Engineers

    The Elk State Park D​ock Manual (PDF) includes all the rules, guidelines, and policies for docks and overnight mooring.

    Iceboating

    Iceboats must display a current state park launch permit. Ice thickness is not monitored.

    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.​​