Little Buffalo State Park

Holman Lake in Little Buffalo State Park offers an enjoyable kayak adventure. Located in south central Pennsylvania near the town of Newport, the 88 acre lake is easily accessible. Two public boat launches are on the north side of the lake. There is also an ADA accessible dock designed for launching canoes and kayaks on the western end of the lake at the Wahneta Launch. If adventurers do not have their own kayaks, a boat rental operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. In addition to kayaks, renters may choose canoes, rowboats or pedal boats. The boat rental is located near the park’s swimming pool.

Electric motors are permitted and the lake follows alongside a portion of Little Buffalo Road, yet kayakers will find Holman Lake to be a pleasing rural adventure. Little Buffalo State Park surrounds the lake, providing a scenic backdrop of forest and park land for the day’s kayaking. Observant paddlers may see green herons, great egrets or wood ducks. During migration, the lake is visited by a variety of additional waterfowl including blue-winged teals, mergansers, ring-necked ducks, and common loons.

Kayakers may paddle underneath a bridge at the western end of the lake. On the other side of the bridge is a small section of the lake where paddlers can get close-up views of painted turtles sunning themselves on partially submerged logs. Venture through this section of the lake and kayakers can follow the water through a narrow, winding passage to the source of the lake, Little Buffalo Creek.

Returning underneath the bridge and following the southern side of the lake, there is an easy pull-in onto a grassy area. Pack a lunch or snacks and enjoy a lakeside picnic. Tables are conveniently located in this area. Restrooms are located near here, additionally, restrooms are located on boat launch road and also at the park’s visitor center. For safety, boaters should be cautious around the dam and aware that access is prohibited near the spillway.