East Branch Clarion River Lake, body of water
East Branch Clarion River Lake is a large reservoir in Elk County, Pennsylvania, created by a dam across the East Branch of the Clarion River. The water covers about 1,160 acres (470 hectares) and stretches nearly 6 miles (10 kilometers) through a forested region with calm, deep water surrounded by wooded shores.
The lake was created in 1952 when a dam was completed across the East Branch of the Clarion River to control flooding in the region. The construction was part of a broader effort to protect communities from flood damage, and since its completion, the structure has prevented millions in damages during major storm events.
The lake bears the name of the East Branch of the Clarion River, the waterway from which it was formed. Today, fishing and boating bring together visitors who share a connection to outdoor recreation and the natural landscape of northeastern Pennsylvania.
The lake is accessible year-round for fishing from shore or boats, with no horsepower restrictions on motors. Visitors can swim in summer months, try ice fishing in winter, and find marked trails for hiking around portions of the lake as well as picnic areas along the water.
During Tropical Storm Agnes in 1972, the lake prevented over 20 million dollars in flood damages to the surrounding area, demonstrating the critical role it plays in protection. This single event proved how valuable the structure remains to the region decades later.
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