Located in southwestern Pennsylvania, among terrain characterized by its diversity, Loyalhanna Lake provides a mixture of scenery and recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to visit the lake and enjoy its natural settings. Visitors to the lake will discover rolling foothills of the Laurel Highlands, from which the headwaters of Loyalhanna Creek flow, the steep, wooded hillsides and ravines found in the vicinity of the dam. Amid these surroundings, visitors to Loyalhanna Lake can enjoy many outdoor activities.

Fishing is popular at Loyalhanna with an abundance of inlets, coves and backwater areas. Plentiful in the lake are largemouth bass, crappie, bullhead, and bluegill. There are also large populations of muskellunge established and occasionally trout from the headwaters are caught in the lake. Fishing is particularly good in the area where Serviceberry Run flows into the lake and in the waters of the stilling basin and outflow area below the dam.

For boaters, the lake offers many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. A three-lane boat launching ramp is provided for power boaters and water-ski enthusiasts. Canoeists can float Loyalhanna Creek as it meanders on its course toward the lake, providing beautiful scenery and a chance to observe nature. Boaters at Loyalhanna also can venture along the Black Willow Water Trail. This unique trail is a self-guided boating trail with designated stations marking many natural and man-made features. A trail brochure provides additional information and is available at the boat launch area and the lake office.

If a quiet spot for an afternoon picnic with family and friends is what you are looking for, Loyalhanna has it. The Damsite Picnic Area, with its panoramic view of the dam and surrounding areas, is popular with visitors. Another picnic area is in the Bush Recreation Area. Pavilions are available for rental. Please call the park office with inquiries.

Loyalhanna also offers facilities for camping at the Bush Recreation Area. There are 44 campsites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Electric and water sites are also available. The campground also has restroom facilities and a sanitary dump station. A primitive group campground, located at the Kiski Area, is available for organized groups by contacting the lake office. Camp sites cannot be reserved. They are registered on a first come first serve basis.

The Corps of Engineers leases 3,200 acres of project lands to the Pennsylvania Game Commission for wildlife management purposes and public hunting. Hunters will discover that the lake's surrounding area holds a variety of different game, such as deer, rabbit and squirrel. There are also many types of game birds including turkey, grouse, pheasants, and doves. Several parking lots have also been developed to provide access to hunting areas.