6 years after it reopened, Colyer Lake is a treasured spot for Centre County outdoor enthusiasts
Six years ago, Colyer Lake in Potter Township reopened following a yearslong effort from local leaders and community members.
A main group credited with pushing for restoration of the lake was Save Colyer Lake, which worked with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to secure funding for a more than $4 million dam repair project.
Led by former President Judge Thomas King Kistler, Save Colyer Lake raised thousands of dollars toward the effort. When he called large donors to see if they wanted their money back, they all said no — use it instead to make the lake better.
Today, those improvements can be seen along the 2.6 mile loop that offers panoramic views of the 77-acre Colyer Lake. The area is used by anglers, hikers, boaters and more, and offers a peaceful afternoon as the closest lake to State College without motor powered boats.
Kistler’s son, Hobart Kistler, originally created what’s known as “Hobie’s Trail” around the lake for fishermen as his Eagle Scout project in 2006. It was upgraded in 2017 and is maintained by several volunteers. Recently, a plaque has been set up at one of the trail’s viewpoints in honor of Hobart, who died in a car crash last spring.
Thomas Kistler built two new bridges last fall that now allow hikers and bikers to do the loop without any water crossings. One of the wooden bridges features an American Flag that hangs from the old mast of Hobart’s first sailboat. Hobart learned to sail on the lake and it sparked his love for the sport, which he competed in during his time in the Navy.
Floating docks help kayakers enter and exit the water easier. Benches along the shoreline off the trail offer a place for all to sit and enjoy.
Boaters are reminded that there is a mandatory cold weather life jacket wear between Nov. 1 and April 30.
Once the lake has frozen ice fishing and ice skating are allowed.
Colyer Lake is located off U.S. Route 322 outside of Boalsburg in Potter Township.
Here are more views of the lake and surrounding area:
