A Day Dream at Raymond B. Winter State Park

As I drove into the park, my eyes feasted on the beauty of it. The tall streets, the picnic areas, rock walls, and so much more.

Before you even get out of the car, you have these great views of the lake and picnic areas. Plus Rocky Walls as you enter the park.

Two of the parking areas are across from the beach. In both of the parking areas, you can walk over to the beach but also to the Dam which is directly across from the beach.

I parked at the first one that a came to and walked down the trail to see the Dam up close and personal.

Only to be distracted by the sound of frogs along the banks of the river.

It was not even just one but all of his friends as well! At least the ones that had not jumped in the lake upon hearing me coming down to the bank.

Along the path was a bit rock but only for a short time as it opens up to the Dam.

On the lake side you can’t even tell where the dam is because the water line is so high.

On the other side, you have this wonderful view of the dam without even seeing the lake. The sounds are not unlike a waterfall. A wonderful place to sit and relax.

The Halfway Run Environmental Learning Center is just above the beach. Check out the schedule activities when you arrive at the park.

From the parking lot at the beach, take the overlook trail to look down on the park or you can also drive up. During the summer, you can only see the trees and a bit of the lake. But if you are around the in the Fall, it has the wonderful oranges, reds, greens, and other colors and a better view of the lake.

There is a third parking area which as wonderful views of the dam and beach.

The creek is feed by a natural spring. In some areas of the park, you can actually see the water coming out of the ground.

The park offers 6.3 miles of hiking trails with the Mid State Trail running through it which is 250 miles long, fishing, ice fishing, mountain biking, swimming, camping, and camping cottages. For Reservations. The camping area does include showers and electric hookup sites.

I really loved my time at this park. It is one that I would go to a second time. It was very peaceful.

Brief History

The park was originally called called the Halfway Dam State Park. The park was once the half way mark up the hill with a tavern which would teamsters would stop and feed their teams during the winter during the 18th century.

On May 23, 1957, the park was renamed after Raymond B. Winter who helped establish the park. He also worked both in the park and the surrounding state forest for over 45 years. Ten years later, Raymond B. Winter wrote a booklet about his time in Buffalo Valley. Check at the park office for a copy of the booklet.