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South Overlook Trail

The South Overlook Trail at Cowanesque Lake Recreation Area near Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania is an easy 0.1-mile out-and-back trail that leads down to an old defunct parking area on the south side of the lake.

This recording, not technically a trail, leads down what used to be the South Overlook at the lake. The parking lot has been in disrepair for quite a while and thus the gate that closes off the lot is currently closed, as of October 2019.

This recording heads into the parking area for a short walk to see what used to exist here, but there's really not much to see other than a view of the lake from the southern shore.

History
Congress authorized the construction of Cowanesque Lake, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project, to reduce the impact of storms such as Hurricane Agnes in 1972. The primary goal of the project was to reduce risk of flooding to communities in southern New York and northern Pennsylvania. Since the project began, the dam has saved millions of dollars in flood damage and continues to protect surrounding communities to this day.

Parking
Hikers can find parking at the coordinates provided - directly in front of the gate to the lot. Do not block the gate. There's enough room for a few cars to pull off of the road and not block the gate.

Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed and their waste must be carried out by the hiker. Beware of broken glass and things of that nature in the old parking lot.
Explore 221 trails near Lawrenceville, PA

Know Before You Go

  • The South Overlook Trail is a short, easy, 0.1-mile out-and-back path to a former parking area at Cowanesque Lake offering limited views.
  • The trail leads to a defunct parking lot closed since at least 2019 due to disrepair, with little of interest remaining.
  • Cowanesque Lake was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to mitigate flood risk and protect communities.
Interactive topographic map for South Overlook Trail located in Lawrenceville, PA. Click the "View Map" button to load GPS coordinates and trail markers.
Get directions
Distance
0.1 mi
Difficulty
Easy
Type
Out-and-Back
Est. Time
5 min
Elev. Gain
12'
Rating
0.0
Added
November 11, 2019
Updated
November 11, 2019

Weather Forecast

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Total Change
9'
Ascent
12'
Descent
12'
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Features

Vista / Lookout Point
Dogs
PA Wilds logo PA Wilds

Points of interest

  1. Parking

    41.979281, -77.157561
  2. Main Trailhead

    41.979338, -77.157492

Safety information

For your own safety: plan ahead, let someone know where you'll be, and hike at your own risk.

Availability

All seasons

Surface type

Dirt

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