Friends of Raystown Lake

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Friends of Raystown Lake

Our initiatives include Lake Cleanup Day, Allegrippis Trails, RayCEP and more! The Friends of Raystown Lake is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Friends of Raystown Lake is a nonprofit organization primarily focused on the responsible stewardship of the natural and recreational resources of the Raystown Lake Project. The Friends of Raystown Lake primary focus is the responsible stewardship of the natural and recreational resources of Raystown Lake Project. They are actively involved in environmental education, resource protection and enhancement, and recreational improvement. Beginning in 1988 as the Raystown Lake Clean-Up Committee; it incorporated as The Friends of Raystown Lake in 1996. We invite you to learn more about the Friends of Raystown Lake and ask you to consider joining our group. Membership funds are utilized by the group to further our main mission of benefitting the stewardship and resources of Raystown Lake Project. Volunteer commitments by members are always appreciated for the many projects and activities that the Friends of Raystown Lake supports. Open membership meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month typically at 7 p.m. at the Hoss's Steak and Sea House on Route 22 near Huntingdon, PA. Group activities that benefit the Raystown Lake environment and community include: annual Raystown Lake clean-up, Raystown Conservation Education Partnership (RayCEP), oversight regarding the Allegrippis Trails at Raystown Lake, operation of Putt's Camp, fish structure days, and volunteer assistance in support of other community events occurring at Raystown Lake Project.

11/11/2026

What a great way to spend Veterans Day! Thank you to our volunteers for their efforts today!

11/05/2026

As we continue our series reintroducing Friends of Raystown Lake's programs and initiatives, we're spotlighting one of our favorite ways to bring the community together: Lake Cleanup Day!

This event is how FRL got its start way back in 1988, as the Raystown Lake Clean-Up Committee.

Each year, Lake Cleanup Day brings together volunteers from across the community to remove litter from Raystown Lake's shoreline. Volunteers remove an average of 2,000 pounds of garbage from the lake every year. That's a lot of litter kept out of our lake, woodlands, and waterways.

Stay tuned as we continue (re)introducing the programs, projects, and partnerships that make Friends of Raystown Lake what it is!

11/02/2026

Boat launch status as of 11/2/26 from our friends at Raystown Lake, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

UPDATED LAUNCH CLOSURE ANNOUNCEMENT:
SEVEN POINTS, AITCH & TATMAN RUN BOAT LAUNCHES NOW CLOSED

As of 11/2/2026 at 2:45 PM, Aitch, Tatman Run, and Seven Points Boat Launches are closed due to low water levels as a result of the planned 8 ft lake drawdown.

Only the boat launches will be closed in these locations; the rest of the area will be open for other recreational activities, such as walking/hiking, shoreline fishing, hunting access, etc.

We anticipate Weaver Falls boat launch will close at the end of this week or early next week as the drawdown continues.

The Snyder’s Run, James Creek, and Shy Beaver boat launches are expected to remain open throughout the duration of the drawdown.

11/01/2026

𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐲 — 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐣𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭!

Under PA state law, life jacket use is mandatory now through April 30. This rule applies to individuals underway or anchored on vessels less than 16 feet long, and to anyone using a paddleboard, kayak, or canoe.

Stay safe and stay afloat!

10/28/2026

Allow us to (re)introduce ourselves...

If you've been around for a while, you probably know all there is to know about Friends of Raystown Lake and our many programs.

If you're newer (or need a refresher), welcome!

Friends of Raystown Lake (FRL) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Raystown Lake. FRL focuses on responsible stewardship of Raystown Lake's natural and recreational resources.

We are involved in a number of programs & initiatives, including:

+ Lake Cleanup Day
+ Raystown Conservation Education Partnership (RayCEP)
+ Allegrippis Trail System & Raystown Mountain Bike Skills Park
+ Raystown Area Mountain Bike Organization (RAMBO)
+ Putt’s Camp
+ Shoreline Navigation Lights
+ Disc Golf
+ Raystown Wildlife Watch
+ Special Events
& More!

There’s a way for everyone to help! Attend an event, become a member, volunteer, donate, or just follow & share on social media.

Stay tuned! Over the coming weeks, we’ll take a closer look at our programs, how we’re making a difference, and the many ways you can get involved.

10/15/2026

The lake will be lowered from its summer elevation of 786 feet to a target of 778 feet by Nov. 9. The lake will remain at the lower level through December 2026 and most of January 2027 before returning to its usual summer level through natural precipitation and runoff.

Lowering the lake is a deviation from normal operations that allows USACE and partnering agencies, including Allegheny Electric, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, the Friends of Raystown Lake, and marina operators, to complete important work in areas that are typically underwater.

Due to lower lake levels, visitors should anticipate the following boat launch closures after Nov. 11: Seven Points, Aitch, Tatman Run, and Weaver Falls.

The Snyder’s Run, James Creek, and Shy Beaver boat launches are expected to remain open throughout the duration of the drawdown.

Read the full news release: https://www.nab.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/4626292/raystown-lake-drawdown-scheduled-to-allow-for-maintenance/

10/07/2026

? Our friends at the Corps Foundation, in partnership with the American Park Network (APN), have developed a new online flipbook guide to the lakes and rivers managed by USACE. The new guide is an interactive digital publication that looks like a book and lets digital users flip through the pages.

View the free online guide: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/277823363/

09/29/2026

One day closure at Ridenour beginning tomorrow!

Raystown Lake will temporarily close the access to Ridenour Overlook and Hawn’s Overlook on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 for utility maintenance activities.

The access gate will be closed from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, or until the work is completed and the area can provide safe access to the overlook areas. For more information, please call (814) 658-3405, or visit the news release linked in the comments.

08/30/2026

Happy ! While Raystown may not have coastal beaches, there are two public swimming beaches for you to enjoy today!

Seven Points Beach features a smaller sandy area, often called the "kiddie" beach, and a larger concrete section. Plenty of open, grassy hillsides surround the beach. Seven Points Beach is home to Lighthouse Concessions & Trampoline and Rothrock Outfitters' Rental Shack.

Tatman Run Beach is located adjacent to the Tatman Run Boat Launch. The sand-bottom beach is surrounded by a slightly terraced, open grass area.

Both beaches are home to a life jacket loaner station, in partnership with SeaTow! As a reminder, pets are not permitted on either beach. Service animals are welcome.

No matter how you celebrate , always swim with a buddy, wear your life jacket, and have fun!

Raystown Lake, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

08/12/2026

Step back in time with RayCEP as they explore the history of Pennsylvania’s native trees!

Address

6993 Seven Points Road, STE1
Hesston, PA
16647

Telephone

+18146583405

Website

http://friendsofraystownlake.com/, https://www.instagram.com/friendsofraystownlake/

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