If you are planning Pennsylvania getaways for couples this summer, a day trip to Pymatuning State Park gives you a chance to spend time outdoors while exploring one of the largest and most visited PA State Parks. Located near the Pennsylvania-Ohio border, the park covers thousands of acres of forest, wetlands, and shoreline surrounding the well-known Pymatuning Reservoir, also known as Pymatuning Lake. This large body of water covers land in both Pennsylvania and Ohio.

It’s no surprise that the most popular activities are boating, fishing, kayaking, and lakeside picnics. The lake stretches for miles, offering endless opportunities for recreation. Hiking, of course, is a quick second for the best things to discover here. Whether you want a full day outdoors or a relaxed afternoon near the shoreline, the park offers several ways to experience summer in western Pennsylvania. Adding a visit to Pymatuning State Park is always one of the best things to do near Sharon!

As a guest at Buhl Mansion Boutique Hotel and Spa, you’ll be about a 30-minute scenic drive from Pymatuning State Park, with plenty to see and do in Mercer County, PA, along the way. After a day on the water or on the hiking trails, our stunning castle hotel in Sharon is a spectacular destination unto itself. With elegant and unique guest accommodations, an on-site spa with a luxurious menu of treatments and massage, and a delectable breakfast (which can be delivered right to your door!) included each morning of your stay. Book your lodging today!

The Best Things to Do at Pymatuning State Park this Summer

As you begin to plan your next Pennsylvania getaways for couples, the best vacations include a diverse itinerary, and Mercer County is the ideal place to explore and discover new hidden gems. You can spend the morning boating or hiking at Pymatuning State Park, enjoy a lovely lunch and shopping midday, and return for a relaxing evening at our hotel or around downtown Sharon.

Here are the best things to do at Pymatuning State Park:

1. Boating is one of the biggest draws at Pymatuning Reservoir during the summer season. Visitors can launch personal boats or rent kayaks, canoes, and pontoon boats nearby. The calm sections of the lake are ideal for couples looking for a quiet afternoon on the water. Early mornings are especially beautiful when the lake is calm, and wildlife is active along the shoreline. The best place to get up-to-date info is the Park’s Facebook page.
2. Fishing is another major reason people visit Pymatuning State Park. Anglers come for walleye, bass, crappie, muskellunge, and catfish. Even if you are not planning a full fishing trip, it is fun to walk the marinas and watch the boats come and go throughout the day.
3. No trip to Pymatuning State Park, PA, feels complete without seeing the famous Pymatuning spillway. Known for the phrase “where the ducks walk on the fish,” the spillway attracts visitors from across the region. Thousands of carp gather near the surface of the water, creating one of the most unusual wildlife viewing spots in Pennsylvania.
4. The spillway is easy to access and makes a fun stop during a summer road trip. You can walk along the viewing area, feed the fish and ducks, and take photos together before continuing through the park. Families visit often, but couples enjoy it too because it adds a lighthearted stop to the day.
5. Pymatuning State Park includes several hiking trails that wind through wooded areas, wetlands, and scenic lake views. The trails are generally easy to moderate, making them accessible for casual hikers. Bring comfortable shoes, water, and your camera because wildlife sightings are common throughout the park. The Sugar Run Trail is the top-rated route on All Trails, with The Spillway Trail coming in second.
6. Birdwatchers are especially drawn to this area because the park sits along major migration routes. Bald eagles, herons, osprey, and waterfowl can often be spotted near the lake and marshes. The wildlife observation areas offer peaceful places to stop and enjoy the surroundings together.
7. There are multiple picnic areas throughout the park with shaded tables and lake views. Packing a picnic lunch creates a simple way to spend more time outdoors during your visit. Many couples bring local wine, sandwiches, and snacks for an easy afternoon by the water before heading back toward Sharon.
8. Some areas also include swimming beaches that open during the summer season. On warm afternoons, visitors cool off in designated swim areas while others relax along the shoreline with a book or enjoy the scenery. The Main Beach is a 500-foot swimming beach, located just south of the causeway.

The Best Pennsylvania Getaways for Couples

The most important factor of successful Pennsylvania getaways for couples is where you stay! For many, the private and bonding time together is truly the goal of these trips planned for two. Romance is part of the story at Buhl Mansion. Frank H. Buhl commissioned the grand stone castle as a wedding gift for his bride, Julia, creating a lasting symbol of love in Sharon, Pennsylvania. Built in 1896, the mansion combined elegance, craftsmanship, and luxury, inspired by the couple’s life together after Frank returned home from working alongside industrial leaders like Carnegie and Rockefeller.

Today, couples can experience that same atmosphere while staying in beautifully restored guest rooms, enjoying champagne on arrival, relaxing at the spa, and stepping into a property that’s a living testament to one of Western Pennsylvania’s great love stories. After a full day exploring Pymatuning State Park, returning to Buhl Mansion is even more relaxing. Spend the evening enjoying the spa, roaming our beautiful property with a glass of wine, or dining nearby in Downtown Sharon. We can’t wait to host you; book your lodging today!