Opossum Lake, Carlisle

About Opossum Lake

Opossum Lake in Carlisle, Pennsylvania offers hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, bird watching, and mountain biking around its scenic shoreline. Visitors may walk dogs on leashes along designated trails and enjoy picnic areas with tables throughout the grounds. A pavilion with grills accommodates gatherings and can be reserved for meetings or special occasions. Swimming is not permitted. A recent steel footbridge crosses Opossum Creek outlet stream, replacing a hazardous road crossing that once required hikers to leave the path. Educational signs near the bridge display colored bands marking historical flood levels from various storms, including Hurricane Agnes in 1972. The lake's inlet streams feature additional bridges along the Anglers' Access trail. A riparian buffer of trees and native plants has been established along the outlet stream to protect water quality. The lake is maintained by Friends of Opossum Lake Conservancy, a nonprofit organization working with local authorities to preserve and restore the natural area.