Nesbitt Reservoir | Wilkes Barre

Information

Landmark: Nesbitt Reservoir
City: Wilkes Barre
Country: USA Pennsylvania
Continent: North America

Nesbitt Reservoir, Wilkes Barre, USA Pennsylvania, North America

Nesbitt Reservoir is a man-made lake located in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, approximately 10 kilometers west of Wilkes-Barre.

It serves as a primary water source for the Wyoming Valley.

Visual Characteristics

The reservoir is characterized by its irregular shoreline, with water depths varying significantly. The surrounding terrain is predominantly forested, with deciduous trees forming a dense canopy. The water color is typically a dark, opaque green due to tannins and sediment. The reservoir's surface area fluctuates based on water levels.

Location & Access Logistics

Access to Nesbitt Reservoir is primarily via State Route 3013 (Old Route 115). The reservoir is situated approximately 10 kilometers west of downtown Wilkes-Barre. Parking is available at designated pull-offs along the access road, though formal parking lots are limited. Public transport options directly to the reservoir are not available; visitors typically require private vehicles.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Nesbitt Reservoir was constructed in 1929 by the Wilkes-Barre Water Company. The primary purpose was to create a reliable water supply for the growing population of Wilkes-Barre and surrounding communities. The reservoir was formed by damming the Susquehanna River's tributary, Robin Creek. It is an artificial impoundment designed for water storage.

Key Highlights & Activities

Activities at Nesbitt Reservoir are restricted due to its function as a public water supply. Fishing is permitted in designated areas during the open season, subject to Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations. No swimming, boating, or other water-based recreational activities are allowed. Observation of the surrounding forest and wildlife is possible from the access roads.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Basic amenities are minimal. There are no public restrooms or designated picnic areas directly at the reservoir. Shade is provided by the surrounding forest. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is intermittent and unreliable within the reservoir area. No food vendors are located at or immediately adjacent to the reservoir.

Best Time to Visit

For general observation and photography of the landscape, late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer favorable lighting conditions and visual appeal due to foliage. Water levels are generally stable year-round, with no specific tide requirements. Mid-morning to late afternoon provides the most consistent natural light.

Facts & Legends

A specific operational detail is that the reservoir's water level is actively managed by the Wilkes-Barre Water Authority to ensure consistent supply. There are no widely documented local legends associated with Nesbitt Reservoir; its primary significance is its functional role in regional water provision.