Located in Butler County, about an hour north of Pittsburgh, Moraine State Park is a favorite summer destination for boating, boating, swimming, and fishing. The rolling hills, lush forests and sparkling waters of Lake Arthur are a testament to the restoration of a land that was once ravaged by continental glaciers and the massive extraction of gas, coal and oil.
Location and directions
Moraine State Park is located midway between Erie and Pittsburgh, about 2 miles off Interstate 79, near its intersection with I-80, in Portersville, Pennsylvania.
Admission and Fees
Moraine State Park is free and open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset. Certain activities within the park, such as boat rentals, have specific rates. Check the park’s website for information on current fees.
What to expect
Moraine State Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The park’s main attraction, the 3,225-acre Arthur Lake, is a draw for warm-water fishing, boating, boating, swimming, and windsurfing. On the lake there are two swimming beaches, 10 motorboats, several fishing piers, and numerous picnic areas. A 7-mile paved trail winds close to the shoreline, and Moraine State Park also offers many miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Swimming
Swimming in Moraine State Park is permitted at two beaches along the shore of Arthur Lake: the 550-foot sandy beach at Lakeview Beach and the 1,200-foot sandy beach at Pleasant Valley, which offers a paved path. to the water. The beaches are open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, weather permitting. Both beaches have showers, changing rooms, and food concessions. Pets are not allowed in the beach areas.
Boat rental
Canoes, kayaks, sailboats, paddle boats, small motor boats, and windsurfing can be rented at Crescent Bay Boat Rental, located on the south shore just past Pleasant Valley Beach. Crescent Bay Boat Rental also sells fishing baits and gasoline.
Where to eat
Food stalls at each of the two swimming beaches offer hot and cold food, as well as drinks and desserts. Picnic tables, charcoal grills, and restrooms are located in all day-use areas and marinas of the park.
Trail details
Hiking opportunities at Moraine State Park are plentiful, where 28.6 miles of trails wind through woods, fields, and along the lakefront. Horse lovers will find about 20 miles of equestrian trails, and there is a 6-mile loop trail on the north shore for mountain biking. For walking, biking, and inline skating, a 7-mile paved trail (not a loop) winds close to the shoreline in the park’s northwest corner. You can rent children’s bikes and trailers for these trail adventures.
Camping
Moraine State Park does not include a public campground, but camping is available at nearby private campgrounds. Moraine State Park has an organized area for tent camping, 11 modern cabins, and a backpackers haven along the North Country National Scenic Trail.
winter sports
Moraine State Park is not just a summer destination. In winter, conditions permitting, you can go cross-country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, ice fishing, and boating. Check the winter report on the website for current snow and ice conditions and information.
