Moraine State Park - Water Activities

For those seeking a thrilling aquatic adventure, Lake Arthur invites you to bring your boat or rent one from the marina. Explore the vastness of the lake as you sail across its tranquil surface, feeling the gentle breeze against your face.

Pictured Moraine State Park
Credit Chris Condello

BOATING

Boats up to 20 hp motors are permitted. The 3,225-acre Lake Arthur has 10 public boat launches. Sailing conditions are ideal, and races, regattas and sailing instruction classes are held throughout the summer.

Boating is prohibited in the Game Propagation area and near the dam. Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks that are available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

BOAT TOURS

Enjoy a boat ride on Preston’s Pearl at Moraine State Park. Preston’s Pearl is an enclosed tour boat that increases the passenger capacity of the previous boat and has an upper deck for outdoor viewing. The tour boat is owned and operated by Moraine Preservation Fund, a nonprofit organization that promotes and supports environmental stewardship of the Park.

Cruises are offered from Memorial Day Weekend through October, and passengers will learn about the area’s history and wildlife within Moraine State Park. The tour boat also offers environmental programs, dinner cruises, private charters for business meetings, seminars, and parties.

FISHING

The 3,225-acre Lake Arthur is a warm-water fishery. Common species are northern pike, largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie and bluegill. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks muskellunge, walleye, channel catfish and hybrid striped bass. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission laws apply.

Volunteers, park employees and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission employees have installed fish habitat structures throughout the lake. A map showing fish habitat project locations, water depths and specific features of the lake is available at the park office, marina office and the gift shop at McDanels Boat Launch.

ADA accessible fishing piers are at Bear Run Boat Launch, Park Road Boat Launch and McDanels Boat Launch, which also are great spots for children to fish.

KAYAKING

Another favorite activity to enjoy outdoors is kayaking, especially during the summer months. Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park is a popular place because the lake spans over 3,000 acres with 42 miles of shoreline and features spectacular views of the park. The water also stays fairly calm, as only 20hp motors are permitted for other boaters.

STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING

Guided Tours - Embark on a one-of-a-kind experience with SurfSUP Adventures, which provides Standup Paddleboarding lessons and eco-tours in Moraine State Park, Pittsburgh, and Oakmont for all ages and skill levels! You’ll be provided with all the necessary equipment and explore Lake Arthur in a whole new way.

SWIMMING

Swimming is permitted at two beaches along the shore of Lake Arthur.

The Pleasant Valley Beach on the South Shore is a 1,200-foot turf and sand beach and has a paved path into the water. A sand volleyball court and playground are on the west side of the beach.

Lakeview Beach on the North Shore is a 550-foot sand beach.

The beaches are open daily from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day unless otherwise posted. The regular hours are sunrise to sunset. Swim at your own risk. Showers, changing facilities and snack bars are available at both beaches.

To keep these areas clean and safe, pets are prohibited in the beach areas.

WINDSURFING

Barber Point, near Lakeview Beach, is popular for windsurfing due to stronger winds and sparse boat traffic. A state park launching permit is required for wind surfboards. All boating regulations apply to wind surfboards.

WINTER ACTIVITIES

ICE FISHING

Common species caught are largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch and northern pike. Conditions permitting, ice fishing is permitted in the Game Propagation Area from January 1 through March 15. Ice thickness is not monitored.

ICE SKATING

The cove by the Pleasant Valley Day Use Area is popular for ice skating. Ice thickness is not monitored.

ICEBOATING

Iceboats must display a state park launch permit. Ice thickness in not monitored.

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