Moraine State Park - Portersville, PA - Offering Summer and Winter Recreational Activities

Moraine State Park is located at 225 Pleasant Valley Road in Portersville, Pennsylvania. The park consists of roughly 16,725 acres of land. The main feature of the park is Lake Arthur, a 3,225-acre lake. Lake Arthur is a man-made lake that was formed by impounding Muddy Creek. Moraine State Park receives more than one million visitors each year. The park is a testament to environmental engineering because the area was restored after having been used for coal mining and gas and oil drilling practices. The park's recreational activities include hiking, boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and more.

The park has a roughly 28.6 miles of hiking trails. These hiking trails explore the habitats of the park by winding through forests and fields and following the lakeshore. Bicycling is available on the seven-mile bicycle trail. The bicycle trail is paved, and cyclists should be aware that it is not a loop trail. Bicycle rentals are available on North Shore Drive on weekdays from 10:00am to 6:00pm and on weekends and holidays from 9:00am to 6:00pm. The bike rental shop is only open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Information on bike rentals can be obtained by calling 724-368-9011. Hikers should exercise care on the trails since some of the footing is rocky.

Horseback riding is permitted on designated trails and roadsides. The park has approximately 20 miles of equestrian trails. Moraine State Park is home to Washington's Trail. Washington's Trail is an auto route. It follows the approximate path of George Washington's 1753-1754 trip from Virginia to Fort LeBoeuf, a trip that marked the beginning of the French and Indian War.

Charcoal grills, picnic tables, and restrooms are located throughout the park. In addition, there are seven picnic pavilions. Picnic pavilions can be reserved for a fee by calling 888-PA-PARKS. Unreserved pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis free of charge.

There are two beaches located along the shore of Lake Arthur that permit swimming. Pleasant Valley Beach is located on the lake's south shore. It is a 1,200-foot turf and sand beach that features a paved path to the water. A playground and a sand volleyball court are available on the west side of the beach. The north shore of the lake is home to Lakeview Beach, a 550-foot sand beach. Unless posted otherwise, both beaches are open daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Changing facilities, showers, and food concessions are also available at both beaches. Regular beach hours are sunrise to sunset.

Lake Arthur provides visitors with fishing opportunities. Holman Lake is a warm-water fishery. The lake is stocked with walleye, channel catfish, muskellunge, and hybrid striped bass. Black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and northern pike are common to the area. ADA accessible fishing piers are available at McDanel's Boat Launch, Old Route 422 Boat Launch, and Bear Run Boat Launch.

Lake Arthur features 10 boat launches. Motorboats with up to 20 hp motors are permitted on the lake. Non-powered boats are also permitted, and boat rentals are available in the Crescent Bay Area. Boat rentals offered include sailboats, canoes, rowboats, paddleboats, kayaks, motorboats, and pontoon boats. Sailing races and regattas are held at Lake Arthur throughout the summer. Windsurfing is permitted at Barber Point near Lakeview Beach. A launching permit is required for wind surfboards.

Hunting and trapping is permitted in the park during established seasons. The park has roughly 13,600 acres that allow trapping, hunting, and dog training. Deer, turkey, rabbit, waterfowl, squirrel, pheasant, and grouse are some of the common game species found in the area.

Backpackers are able to camp by the North Country National Scenic Trail shelter off of Link Road. Private campgrounds are also located near the park. In addition, Moraine State Park has 11 modern cabins that can be rented.

In winter, cross-country skiing is available on Pleasant Valley Trail and Sunken Garden Trail. Other winter activities available at the park include ice skating, ice fishing, iceboating, sledding, and snowmobiling.

Additional information about Moraine State Park can be obtained by calling 724-368-8811 or 888-727-2757.