Moraine State Park

The gently rolling hills, lush forests and sparkling waters disguise a land that has endured the effects of continental glaciers and massive mineral extraction. Each year over one million people visit the 16,725-acre park, yet never realize that many people helped restore the park from prior coal mining and oil and gas drilling practices. Today, the park is an outstanding example of environmental engineering achievement.

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Directions - Weather  - Recreation  - Winter Activities  - Winter Report  - Education  - Calendar of Events  - Accessibility  - History  - Wildlife Watching  - Nearby Attractions  - Volunteers  - Rules and Regs  - In an Emergency  - Contact Us  - Downloadables and Maps

Park Advisories

Directions

Moraine State Park is in northwestern Pennsylvania near the crossroads of I–79 and I–80. It is bisected by PA 422 running east/west and PA 528 running north/south. To access the South Shore Recreation Area, take the South Shore Exit off of PA 422. To access the North Shore from PA 422 East, take the North Shore Exit. There is no access to the North Shore from PA 422 headed east from I–79, so take the South Shore Exit, get onto PA 422 West and take the North Shore Exit.

Park Hours

The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise posted. Park information, launch permits, cabin information and assistance can be obtained at the park office near the entrance to the South Shore. It is open year-round, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and weekends during the summer.

A secondary office at the Davis Hollow Marina on the North Shore can provide marina applications and general park information. It is open from April 15 to October 30.

Recreational Opportunities

Hiking  - Biking  - Trail Biking  - Horseback Riding  - Picnicking  - Swimming  - Boating  - Windsurfing  - Fishing  - Hunting  - Wildlife Watching  - Cross-country Skiing  - Sledding  - Snowmobiling  - Ice Fishing  - Ice Skating  - Organized Group Tenting  - Cabins  - Camping

Picnicking: Picnic tables, charcoal grills and restrooms are located throughout the day use areas and marinas. Some facilities are ADA accessible. Seven picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis. All picnic areas are open from sunrise to sunset.

Pavilions

Pavilion 1 seats 80 and is in the Pleasant Valley Day Use Area
Pavilion 2 seats 80 and is in the Pleasant Valley Day Use Area

Pavilion 3 seats 80 and is in the Pleasant Valley Day Use Area

Pavilion 4 seats 100 and is by Lakeview Beach

Pavilion 5 seats 100 and is by Lakeview Beach
Pavilion 6 seats 60 and is by McDanel's Boat Launch
Pavilion 7 seats 144 and is by McDanel's Boat Launch

Make a reservation

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. Showers, changing facilities and food concessions are available at both beaches. To keep these areas clean and safe, pets are not allowed in the beach areas.

Snack Shop Concessions: The Lakeview Beach Concession is at Lakeview Beach on the North Shore, about five miles from PA 422. The second snack shop is at Pleasant Valley Beach along Pleasant Valley Road on the South Shore, about one mile from PA 422 and 1/2 mile from the park office. The concessions serve a variety of hot and cold fast foods including beverages and deserts. Food is available daily Memorial Day through Labor Day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The snack shops can be reached at the following phone numbers: Lake View Concession: 724-368-9699; Pleasant Valley Concession: 724-368-8546.

Boating: up to 20 hp motors permitted
Boating is prohibited in the Game Propagation Area.

There are 10 boat launches around Lake Arthur. Sailing is very popular. Races and regattas for sailboats are held throughout the summer. At the Crescent Bay Area, sailboats, rowboats, paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, motorboats and pontoon boats may be rented in the summer.

Motorboat fuel is available at the Davis Hollow Marina and Crescent Bay. At the Davis Hollow and Watts Bay marinas are docking facilities, offshore mooring, dry mooring and canoe/sailboard racks. ADA accessible mooring is available at Davis Hollow Marina.

A limited number of first-come, first-served transient spaces are available to berth boats for short-term stays.

Outdoor winter storage for boats is also available in the park. Contact the marina office in advance to make sure space is available for any of these services. A sanitary dumping station for boats is at Davis Hollow Marina.

Non-powered boats must have one of the following: state park launching permit or state park mooring permit which are available at most state park offices; or current Pennsylvania boat registration. Motorboats must display a current boat registration. Boats registered in other states must display a Pennsylvania state park launch permit or mooring permit in addition to their current registration.

Explore the Davis Hollow Marina Map.

Explore the Watts Bay Sailboat Dry Mooring Area Map.

Windsurfing: Barber Point, near the 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.

For complete information on boating rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Crescent Bay Boat Rental: On the South Shore, just past Pleasant Valley Beach and about one mile from the park office, the concession is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day between 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Single and double kayaks, paddle boats, canoes, small motor boats, run-a-bout motorboats, sailboats, and four sizes of pontoon boats are available for rent. Items for sale include gasoline, fishing bait, and prepackaged snacks and refreshments. 724-368-9955 www.moraineboatrentals.com

Lake Arthur Sailing Club: This non-profit organization promotes recreational sailing on Lake Arthur. www.lasc.mycommunityhost.com

Moraine Sailing Club: This non-profit organization promotes recreational sailing on Lake Arthur. www.morainesailingclub.org

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.

Volunteers, park employees and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission employees have installed fish habitat 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 McDanel’s Boat Launch.

ADA Accessible fishing piers are at Bear Run Boat Launch, the Old Route 422 Boat Launch and McDanel’s Boat Launch.

Fishing is not permitted in these areas:

• From boat docks, launching or mooring areas, or within 100 feet of these areas.
• Anywhere in the Marina coves at Davis Hollow or Watts Bay.
• In the Game Propagation Area.
• Off of bridges.
• Within 100 feet of the beaches.
• Where posted no fishing.

For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Hiking: The 28.6 miles of trails follow the lake shore, wind through forests and fields and explore the habitats of the park. Explore trails for detailed trail descriptions.

Biking: A paved, seven-mile bicycle trail winds near the shoreline between Davis Hollow and the Bike Rental Building in the northwest corner of the park. The trail can be accessed at many places in the Lakeview Beach and Watts Bay Marina areas.

CAUTION!

• This trail is not a loop.
• The trail has many steep grades and curves.
• Please exercise caution and be considerate of other riders and walkers when using this trail.

Trail Biking: There is a six-mile loop trail for mountain bikes on the North Shore. Trailheads are located off of Mt. Union Road and Alexander Ridge Road.

CAUTION!

• The six-mile trail bike trail can be hazardous.
• Some slopes are steep and there are rough surfaces and slippery areas.
• The trail is for experienced off-road riders in good physical condition who have equipment for off-road riding.
• Bikers ride bike trails at their own risk.

Bike Rental: On North Shore Drive, about 1 1/2 miles from PA 422, the bike rental is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. They rent single and multi-speed/geared bikes, tag-a-longs, children's and tandem (two-person) bikes, and also child seats, helmets and child pull behind trailers. Rentals are at your own risk. Neither the bicycle concessionaire or the park is responsible for any accidents or injuries which may occur during your rental. Please ride defensively and be aware of others on the trail. 724-368-9011, if no answer 724-658-7054

Hours:
Weekends in April - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Weekends in May - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Weekdays in May - noon to 5 p.m.
Daily from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Weekends in September - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Weekends in October - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For special requests, please call the office at 724-658-7054.

Horseback Riding: There are about 20 miles of equestrian trails in the park. Riding is limited to designated trails and roadsides throughout the park.

Washington's Trail: An auto route retraces the approximate path of George Washington’s trip of 1753-1754 from Virginia to Fort LeBoeuf (present day Waterford, Pa). This trip marked the beginning of the French and Indian War. The route is marked by signs and follows routes PA 422 and PA 528 which pass through the park.

Camping: The North Country National Scenic Trail shelter off of Link Road is available for backpackers on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Camping is available at nearby private campgrounds. Information on nearby campgrounds is available at the park office.

Organized Group Tenting: There are two camping areas available for organized groups; Muskrat Cove and Five Points camps. These primitive camps have picnic tables, cooking grills and water, but no showers. Advance reservations are required.

Explore organized group tenting for more information.

Cabins: Eleven modern cabins are available for rent year-round. These electrically heated cabins sleep six people and have two bedrooms, bathroom with shower, kitchen, dining/living area and a dock on Lake Arthur during the summer season. Renters must provide their own linens, towels, cookware and tableware. Play equipment for children is in a central area. Cabin 11 is fully ADA accessible.

Explore the cabin map.

Explore cabins for more information.

Make a reservation

Hunting and Firearms: About 13,600 acres of Moraine State Park are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are waterfowl, deer, turkey, grouse, bear, rabbit, pheasant and squirrel. Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day to March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for accessible hunting information.

Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. The park is used by other visitors during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's car, trailer or camp.

A map is available at the park office showing portions of the park open to hunting. No hunting areas are posted.

For complete information on hunting rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission Web site.

Disc Golf: An 18-hole disc golf course is in the Lakeview Day Use Area. For more information, visit the Pittsburgh Flying Disc Society. www.pfds.org.

Recycling: There are recycling centers at the Cabin Area and Davis Hollow Marina parking lot for park-generated material only.

Winter Activities

Explore the Winter Report for the current snow and ice depths. Ice thickness is not monitored. For your safety, be sure the ice is at least four inches thick and carry safety equipment.

Cross-country Skiing: Pleasant Valley and Sunken Garden trails have been improved and connected to provide six miles of trails. The trails are blazed with yellow and pink and are suitable for all skill levels.

Snowmobiling: There are about 26 miles of trails in the park. There must be at least four inches of snow on the paved bike trail. Studded track snowmobiles are prohibited on the paved bike trail. Please refer to bulletin boards for additional rules and regulations for snowmobiling.

Sledding: A very popular sledding area is near the Pleasant View Picnic Area on the South Shore.

Iceboating: Iceboats must display a state park launch permit.

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 15 through March 15.

Ice Skating: An ice skating area is maintained in the Pleasant Valley Day Use Area. Ice thickness is not monitored.

The Regatta at Lake Arthur

Every August the Regatta at Lake Arthur is two days of activities including, entertainment, education, boat races and family fun. Visit their Web site www.regatta-at-lake-arthur.com.

Environmental Education and Interpretive Programs

Moraine State Park offers a wide variety of environmental education and interpretive programs. Through hands-on educational activities, guided walks and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources.

Programs are offered from March to November. Teacher workshops and educational programs for students are available. Please contact the park office for more information.

Explore the Calendar of Events for a listing of events from today forward.

Explore environmental education and interpretation for more information.

Pontoon boat tours of the lake board at McDanels Boat Launch. These tours are provided through the Moraine Preservation Fund.

Access for People with Disabilities

Accessible flush toilet restrooms are located in the Pleasant Valley Picnic Area, Pleasant Valley Beach, Pleasant View Picnic Area, Bear Run Boat Launch, McDanel’s Boat Launch, Old Route 422 Boat Launch, 528 Boat Launch, Lakeview Beach Area and the Davis Hollow and Watts Bay marinas.

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks:
888-PA-PARKS (voice)
888-537-7294 (TTY)
711 (AT&T Relay Services)

Lake Arthur Wildlife

Lake Arthur provides over forty-two miles of scenic shoreline. Its tributaries include Muddy Run, Big Run, Swamp Run, Bear Run and over 75 intermittent streams. Ranging from an average depth of 11 feet to about 36 feet deep near the dam, the shallow waters of Lake Arthur are home to a variety of warm-water fish. Frogs, newts, turtles and water snakes prowl the edges of the lake. The tall great blue heron, the short green heron, and the belted kingfisher prey on minnows and fish fry. In the early spring, common loons stop at the lake on their migration north.

Osprey may be seen flying over Lake Arthur. Once extirpated from Western Pennsylvania, these “fish hawks” have been reintroduced to Moraine through a hacking program begun in 1993. The first osprey pair to nest along Lake Arthur as a result of the reintroduction effort raised three young in 1996. Bald eagles have also been spotted nesting in the park.

A waterfowl observation deck is along old Route 422.

Volunteer Organizations

The Moraine Preservation Fund (MPF) and the Moraine, McConnells Mill, Jennings Commission (3MJC) are volunteer organizations that support Moraine State Park. These organizations help develop projects like the Butterfly Trail, Osprey and Barn Owl Reintroduction Programs and the historic oil exhibit. MPF has a gift shop and offers interpretive boat tours based out of McDanel’s Boat Launch. Programs on the boat teach about the wildlife of Moraine and the development of Lake Arthur. The pontoon boat operates on a regular schedule throughout the summer. The pontoon boat is open to the public and is also available for charters for a fee. For more information on the MPF call 724-368-9185. For more information on the 3MJC call 724-794-5678.

Visit the the Moraine Preservation Fund Web site www.morainepreservationfund.com.

Visit the the Moraine, McConnells Mill, Jennings Commission Web site muddycreek1.fatcow.com.

Nearby Attractions

For information on nearby attractions, contact the Butler County Tourism Promotion Agency Web site www.visitbutlercounty.com.

In an Emergency

Contact a park employee or dial 911.
For directions to the nearest hospital, look on pay phone booths or at the park office.

Nearest Hospital:
Butler Memorial Hospital
911 East Brady Street
Butler, PA 16001
724-283-6666

For More Information Contact

Moraine State Park
225 Pleasant Valley Rd.
Portersville, PA 16051-9650
724-368-8811
Manager: Obie Derr

E-mail: morainesp@state.pa.us
An equal opportunity employer

Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations.

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