This Lake Near Pittsburgh Has Some Of The Bluest Water In The State
By Beth Price-Williams|Published May 11, 2021
×
Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Living in Pittsburgh means a lot of us love the water and spending time on and near it. However, when we want to cool down on a hot summer day or do a bit of kayaking or canoeing, we might want to travel just a bit outside of the city. Lake Arthur near Pittsburgh, which boasts some of the bluest water in the state, is a picture-perfect destination if you want to go swimming or boating.
Just 40 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, Moraine State Park promises a full menu of activities – from swimming and boating to hiking and wildlife watching.
Arguably the gem of the park, Lake Arthur stretches across 3,200 acres, drawing visitors from all over the state, and beyond, for kayaking, canoeing, and row boating. You can even rent a pontoon boat or a motor boat.
Windsurfing is also popular on the shimmering blue lake in the summertime, and ice boating is a common wintertime activity. Boaters will find nine public boat launches around the lake.
If you’re a fan of beach volleyball, stake out a spot on the 400-foot Pleasant Valley Beach on the South Shore. Both beaches feature a snack bar and showers.
Bring along your hiking shoes, too, if you’re up for a bit of exploration. Sunken Garden Trail and Glacier Ridge Trail both offer stunning views of Lake Arthur.
Do you agree that this lake near Pittsburgh has some of the state’s bluest water? If not, which lake do you think deserves that distinction? Let us know in the comments! For some of the most pristine sand in the area, plan a visit to Laurel Hill State Park in Somerset.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.