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At 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 for a number of recreational pursuits, ranging from boating and swimming in man-made Lake Arthur, to hikes and bike rides on the park's numerous trails.
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Type: Park
Address
225 Pleasant Valley Rd.
Portersville, PA 16051-9650
Manager
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
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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 Route 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. Take the South Shore Exit, get onto PA 422 West and take the North Shore Exit.
Telephone
Info: 724-368-8811
Web
Website Link
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Have photo(s) of this destination? Click here
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Sites
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.
Davis Hollow Marina
The Davis Hollow Marina offers motorboat fuel, docking facilities, offshore mooring, dry mooring, ADA accessible mooring, and canoe/sailboat racks. 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.
Glacier Ridge Trailhead
This difficult, but rewarding trail winds through forests, crosses streams and offers lovely views of the Lake Arthur. Designated as part of the North Country National Scenic Trail, it extends 14 miles from the main trailhead on the western end of the Moraine State Park to Jennings Environmental Education Center. The trail can be accessed at many points. (To see details of segments or alternate trailheads, look under the "sites" tab.) Contact the Moraine State Park office for backpacking information.
Hilltop Trail
You can hike this trail on a 1.1-mile short loop or a 3-mile long loop. Trail conditions range from flat grassy areas to steeper sections. The trail passes through different stages of forest regeneration, by blue bird boxes and the remains of a spring house
Lake Arthur - Birding
Lake Arthur provides over forty miles of scenic shoreline. Ranging from an average depth of 12 feet to about 36 feet deep near the dam, the shallow waters are home to a variety of warm water fish. Avian anglers like the tall great blue heron, its short cousin the green-backed heron and the small belted kingfisher prey on minnows and fish fry, too small to be caught by human anglers. In the early spring, common loons stop at the lake on their migration to the far north. Osprey, introduced to the park starting in 1993, may be seen flying over Lake Arthur.
McDanel's Boat Launch
This area, located on the west side of Moraine State Park, features a boat launch and mooring, as well as an ADA accessible fishing pier. Nearby are two pavilions, seating 60 or 144 people. Telephones and restrooms are available.
Pleasant Valley Day Use Area
This area on the south side of Moraine State Park features everything a family needs for an enjoyable day, including playgrounds, a volleyball court, first aid availability, restrooms, telephones, and three pavilions seating up to eighty. The Pleasant Valley Beach is a 1,200-foot turf and sand beach and has a paved path into the water. Canoes and paddle boats may be rented on the weekends.
Pleasant Valley Trail
This 2.6 mile mowed trail offers an easy hike through the hills and valleys of the South Shore. The trail provides access to both the Windy Knob and Bear Run picnic areas, crosses the Hilltop Trail, and ends at the intersection with Sunken Garden Trail. Making a left on the Sunken Garden Trail will return you to the trailhead. The trail passes through wooded and open grassy areas and is a cross-country ski trail.
Sunken Garden Trail
This trail will take you on either a 1.9 mile short loop or a 3-mile long loop. Both sections of trail are mowed and include moderate inclines. The longer section offers slightly more rugged terrain. The trail offers views of Lake Arthur from the short loop, white pine stands and a small pond on the long loop, and lake edge wetlands. This trail is a cross-country ski trail in the winter.
Watts Bay Marina
The Watts Bay Marina offers motorboat fuel, docking facilities, offshore mooring, dry mooring, and canoe/sailboat racks. 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
Wyggeston Trail
This trail can be hiked either as a 1.5-mile loop, or a 3-mile or 4.5-mile trail that will not return you to your point of origin. This trail has rougher, rockier terrain and is a more challenging hike than the other trails on the South Shore. The extra effort is well worth it because the trail takes you into a remote, undeveloped section of the park and by an old house foundation, stone fences and a historic oil pump house
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