Trip Report: Moraine State Park in Pennsylvania

While Moraine State Park in Pennsylvania is a haven for boaters, we’re focusing on the amazing, winding bike trail around Lake Arthur!

History and Location

Moraine State Park is located about 40 minutes north of Pittsburgh in Portersville, Pennsylvania.

The park is over 16,500 acres including Lake Arthur, with just over 40 miles of shoreline.

While originally inhabited by Native Americans, the area fell victim to heavy industrialization during the 1800s. Mine subsidence, uncapped oil and gas wells, and open strip mines needed addressed when the resources were depleted.

Dr. Frank Preston, founder of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, came to the rescue. With some local help, he purchased the land and began carefully mitigating its issues to reclaim its natural beauty.

Moraine State Park officially was established in 1970.

Along with a swimming beach, about 29 miles of hiking trails, and disc golfing, Moraine State Park has both paved and mountain biking trails. It is also home to two marinas.

Accommodations

While we did not stay overnight at Moraine State Park, we can report that it features 11 modern cabins that can be rented year-round. Cabins 7 and 11 are pet-friendly.

Moraine also has two organized group tenting areas and an overnight shelter on the North Country National Scenic Trail that require reservations.

The entire park map looks like this:

Biking!

Usually we talk about the campgrounds, cabins, and best hiking trails…

And we bring the Tails!

However, this day-trip to Moraine State Park was for a leisurely ride on the winding, 7-mile long multi-use trail along Lake Arthur.

And we were Tail-less! Franklin has proven time and time again to NOT be a fan of his bike “chariot”, so we chose to go it alone this time!

Please note, we are not seasoned cyclists with a need for speed. We would categorize ourselves as frequent cruisers stopping for scenic views and interesting nature finds.

Case in point: my bike is a beach cruiser with a basket on the back.

If you don’t have your own bike or don’t feel like bringing it, you can rent one at the small shop on North Shore Drive.

The shop also has parking and is right at the beginning (end?) of the trail.

The trail stretches for 7 miles with plenty of twists, turns, uphills, and downhills for bikers, walkers, and runners.

I marked the path here in green:

From into the woods and along the lake to over bogs and through parking lots, the trail has lots of variety and a little bit of challenge to it.

The one consistent magical thing about the trail is the smooth, paved ride!

Another nice aspect is the view!

You’ll find plenty of benches and picnic tables along the way if you want to stop off for a break or snack.

While the trail is paved and views are relaxing, the uphills and downhills give your bike speeds a run for their money!

I was most frequently in 3rd gear, going between 1st and 4th for the duration.

You may want to grease up your bike chains before this one!

Boating

Because Moraine State Park has 2 marinas and 9 public boat launches, you’ll have the chance to see all kinds of watercraft.

We saw tons of sailboats and pontoon boats, along with some kayaks and catamarans.

And bring your life jackets!

Flowers

If you know your wildflowers, you’ll be pointing them out all over Moraine State Park! We spotted the swamp rose mallow above and the blue vervain below.