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.

Flickr/Christopher Amrich

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.

Flickr/Christopher Amrich

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.

Flickr/Jon Dawson

Lake Arthur beckons beachgoers all summer long with its two sandy beaches. The North Shore is home to Lakeview Beach, which stretches 656 feet.

Trip Advisor/SteelersTown28

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.

Trip Advisor/SteelersTown28

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.

All Trails/Kristy Pulford

Stop by the official website of Moraine State Park for more information, including a full list of amenities. Or, go here for Facebook.

Flickr/Jon Dawson

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.

Flickr/Christopher Amrich

Flickr/Jon Dawson

Trip Advisor/SteelersTown28

All Trails/Kristy Pulford

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Address: Moraine State Park, 225 Pleasant Valley Rd, Portersville, PA 16051, USA