Moraine State Park & Lake Arthur: A Day Outdoors

A friendly guide to spending a full day on the water and trails at Moraine State Park's Lake Arthur near Portersville.

Moraine State Park is Butler County's outdoor crown jewel, wrapped around the 3,225-acre Lake Arthur near Portersville. With nearly 30 miles of trails, two swimming beaches, and miles of shoreline for paddling and fishing, it is the kind of place where one visit easily turns into a standing tradition. Whether you want a lazy afternoon by the water or a full day of hiking and biking, here is how to make the most of it.

Get Out on Lake Arthur

Lake Arthur is the heart of the park, and getting on the water is the best way to enjoy it. There are nine public boat launches, and you can rent kayaks, pontoons, and other boats through on-site outfitters during the warm season. From Memorial Day weekend through October, the accessible tour boat Preston's Pearl offers narrated cruises if you would rather let someone else do the steering.

Hit the Trails

The park has more than 29 miles of trails that wind through forest, wetlands, and grassy meadows. The Glacier Ridge Trail connects to the North Country National Scenic Trail, so you can go as short or as long as you like. Cyclists love the roughly seven-mile paved bike path along the North Shore, and there are mountain biking trails near Davis Hollow Marina.

Beaches and Picnics

Two guarded swimming beaches make Moraine a great family day. Pleasant Valley Beach on the South Shore has an accessible paved path and a sand volleyball court, while Lakeview Beach sits on the North Shore. With hundreds of picnic tables scattered across the park, packing a lunch and claiming a spot by the water is one of the simplest joys here.

Fishing the Shoreline

With 42 miles of shoreline and numerous launches, Lake Arthur is a favorite for anglers chasing muskie, bass, walleye, and panfish. You can cast from shore or work the coves by boat. Bring a Pennsylvania fishing license and plan to settle in, because the quiet inlets reward patience.

Make a Side Trip to Jennings

Just north of the park, the Jennings Environmental Education Center protects the only publicly preserved prairie ecosystem in Pennsylvania. Each July its relict prairie erupts with blazing star wildflowers, and a five-mile trail system makes it an easy add-on to a Moraine day. It is a peaceful, educational counterpoint to a busy afternoon on the lake.

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In This Guide

1.Get Out on Lake Arthur
2.Hit the Trails
3.Beaches and Picnics
4.Fishing the Shoreline
5.Make a Side Trip to Jennings

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