Top 11 Lakes around Pittsburgh

Many lakes in the region offer excellent hiking opportunities. For example, Panther Hollow Lake in Schenley Park has hiking trails leading to its edge, and in Deer Lakes Park, you'll find paved walking paths around two of its three man-made lakes, some even equipped with workout gear. Moraine State Park, home to Lake Arthur, also features extensive trails for hiking and biking. For more options, you can explore various hiking routes in the area, such as those found in the Easy hikes around Pittsburgh guide.

Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. Panther Hollow Lake is a scenic spot for picnics and photography. Lake Carnegie in Highland Park is known for birdwatching and fishing, making it a family-friendly urban fishing spot. Deer Lakes Park offers a spray park for children in addition to its lakes and trails. Keystone Lake and Lake Arthur both feature sand beaches for swimming, and North Park Lake has kayak and paddleboat rentals.

For swimming, Lake Arthur in Moraine State Park is a popular choice, known for its clean and regularly monitored water quality and one of the longest beaches near Pittsburgh. Keystone Lake also has a sand beach available for swimming. Further afield, Conneaut Lake and Pymatuning Lake offer clear waters suitable for swimming, and Lake Erie at Presque Isle State Park is a rewarding day trip for its sandy beaches.

Lake Arthur in Moraine State Park is excellent for various boat types, including kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and rafts. North Park Lake offers kayak, rowboat, and paddleboat rentals from Venture Outdoors. Keystone Lake is suitable for motorboating, and Pymatuning Lake is great for kayaking. Conneaut Lake is also a popular destination for boating and water skiing.

Yes, Brady's Run Lake in Brady's Run Park has accessible shorelines suitable for dog swimming. Peter's Lake in Canonsburg is also a popular spot for dogs to swim, known for its clean water. Additionally, specific beaches at Presque Isle State Park on Lake Erie allow dogs, though rules and regulations apply.

While many lakes are popular, if you're looking for a quieter experience, consider exploring the smaller, serene spots. Pinkertons Run Pond, nestled along the Red trail within Settlers Cabin Park, offers a tranquil retreat for rest and wildlife observation. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve also features a lake within its protected area, providing a peaceful setting to enjoy nature.

The region offers diverse fishing experiences. Lake Arthur is a popular spot for fishing, as are North Park Lake and Twin Lakes. Keystone Lake is known for both cold and warm water fishing. Lake Carnegie is regularly stocked with species like Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, and Bluegill. Deer Lakes Park's three man-made lakes are stocked with fish, and Pymatuning Lake is a prime destination for walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, and various panfish.

North Park Lake is located within North Park, which may have public transport options depending on your starting point within Pittsburgh. For other larger state parks like Moraine State Park (Lake Arthur) or Deer Lakes Park, public transport access might be limited, and driving is generally recommended for convenience.

You can find a variety of natural features. Panther Hollow Lake offers scenic views, especially from the Panther Hollow Bridge. Pinkertons Run Pond provides a serene setting with a charming stream nearby, perfect for observing wildlife. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, with its lake, offers diverse habitats including mixed deciduous forests, meadows, and wetlands. Lake Arthur is known for its sprawling waters and diverse recreational landscape.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and enjoying the scenic beauty. Summer is ideal for swimming, boating, and other water sports at lakes like Lake Arthur, Keystone Lake, and North Park Lake. In winter, Panther Hollow Lake is even known to be used for ice skating, offering a unique seasonal experience.

Yes, within the city, the Westinghouse Memorial, which includes a pond and a large bronze monument, offers a peaceful historical setting. This memorial commemorates George Westinghouse, a significant figure in Pittsburgh's industrial history. While most lakes are focused on natural recreation, some parks like Twin Lakes Park frequently host events such as the Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival.