These 5 Swimming Spots Have The Most Pristine Water Near Pittsburgh
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Beth Price-Williams
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Summers get pretty darn hot in Pittsburgh. Some days, in fact, feel like we’re walking straight into a sauna. While A/C’s a great way to stay cool all summer long, sometimes we want to spend those hot summer days outdoors, soaking up the sun and staying cool in a pristine lake, like these five swimming spots near Pittsburgh.
Stake out a spot on the soft sandy 1,200-foot beach at Laurel Hill State Park, which leads right into the pristine water of Laurel Hill Lake. While the deepest swimming part of the lake is five feet, swimmers should be cautious as there are no lifeguards. Bring along a picnic, or stop by the concession stand for a bite to eat during your beach day. The beach also features a volleyball net, and kayaking is popular on the shimmering lake. Learn more on the official website of Laurel Hill State Park.
You have two beaches from which to choose when you visit Moraine State Park, home of Lake Arthur. Lakeview Beach spans 656 feet while Pleasant Valley Beach stretches 400 feet. If you’re bringing the kids along, you might want to head to Pleasant Valley Beach, which has both volleyball and a playground. Both of the beaches feature snack bars and showers. Stop by the official website of Moraine State Park.
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Spend a relaxing day under the summer sun at Raccoon Creek State Park, home to a cozy 500-foot sandy beach that leads into the 101-acre Raccoon Lake. Grab drinks and snacks at the concession stand. A bathhouse is also available. The lake is popular with boaters, and you can rent a canoe, a kayak, a hydrobike, or a rowboat right at the park. Head over to the official website of Raccoon Creek State Park for more information.
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Drop your beach blanket on the soft sand beach at Keystone State Park. The 78-acre Keystone Lake is perfect for cooling off and for wading in on those hot summer days. It’s also popular with boaters. If you don’t feel like bringing a picnic or food along, you’ll find a concession stand that serves a variety of foods (both hot and cold) and drinks. Here’s the official website of Keystone State Park.
If you’re up for a day trip or an overnight getaway, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Presque Isle State Park in Erie. It’s only about a two-hour drive from downtown Pittsburgh. You have 13 beaches from which to choose at the park, including the ADA-accessible Waterworks Beach (Beach #7) and Pettinato Beach (Beach #8). Find more information on the official website of Presque Isle State Park.
What are your favorite swimming spots near Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments! Up for a relaxing summertime hike? Follow the Youghiogheny River Trail Near Pittsburgh, a 3.7-mile out-and-back hike with a waterfall finish.
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Featured Addresses
Laurel Hill State Park, 1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Moraine State Park, 225 Pleasant Valley Rd, Portersville, PA 16051, USA
Raccoon Creek State Park, 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050, USA
Keystone State Park, 1150 Keystone Park Rd, Derry, PA 15627, USA
Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505, USA