McDanel’s Boat Launch is tucked into one of the narrow fingers of water on Lake Arthur’s northwestern corner. The lake is quite narrow here, giving you a good view of the opposite shoreline and the trees above it. A robust network of interlocking trails take you through woods, with many of them spitting you out at other water-viewing vantage points. On the dirt road (hikers and bicycles only), you pass a large stand of pines, a small yet active marsh and an overgrown field where a colony of purple martins make their home every spring. (Helps that there’s a purple martin house there.) Return often and you’ll see something new every time!

Recent Bird Activity at McDanels Boat Launch – Moraine State Park

Western Pennsylvania

Osprey

September 2, 2024 McDanels Boat Launch – Moraine State Park
Western Pennsylvania

Magnolia Warbler

September 2, 2024 McDanels Boat Launch – Moraine State Park
Western Pennsylvania

Belted Kingfisher

September 2, 2024 McDanels Boat Launch – Moraine State Park
Western Pennsylvania

Hooded Warbler

September 2, 2024 McDanels Boat Launch – Moraine State Park