Top 16 Lakes in Allegheny County

Allegheny County features a diverse range of lakes, including man-made, spring-fed lakes like those at Deer Lakes Park, and larger recreational lakes such as North Park Lake. You'll also find smaller ponds like Lily Pond in Harrison Hills Park and historical ponds like the one at the Westinghouse Memorial, offering various natural settings and recreational opportunities.

North Park Lake is excellent for outdoor activities, featuring a five-mile loop trail around the lake suitable for walking, running, biking, and roller-blading. Deer Lakes Park also offers numerous hiking trails, including paved walking paths around two of its lakes, and is home to the county's only disc golf course. For more hiking options, check out the Hiking in Allegheny County guide.

Yes, Deer Lakes Park is a prime spot for anglers, with its three spring-fed lakes regularly stocked with panfish like bluegill, crappie, perch, sunfish, and trout, along with some catfish and bass. North Park Lake is also a popular fishing destination, including catch-and-release trout fishing.

North Park Lake is a popular destination for water sports, offering opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and rowing. Rentals are available at the vintage boathouse located there.

North Park is the largest park in Allegheny County, spanning over 3,000 acres with a 75-acre lake, offering a vast array of activities including boating, a five-mile lake trail, golf, and a large swimming pool. Deer Lakes Park, at 1,180 acres, features three smaller, spring-fed lakes known for fishing and has the county's only disc golf course, a spray park, and an observatory. Both offer extensive hiking and picnic areas, but North Park is generally more activity-rich, while Deer Lakes provides a more focused fishing and nature experience.

Many lakes in Allegheny County are family-friendly. Deer Lakes Park offers a spray park for kids, playgrounds, and easy walking trails. North Park Lake provides a wide range of activities suitable for all ages, including boating, a lake trail, and a large swimming pool. Panther Hollow Lake and Highland Park also offer family-friendly environments with walking paths and green spaces.

During winter, Panther Hollow Lake in Schenley Park is known for ice skating when conditions allow. Deer Lakes Park offers cross-country skiing opportunities on its trails. Boyce Park, while not centered around a lake, provides winter sports like downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snowtubing.

The Westinghouse Memorial includes a pond and a large bronze monument commemorating George Westinghouse, offering a peaceful historical setting. Lake Elizabeth in Allegheny Commons Park, Pittsburgh's oldest green space, also has a rich history and is undergoing revitalization.

Yes, Deer Lakes Park features paved walking trails around two of its lakes, which are suitable for easy access. North Park Lake boasts a five-mile loop trail that is relatively easy and suitable for various users, including those with strollers or wheelchairs, though specific accessibility features should be verified on-site.

The lakes and surrounding parks are home to various wildlife. At North Park Lake, you can observe diverse fish and local wildlife, with more information available at the Latodami Nature Center. Deer Lakes Park's stocked lakes attract various bird species and other small animals. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, which includes a lake, is also a great spot for wildlife observation.

The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and enjoying the scenery, with fall foliage being particularly beautiful. Summer is ideal for water activities like boating and swimming, especially at North Park Lake's pool or Deer Lakes Park's spray park. Winter provides opportunities for ice skating and cross-country skiing at specific locations.

Many of Allegheny County's larger parks, such as North Park and Deer Lakes Park, offer picnic areas and facilities. North Park has a vintage boathouse where rentals are available, and the surrounding areas often have cafes and other amenities. For specific nearby dining options, it's best to check local listings for the park you plan to visit.