Conemaugh Lake Pavilions

Tucked away amidst rolling hills, Conemaugh River Lake complements the tranquil rural countryside of southern Indiana County. Only a short drive from Pittsburgh, the project offers numerous recreational opportunities and historic resources to explore. Bursting with history, primary sites of interest include traces of The Pennsylvania Mainland Canal and sections of the 1864 and 1907 railroads. Visitors will discover that Conemaugh's pleasant surroundings are an ideal setting for outdoor adventure or a quiet escape — think about hosting a family reunion or a party at one of the picnic pavilions. The Day Use Area is spread out across a large, flat area making it great for any type of gathering. There are two pavilions on site available for rental, each equipped with electrical outlets, lights, single and double charcoal grills and access to a water spigot. Seven picnic tables sit within each pavilion, surrounded by at least seven additional tables. Both pavilions are accessible and within a short walking distance from a restroom with flush toilets. Livermore pavilion is closest to the playground and Social Hall is closest to the restroom. There is an extensive playground area suitable for all ages and an outdoor fitness center for those over the age of 13. Within the day use area visitors will also find a volleyball court, a basketball court, horseshoe pits, nature trails and an information center, and can take time to study Conemaugh Dam from multiple overlooks. Fishing access is just a short walk down Fisherman's Trail. A quarter mile from the pavilions is the Tunnelview Historic Site and a canoe launch that leads to the Conemaugh River; Tunnelview, directly downstream of the dam, provides a self-guided historic walk along a section of the restored Main Line Canal that once connected Philadelphia to Pittsburgh (1834-1854), on a trail maintained by the Indiana County Parks Department. Power boating is prohibited on Conemaugh Lake. However, electric motor boats can access the lake via the carry-in launch at Aultman's Run or the accessible launching area on Bow Ridge; permits for the accessible boat launch on Bow Ridge may be obtained at the park office. Wildlife viewing and birding are popular activities, and hunting is permitted in designated areas only — the Pennsylvania Game Commission leases 6,756 acres of land around the lake for wildlife management and hunting. Lake fishermen have an excellent prospect of landing largemouth bass, pan fish or the occasional musky or northern pike, while the outflow below the dam has walleye, perch, several bass species, trout, carp, catfish and a selection of pan fish. Adjacent to the dam, the Bow Ridge Recreation Area offers trails excellent for hiking and observing nature, and the Woodchuck Nature Trail provides a 45-minute walk through the diverse Western Pennsylvania forest. The West Penn Trail is a 14 mile riverside trail that runs straight through the park and offers great hiking and biking. The Kiski-Conemaugh River Trail is a good novice and family canoe or kayak river with numerous access points, including one just below the Day Use area — a seven mile float from Conemaugh Dam to Saltsburg. The Bush Recreation Campground is six miles away.