Every time my daughter and I have visited Twin Lakes Park in Pennsylvania, usually for the annual Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival on a hot July day, I’d look wistfully out at the paddle boats on the water, promising myself that I’d come back one day, when it wasn’t quite as busy, and paddle around the lake. Time slipped away, though, as life tends to get in the way, and several years passed before I finally got that paddle on a crisp fall day when gray clouds loomed, keeping the crowds away.

While the turnpike usually promises a quicker drive, we try to opt for the back roads when we can to soak up the beauty of the Pennsylvania countryside. Our drive to Twin Lakes Park in Latrobe took us along quiet country roads that gently dipped and climbed like a roller coaster as we passed sprawling farms, cornfields, and a few pumpkin patches. We had the road to ourselves for most of the drive, making it even more pleasant despite a steady rain.

The drive may have been pleasant, but finding the Boathouse at the park, well, that was a different story. Twin Lakes Park is big, at 467 acres, with multiple entrances. We probably saw them all as we got hopelessly lost, driving down empty tree-lined streets, past the Upper Lake, parking lots, and picnic shelters. Moral to the story: If this is your first time driving to Twin Lakes Park (we always took a shuttle on fair days), plug the address to the Boathouse into your GPS if that’s where you're heading. Otherwise, buckle up for an unexpected tour of the park.

The Boathouse, overlooking the Lower Lake, is a cute little shack that sells snacks, drinks, and bait, and where visitors can rent paddle boats, rowboats, and canoes. Bring cash, or use the ATM right outside of the building. Rentals are by the hour, and you pay after you're finished. We left our car keys (driver’s license is also acceptable) with the attendant before grabbing lifejackets - which are only required for those younger than 16.

Only one other boat floated on the Lower Lake as we practiced steering toward an adorable little footbridge at one end of the lake, where several people sat fishing. The paddle boat was easy to maneuver, so we paddled around most of Lower Lake, past the footbridge, water plants, and a gazebo. A flock of geese flew over us, honking as they passed. If you’re looking for a relaxing way to enjoy the views and spend time outside, paddling the lakes is a good one.

Rentals are available for as long as you want - as long as you bring the paddle boat back in before the Boathouse closes. Even if you get a bit tired, you can take your time, stop pedaling, and float. When we were ready to head out on a hiking trail, we paddled toward the dock, and the attendant helped us park.

The park also has several hiking trails, so we decided to explore a little more along the Twin Lakes Loop Trail, a 2.5-mile trail that goes around the water and through the woods. Unfortunately, we'd made it about halfway on the trail when the rain started, leaving us to finish our adventure on another day.

Boating is seasonal and runs into October. Find more information, including upcoming events and programs, on the official website of Twin Lakes Park, one of the best local parks in Pennsylvania. After a day at the lake, grab a delicious bite at Chef Dato’s Restaurant, a cozy restaurant in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. If a day in Latrobe isn’t enough time to explore, book a local Vrbo for an overnight or two.