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    Allegheny Wild and Scenic River Water Trail

    The Allegheny Wild and Scenic River Water Trail is 107 miles of recreational adventure mixed with wild and scenic beauty. Seven islands of 368 acres make up the Allegheny Islands Wilderness for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and find solitude.

    Wide shot of a kayaker wearing a life jacket while paddling the Allegheny River with a beautiful scenic mountain in the background.

    About the Allegheny Wild and Scenic River Water Trail

    The Allegheny River Water Trail is the perfect place to start to "get your feet wet." The 107-mile water trail combines miles of recreational river with seven wild and scenic islands that make up the Allegheny Islands Wilderness. This mix offers outdoor enthusiasts a chance to explore all different types of activities. Whether you are looking for a peaceful float, an exciting adventure on Class II rapids, or opportunities for fishing - the Allegheny River boasts it all.

    Scenic photo of Belmar Bridge on the Allegheny River with kayakers launching from shore in the distance.

    The Belmar Bridge on the Allegheny River, near the entrance of Sandy Creek on river left, was built in 1907 by Charles Miller and John D. Rockefeller.

    Group of three kayakers wearing life jackets and enjoying a paddle on the Allegheny River.

    Kayakers enjoying a sunny day while paddling on the wild and scenic portion of the Allegheny River.

    Fishing Opportunities

    The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) annually stocks about 60,000 fingerling Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout in the river, just below Kinzua Dam, at Conewango Creek, Warren County. Anglers can reel in trout up to 24 inches during peak season. This stretch of the river is managed under Miscellaneous Waters with Special Regulations with a daily limit from opening day through Labor Day of two trout per day, both at least 14 inches. It’s catch and release the rest of the year.

    Muskellunge, Smallmouth Bass and Walleye also dominate the river. Muskies can be targeted in slower moving water and deeper pools at creek mouths and other areas.

    In the faster, free-flowing upper sections of the river, where there are big rocks and boulders, Smallmouth Bass are common and have historically averaged 15 inches and longer in biologist surveys. In recent years, biologists have been recording catches of 20 fish per hour, which is exceptional. 

    The Allegheny River is neat to me, because the Walleye fishing is good; the bass fishing is good; the musky fishing is good; and there’s also an element of coldwater trophy trout. You throw out something like a jerkbait and you really have no idea what you might catch.

    - Garrett Herigan, PFBC Fisheries Biologist

     

    Boating Opportunities

    The Allegheny River is a reliable destination for paddlers due to the Kinzua Dam. The dam controls the river's flow, so it never gets too low to paddle, even in the summer. However, it's important to note it can get too high, so boaters should check conditions before planning their trip.

    For the most part, the Allegheny River is gentle in nature. It's classified as a "recreational river," with adventurous paddles and Class II rapids. But for those looking for something more beginner-friendly, there are 87 miles federally designated as “wild and scenic” that are worth exploring. This section is immediately downstream of Kinzua Dam; the section from Allegheny National Forest’s Buckaloons Recreation Area to Alcorn Island, near Oil City; and the section from Franklin to Emlenton.

    Paddlers can enjoy a float as short as 3 miles or can plan for a 7 or 8-mile trip. Some even load up their camping gear for a two or three day adventure exploring the scenic trail and camping amongst the Allegheny Islands Wilderness. When the islands get scarce, shore camping allows outdoor enthusiasts to plan even longer trips spanning the entire 107 miles. 

    Close-up of the wooden Buckaloons Trail sign

    Class II Rapid sections require care.

    One of the Class II rapid location is behind United Refining Company in Warren, Warren County and another at Oil City, Venango County. The latter is the most technical spot on the river, though paddlers can avoid it by going river right. Another spot worth noting is near Starbrick, Warren County, midwayish between Warren and Buckaloons Recreation Area. This spot gets 50-feet deep and can be dangerous. People may assume it's a great place to stop and swim, but it is not.

    Allegheny Outfitters

    Allegheny Outfitters (AO) is a family owned and operated outdoors store and outfitter in the Allegheny National Forest region of Pennsylvania. They offer kayak and canoe day trips and overnight trips of varying lengths, including the rental of the boat if needed. Just be careful – you might get hooked. Some of AO's groups have been coming back for more than 20 years!

    Visit Allegheny Outfitters Boat Rental Website

    Allegheny Canoe Club

    News and information for and by members of the Allegheny Canoe Club (ACC) in northwest Pennsylvania and other paddlers. ACC is dedicated to safety and enjoyment on the water in people-powered canoes and kayaks, as well as hiking, x-c skiing, bicycling, rollerblading and other non-motorized outdoor activities.

    Join the Allegheny Canoe Club Facebook Group
    Three friends wearing life jackets are laughing and having fun while kayaking along a stream in Central Pennsylvania.

    Know Before You Go

    Make sure you are prepared for your next paddling adventure. Learn more about paddling safety, launch permits and unpowered boat registration.

    Paddlesports

    This content was partially adapated from Allegheny Wild and Scenic River Water Trail feature by Bob Frye in Pennsylvania Angler & Boater Magazine.