Looking up the Allegheny from Lock & Dam #9
Allegheny River "At a Glance" |
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| Scenery | Dramatic forest valleys of Western PA |
| Best time | May-Oct |
| Wilderness | Wild islands, but roads and towns along the river most of the way |
| Water Flow | Always adequate in season |
| Water Quality | Very good |
| Campsites | Public land on islands, see below |
| Hazards | Rapids in Oil City |
| Logistics | Excellent public access, shuttles availablee |
| Trip Length | Up to 125 miles |
| Recommendation | Regional favorite, especially the upper section |
Looking up the Allegheny from Lock & Dam #9
General Description & Characteristics -- The Allegheny is one of the two major rivers (the other being the Monongahela) that come together in Pittsburgh to form the Ohio River. This system drains much of this region west of the Appalachians then flows westward to join the Mississippi. The Allegheny has its source at a spring near Coudersport, Pennsylvania. It flows northward into western New York, and then heads back south to Pennsylvania. A large dam impounds the river and forms Allegheny Reservoir, which spans the New York Pennsylvania state line. Below this dam, we find an outstanding float stream that is enjoyed by many canoeists during the season (May-October).
Location & Canoeable Mileage -- From Kinzua Dam, a trip of 125 miles will take you to East Brady where a Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission ramp is maintained near the bridge on the right bank. This run should take 6-8 days, depending on the level of release from the dam. East Brady is the last take out before the first of a series of nine lock and dam structures. These structures maintain a navigational channel all the way to Pittsburgh and the Ohio River.
There are several other PFBC ramps along the way, including Warren, Tidioute, Tionesta, and Franklin. There are also other public and private access points, so you can do a trip of just about any length.
Interesting Features -- The Allegheny flows through a beautiful valley shrouded in a hardwood forest. Most of this section of the river shares its valley with a highway and/or railroad, but the sections from President to Oil City and from Franklin to East Brady are more remote. The Allegheny has an average gradient of about 3 feet per mile. There are a few spots of mild rapids, but generally this is a class I river.
In Oil City, you will encounter a rather serious rapid that extends about 1/3 of the way across the river from the left bank. This boulder field is just below the highway 62 bridge. Just upstream from this there is an abandoned oil pipeline that must be negotiated. There is a clear channel around this obstacle, but unfortunately it directs you right into the boulder field downstream. At higher water levels this hazard will be washed out, but at low to moderate levels you may need to portage here. Local authorities are planning to modify the boulder placement in 2003 to create a clearer route for canoes.
The upper section of this run enjoys two designations. Seven islands of the first 45 miles were declared a wilderness area in 1986 (Allegheny Islands Wilderness). In 1992, the river was designated a National Recreational River, under the Wild & Scenic Rivers program.
On the left bank between Kinzua Dam and Tidioute is the Allegheny National Forest; however, not all the land along the river is publicly owned.
Camping -- The islands offer good camping in certain sections, but some are privately owned -- the usual rules of respect for private landowners' rights would apply. There are a couple of private campgrounds along the way.
Additional Information --
Canoeing Information
Canoeing Guide to Western Pennsylvania and Northern West Virginia
Any of the outfitters listed below can provide details of the river sections they serve.
Canoe Rental/Shuttle Service River Flow Data
- USGS Gauges operate at
- If you have difficulty obtaining data from these links, CLICK HERE
Parks on/near the River
- Allegheny Islands Wilderness
- Allegheny National Forest description; boating information.
Towns/Other Locales on/near the River Books More Pictures Belle Riviere - An Allegheny River photo gallery Environmental Issues/Organizations Pennsylvania Environmental Council Network . Acknowledgments/Contributors Miscellaneous Pennsylvania Boat & Fish Commission details of the location of their boat ramps and also about rules governing boat registration.
