Allegheny River in Pennsylvania

Trip Overview

This report refers to the portion of the river from Franklin to Fisherman's Cove. Nice and easy paddle of about 9 miles, beginning just south of the French Creek / Allegheny River confluence in Franklin. I've done this annually. The fishing looks to be good (I am not a fisherman). There is a rails to trails path on the left side for some of the trip. One passes many cabins along the way. But if you go on a weekday or off-season, you'll have the river to yourself. I've had a day when turtles coated the banks of the river, sunning themselves. I've seen many herons and egrets and hawks, and there is at least one nesting bald eagle in the river valley. There are some ripples, with obvious channels. There are a few islands, which I've been told are open for camping. We usually stop at one of the islands for a break, lunch, stone skipping, etc. The trip will take from 2 1/2 to 4 hours, depending on how intent you are on paddling. The hills are green. I've seen deer along the banks of the river, and of course geese and ducks. There is an outfitter in Franklin, Allegheny River Canoe (814-432-7644) . They will pick you up at the take out. They will provide shuttles as well as rent canoes or those old town kayaks. They also do trips on French Creek, which is smaller and more intimate. This trip is about 1 1/2 hours from Pittsburgh, up I79 to I80, then east a bit.