Things to do / Travel Guide
Kayaking and paddling in Pittsburgh provides a unique visual perspective of the city's skyline - peer up at Pittsburgh's architectural treasures and drift beneath its many bridges. Further south, the Youghiogheny River, famous for its fast-paced, hair-raising whitewater stretches, is reputed to be as difficult to paddle as its name is to spell. The Youghiogheny (pronounced: “Yock-uh-gain-ee”) is a Native American Algonquian word for “stream flowing in a contrary direction.” Indeed, the Youghiogheny River flows from south to north, and also, “contrary” to popular belief, offers lovely, calm stretches that will charm paddlers and kayakers of all experience levels.
Kayaking and Paddling in Pittsburgh
Kayak Pittsburgh rents kayaks and canoes from the beginning of May to the end of October. Paddle past the Pirates' PNC Park baseball stadium, kayak under Pittsburgh's giant suspension bridges, and enjoy views of the city from the river. Kayak and canoe rentals cost between $10-$15 an hour, tandem kayaks cost $15-$20 an hour. Kayak Pittsburgh is located beneath the Roberto Clemente Bridge (6th Street Bridge) on the waterfront walkway, just near PNC Park. Kayak Pittsburgh occasionally offers kayaking instruction for beginners.
The Three Rivers Rowing Association occasionally offers kayaking tours of more scenic areas of Pittsburgh's rivers. Kayaking tours cost around $25 and usually take place on Thursdays and Sundays, from June through August. Three Rivers Rowing Association also occasionally offers free kayaking and paddling classes for beginners.
Kayaking and Paddling on the Youghiogheny River
Canoe, kayak, and ducky (inflatable kayak) rentals are available in Confluence, Perryopolis, Connellsville, and Ohiopyle and usually cost anywhere from $20-$50 per day.
For a nine-mile trip that will take you between three to five hours, rent a closed-deck canoe in Confluence, PA, and travel up the Youghiogheny River from Confluence to the town of Ohiopyle in Ohiopyle State Park. Along the way you'll see pristine wildlife and a plethora of wildflowers in every color and variety. There's nothing like this short odyssey's spectacular ending; this paddle's grand finale takes you through Ohiopyle's dramatic 1,700 feet-deep gorge, slowly carved into the Allegheny Mountains by the Youghiogheny River current's swift hand.
The stretch of the Youghiogheny River from the town of Connellsville to Cedar Creek Park is perfect for both experienced and novice canoeists and kayakers alike. This seven-hour paddle provides wonderful views of great blue herons posing majestically at the river's edge and osprey swooping into the water to catch an afternoon meal. The fast-moving, yet manageable currents will gently push you downstream past a wooded shoreline graced with giant boulders and hemlocks. Be sure to check with locals before launching your skiff to make sure you know where the placid waters end and the raging rapids begin.
The Youghiogheny River Lake spans 16 miles from southwestern Pennsylvania over the Mason-Dixon line between Pennsylvania and Maryland. Kayakers and paddlers consider the Youghiogheny River Lake, with its wide channels and pristine wilderness, one of the best destinations for relaxing or for hearty kayaking and canoeing excursions.
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