A guide to kayaking in Pittsburgh
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Kayakers near Point State Park on the Ohio River. Photo: Courtesy of Venture Outdoors
Our famous waterways are best explored by paddle.
The intrigue: Pittsburgh isn't always mentioned as a top kayaking destination, but it should be. We have an abundance and variety of waterways, from rural and urban lakes to large rivers flanked by skyscrapers to white water rapids.
Between the lines: Outdoor recreation like kayaking is benefits mental health, and close proximity to water increases feelings of well-being.
What they're saying: North Park in McCandless is a perfect place to learn how to kayak, says Luke Borowy, director of paddlesport at Venture Outdoors.
- The North Park lake is mostly calm, with an island and inlets to explore.
- Venture Outdoors has a rental location at the North Park Boathouse, and L.L. Bean has one at the spillway parking lot.
🚣 Pro tip: Know where dams are located on area lakes and rivers before you go because they are hard to see from the water's surface and are extremely dangerous, says Borowy.
- For river kayaking, check the discharge rate after storms because fast-moving rivers and creeks are hard to navigate, he says.
- Don't forget to bring a life vest and wear it at all times, Borowy says.
Here are other top kayaking destinations:
10.7 Marina, Verona
This is a small marina with kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals on the Allegheny River that's located close to Sycamore Island and Ninemile Island.
- If you want a long trip, paddle about 3 miles upriver to Allegheny Islands State Park, the only Pennsylvania state park solely accessible by boat.
- After returning, stop next door for a beer on Acclamation Brewing's riverfront patio.
Venture Outdoors, Downtown
A new kayak rental and boat launch is on the Allegheny River right at the David Lawrence Convention Center.
- It's a perfect spot for a boatside architecture tour of the sister bridges and dozens of Pittsburgh skyscrapers. Riding to the Point and back is an easy and enjoyable trip
The River's Edge, Leechburg
Explore a more natural, and oftentimes shallow, section of the Kiskiminetas, or Kiski, River.
- A shuttle takes you upriver with your kayak (or tube), and you can float back down to the River's Edge rental shop just outside of Leechburg in Armstrong County.
Moraine State Park, Butler County
Lake Arthur provides 42 miles of shoreline to take in via kayak or canoe, where you can spot migrating waterfowl and other rare birds.
- Kayaks are available for rental on the south shore of the lake.
Youghiogheny River, Ohiopyle
For more advanced kayakers looking to get into white water, this fast-moving tributary of the Monongahela River provides Class I- to Class V-level rapids and runs through Fayette, Westmoreland and Allegheny counties.
- The middle Yough (pronounced Yawk) is the easiest and has access points and rentals in Ohiopyle State Park.