Pittsburgh Outdoors: Water Recreation

. April 20, 2010

April 20, 2010 - Pittsburgh is the city of rivers, so it is only fitting that it be a premier location for recreational boating, fishing and a variety of other water sports. Residents and visitors alike can delight in catching fish along Pittsburgh's 38.3 miles of Downtown shoreline or in the region's many lakes. Also, just a short drive outside of Pittsburgh in the Laurel Highlands, Class III and IV rapids await thrill-seeking rafters along the Youghiogheny River.

Three Rivers Water Trail: Pittsburgh's three rivers are the perfect place for fishing, kayaking, canoeing and boating. At one time, the Ohio, Allegheny and Monongahela rivers were recognized only as tools of industry; however, more people are realizing the rivers' recreational potential. In an effort to promote the city's water resources, the Three Rivers Water Trail, a partnership with various conservancy and sporting organizations such as Sustainable Pittsburgh and the Three Rivers Rowing Association, acts as an informational resource on how to navigate and enjoy the Ohio, Allegheny and Monongahela rivers. The Three Rivers Water Trail provides clear information for boaters, fishermen and adventure seekers about issues such as river safety, how to use the area's locks and dams, and historical and natural points of interest along the rivers.
Western Pennsylvania Field Institute: Through the guiding principles of awareness and training, the Western Pennsylvania Field Institute strives to promote outdoor adventure activities in the Pittsburgh area as well as serve as a clearinghouse for all other adventure organizations' activities. Committed to promoting outdoor adventure in the Pittsburgh area, the Institute sponsors a number of weekly water adventure activities. On Monday evenings, join the Institute at Washington's Landing for their Sea-kayak Eco-tour. Co-sponsored with the Three Rivers Rowing Association, these tours explore Pittsburgh's rivers as well as offer participants the chance to experience the area's history and nature with the help of local guides. Families interested in a full day of adventure can try the Multisport Adventure for Families program, which includes hiking, bike riding and a canoeing along regional rivers and lakes. The institute also sponsors fishing trips, Pittsburgh canoeing excursions and overnight island camping trips.
Moraine State Park: Located an hour north of Pittsburgh, Moraine State Park's Lake Arthur is a great place for a Saturday afternoon fishing excursion. The lake's 3,222 acres of warm water are home to a number of popular fish species, including northern pike, largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie and bluegill. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission also stocks the lake regularly with muskellunge, walleye, channel catfish and hybrid striped bass.
Ohiopyle State Park: Hailed as the birthplace of white water rafting and home to the Youghiogheny River, Ohiopyle is the area's premier water recreation area. Located in the Laurel Highlands, Ohiopyle State Park encompasses approximately 19,052 acres of wilderness including fantastic river gorges and vast wildflower meadows. The park contains two sections of the Youghiogheny River that are popular white water rafting areas due to their Class I through IV rapids. Several private businesses including Laurel Highlands River Tours, White Water Adventures and Wilderness Voyagers Inc., offer craft rental as well as tours. In addition to being a prime white water rafting destination, Ohiopyle is close to a number of other popular Pennsylvania attractions, such as Fallingwater, Fort Necessity Battlefield and Bear Run Nature Reserve.
Laurel Highlands River Tours: For 38 years, Laurel Highlands River Tours has been offering quality rafting experiences to the visitors of Ohiopyle State Park. Laurel Highlands River Tours provides a number of different white water rafting choices for the novice as well as the expert rafter along the Youghiogheny River. Experienced rafters can choose to battle the tumultuous rapids of the Upper Youghiogheny while the novice can enjoy a placid afternoon self-guided tour of the Middle Youghiogheny. In addition to featuring a variety of different experiences for rafters of varying skill levels, Laurel Highlands River Tours also offers a vast selection of craft ranging from the one-person Aire Force to the four- to six-person raft.
Mountain Streams: Mountain Streams offers guided trips on the Upper, Middle and Lower Youghiogheny River. For those who can't choose between biking or rafting, the Peddle and Paddle Tour is sure to please. Enjoy a bike ride from Ohiopyle to Confluence, then raft the Middle Youghiogheny.
White Water Adventures: Rumble down the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle with White Water Adventurers. Guests choose from a number of different trips based on skill level and location. Less experienced rafters or families with young children can take advantage of a scenic three-to-five-hour float trip down the Middle Youghiogheny, while white water connoisseurs can sample the Class V rapids of the Upper Youghiogheny.
Wilderness Voyageurs Inc.: Since 1959 Wilderness Voyagers Inc. has been offering guided tours of the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle State Park. In addition to offering experienced white water rafting tours of Class II and III rapids, they also offer kayaking trips, family rafting tours, special historic float trips and overnight camping excursions. The historic float trips are of special note to those interested in the colonial history of the area. These 2.5-hour tours, accompanied by a guide dressed in 1750's garb, showcase the river's rich history during the time of the French and Indian War and the Whiskey Rebellion.