About the Three Rivers Water Trail
Whether you float along in a kayak or canoe, the Three Rivers Water Trail provides opportunities to see American historical sites, vast natural beauty and outstanding fishing waters.
Water trail access points serve as popular fishing destinations and getaways to enjoy nature and the water. Allegheny County alone has 34 paddler-friendly launches marked by red-paddle signs, created and maintained by the Friends of the Riverfront. Most of the accesses have boat racks for storing boats and interpretive signage to learn more about the history of Pittsburgh.
To keep up with the popularity of water trail recreation, the Friends of the Riverfront recently developed a 10-year plan for improvements. Their goal is to build more accessible launches to continue to educate people about the cleanliness and safety of the rivers.
Maps and Resources
The Friends of the Riverfront offer a free, downloadable map of the water trail.
Find safety resources, like where to find weather and water conditions, and safety tips to remember while out on the water.
Fishing Opportunities
With 75 miles of river access, the fishing opportunities are plentiful. Anglers target many species, but Smallmouth Bass are most popular.
Pittsburgh has 446 bridges within its limits, more than any other city in the world. Smallmouth Bass hang around the piers and rocky banks making them great places to fish.
Walleye is another popular gamefish found in the Three Rivers Water Trail, some caught exceeding 10 lbs. Muskies can even be found growing up to 50 inches long! They hide in the Allegheny River’s islands and back channels. Channel Catfish and Flathead Catfish are also popular gamefish to target in Pittsburgh. These catfish can exceed 60 pounds and paddlers can reel in these big fish within the city’s limits.
Boating Opportunities
The Three Rivers Water Trail is a paddlers paradise. Kayak or float through multiple state parks and historical sites along the way. Stop at one of the numerous temporary boat tie ups and venture ashore into the city.
Allegheny Islands State Park
Accessible only by boat, the 50-acre Allegheny Islands State Park offers hiking, camping, fishing, boating and wildlife watching.
Carrie Blast Furnaces
National Historic Landmark known for its rare examples of pre-World War II iron-making technology.
Point State Park
Located at the confluence of three rivers, paddlers can check out Pittsburgh’s skyline and explore the city on foot.
Three Rivers paddlers and boaters may even experience different features than they are used to, like the locks. Before venturing into the locks, it is important for paddlers understand how to navigate through them. Friends of the Riverfront hosts on-the-water events each year to educate paddlers on the locks.
Know Before You Go
Make sure you are prepared for your next paddling adventure. Learn more about paddling safety, launch permits and unpowered boat registration.
Explore More in Pittsburgh
When you’re done fishing or paddling for the day, the fun does not have to stop. Make sure to check out VisitPITTSBURGH. They share lists of great restaurants, museums and other places to visit while in the city.
This content was partially adapted from Three Rivers Water Trail feature by Bob Frye in Pennsylvania Angler & Boater Magazine.
