Great Lakes - 3 Rivers Boating

The Pittsburgh contingency has started to comment on boating along the three rivers area. The Admiral would like to do a 4-day cruise "close" at the end of May, and I suggested the Rivers area might be warmer and a nice change.

Would you guys mind posting a few comments regarding where to go, what to avoid (I've dont the Trent-Severn Canal twice, so I don't mind the locks), and maybe a few favorite spots for lunch/dinner.

Feel free to PM any fishing coordinates too . . . ;) :grin:

Thanks,
'Daze

I live in Steubenville, Ohio, which is right on the Ohio River. I know people that have boats on the river and usually they just sit on them at the dock and drink beer. If they do decide to take the boat out it is to run to a bar or casino. I do enjoy the bar hopping that goes on at the river but I don't know of too many places you could tie up for the evening. I once traveled to Marietta which is about 100 miles south of us and prior to our trip. We called several marinas along the river to make sure we could get fuel. Not all of them did, actually most of them didn't. If I were going to travel the river from Pittsburgh south I would do some research and develope a float plan. Now if I was just going to cruise Pittsburgh for a couple of days I would just follow the boat traffic to the closest bar have a drink and ask around where to go next. Very friendly people in the Burg, just don't wear a Browns or a Ravens shirt and you will have a great time.

Even though I grew up (and still live) in the Pittsburgh area, I haven't traveled a broad range on the rivers by boat. Farthest I've been down the Ohio river is just below Emsworth dam. The farthest north I've been on the Allegheny (other than when I've trailered a boat to Kennerdale) is the Kiski river. And for the Mon, it's been a long time since I launched in McKeesport, but otherwise, just below lock #2 is where I've been.

Are you looking for things to do while your in the Pittsburgh area, advice on waterways navigation, where to launch? Things to do, you can boat to, and tie up at Sandcastles water park. It's nice. Same goes for the Northshore. The Pirates aren't all that great, but PNC park is excellent. I confess, we still go there for a couple games a year. The whole North shore (on the Allegheny river) of Pittsburgh is nice. Check out Fox Chappel yaught club. A little upscale for a salty dog like me, but it is really nice. They have a ramp there that your might be able to use. I'm sure they'd charge you, but you might want to give them a call. Most of the public ramps in this area aren't suited for launching a 26 ft Albermarle. Heck, most of them aren't suited for launching a 16 ft Starcraft. You might be able to launch that boat on the southside ramp, but then you'd have to find a place to park your truck and trailer. You certainly wouldn't want to leave it parked on the southside. There's a guy down the road from me that has a big Fountain go fast (looks to be at least 26 ft). I can try to find out where he launches.

Another place to check out is Kennywood park. I highly recommend station square as well. You can take the incline up Mt. Washington. Best view of Pittsburgh imaginable. Between station square, Mt. Washington, and Pittsburgh's northshore, there are plenty of great places to eat. If you could swing it, bring some bicycles along. Good riding all along the pittsburgh rivers. Pittsburgh has really done alot bike access wise.

I live in Steubenville, Ohio, which is right on the Ohio River. I know people that have boats on the river and usually they just sit on them at the dock and drink beer. If they do decide to take the boat out it is to run to a bar or casino. I do enjoy the bar hopping that goes on at the river but I don't know of too many places you could tie up for the evening. I once traveled to Marietta which is about 100 miles south of us and prior to our trip. We called several marinas along the river to make sure we could get fuel. Not all of them did, actually most of them didn't. If I were going to travel the river from Pittsburgh south I would do some research and develope a float plan. Now if I was just going to cruise Pittsburgh for a couple of days I would just follow the boat traffic to the closest bar have a drink and ask around where to go next. Very friendly people in the Burg, just don't wear a Browns or a Ravens shirt and you will have a great time.


:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

I used to trailer boat a lot, and always wanted to do both the Mon and Allegheny River though I don't live that far away I just never got around to them. Here's an article that actually inspired me to visit Pittsburgh’s Playground (http://www.trailerboats.com/output.cfm?id=1069021&sectionid=316). Maybe someday I'll still get around to making the journey but until then I hope you have a memorial time on your trip.

http://www.boatpittsburgh.com/forums/

Local forum...

Great advise for you in this thread..

p.s. Your boat will need a good scrubbing if it rains before your visit.. The rivers are pretty grimy right after a rain..

I live in Steubenville, Ohio, which is right on the Ohio River. I know people that have boats on the river and usually they just sit on them at the dock and drink beer. If they do decide to take the boat out it is to run to a bar or casino. I do enjoy the bar hopping that goes on at the river but I don't know of too many places you could tie up for the evening. I once traveled to Marietta which is about 100 miles south of us and prior to our trip. We called several marinas along the river to make sure we could get fuel. Not all of them did, actually most of them didn't. If I were going to travel the river from Pittsburgh south I would do some research and develope a float plan. Now if I was just going to cruise Pittsburgh for a couple of days I would just follow the boat traffic to the closest bar have a drink and ask around where to go next. Very friendly people in the Burg, just don't wear a Browns or a Ravens shirt and you will have a great time.

Or an Oakland Raider shirt....memories run long!!!