Ohio River Water Trail facts for kids
| Ohio River Water Trail | |
|---|---|
| Location | Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, United States |
| Length | 69 mile (111 km) |
| Trailheads | 19 |
| Use | Canoeing, Boating (motorized), Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Rafting, Rowing, Sailing, and Fishing |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Strenuous |
| Portages | 0 |
| Locks & Dams | 3 - Ohio River Locks & Dams |
| Lakes and Ponds | 0 |
| Rivers and Streams | 5 - Ohio River - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Chartiers Creek – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Beaver River – Rochester, Pennsylvania, Raccoon Creek - Monaca, Pennsylvania, Little Beaver Creek - Ohioville, Pennsylvania |
| Season | Spring to Fall |
| Sights | Ohio River Valley |
| Hazards | Severe Weather Class II, III white water |
| Designation | National Recreation Trail (2015) 69 miles (111 km) |
| Website | Ohio River Water Trail |
The Ohio River Water Trail is a special water path for boats like canoes and kayaks. It goes through parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. This trail is managed by the Ohio River Trail Council.
The water trail stretches for 69 miles (111 km). It starts in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at a spot called "The Point." From there, it follows the Ohio River downstream. It also includes parts of other rivers like Little Beaver Creek, Beaver River, and Raccoon Creek.
Contents
Discover the Ohio River Water Trail
The Ohio River Water Trail is a great place for outdoor adventures. You can enjoy many activities here. These include canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and even fishing. It's a fun way to explore the beautiful Ohio River Valley.
The trail has 19 different places where you can start your journey. These are called trailheads. The difficulty of the trail can range from moderate to strenuous. This means it's good for both beginners and more experienced paddlers.
How the Trail Started
The idea for the Ohio River Water Trail came from Dr. Vincent Troia. He is the Executive Director of the Ohio River Trail Council. The project began in 2010. The goal was to create a safe and fun route for small boats. It was also meant to offer places for camping and day trips.
The project aimed to connect Pittsburgh with nearby towns along the Ohio River. It wanted to give people living in the area more chances to enjoy the outdoors. The council worked to set up special access points for canoes and kayaks. These spots are in places like Monaca, Rochester, Bridgewater, and Ohioville.
Trail Map and Guide
You can find a helpful map and guide for the Ohio River Water Trail online. These are available on the Ohio River Trail website. You can also find them on the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission website. These guides show you where to go and what to see.
Pennsylvania's Official Water Trail
On January 4, 2012, the Ohio River Water Trail became an official state water trail in Pennsylvania. This special recognition came from the Pennsylvania Water Trails Partnership. This group includes several important organizations. They work together to protect and promote water trails. These trails are unique and show off Pennsylvania's different landscapes and communities.
A National Recreation Trail
The Ohio River Water Trail received an even bigger honor on June 4, 2015. It was named a National Recreation Trail (NRT). This is a special title given to trails that help with health, conservation, and outdoor fun across the United States.
There are over 1,148 NRTs in all 50 U.S. states. They can be short or very long. These trails are found on land owned by the government, states, cities, or private groups. The National Park Service helps manage the NRT program. They work with other groups like American Trails.
