Hunter Station Bridge Construction, Summer 2017
Replacement of a bridge in Forest County will affect our ability to offer our 51-mile canoe trip from Kinzua Dam to President in summer 2017. Hunter Station bridge construction began in September 2016. A detour will be required during construction, beginning September 1, 2017.
How will this affect AO operations in 2017? We will not be offering the 51-mile canoe tripfrom Kinzua Dam to President after August 30. (Meaning the trip must be completed by that date.)
Are there other options for Scout Troops to earn their 50-mile badge? Absolutely! A combo canoe/hike trip to earn their 50-miler Award is possible through AO by combining paddle trip #7 (Kinzua Dam to Tionesta, 45 miles) and picking up Tanbark Trail at river mile 22 to complete the last 5 miles.
Will you still be offering the 66-mile trip from Kinzua Dam to Oil City, and the 100-mile trip from AO to Emlenton? Yes. Every other trip will remain the same. The only trip affected will be Kinzua Dam to President.
What if construction is delayed? Will you continue to offer the 51-miler? Yes. We plan to reach out to PennDOT on a regular basis to monitor the closure. If it is delayed, we will continue to offer this trip.
Where can I read more about the closure? Read the full announcement from PennDOT here.
We usually come up from Pittsburgh along the Allegheny using this scenic route. Do you have a recommended route for us that compares? Yes! We're working on it!