Allegheny River Boat Launches - Locations, User Fees and Permit Requirements
Upper Middle Allegheny River Boat Launches
With the paddling season underway, we've had a bunch of questions from folks about where they can launch their kayaks and canoes. Is there a launch fee? Do they need a launch permit? Is there parking? We hope this post will answer those basic questions. It's worth noting, if this information gets you excited for your next trip, you should really check out the Allegheny River Paddling Guide, a 36-page waterproof quidebook chock-full of topo maps, access points, caution areas, historical information and more.
Below you'll find a breakdown of the color codes for each access area. Click on any point on the map to read a description of each access area.
Launches that do not require a fee or a launch permit are noted in blue.
Launches requiring a fee (but no launch permit) are noted in green.
PA Fish and Boat Commission launches requiring a launch permit are noted in red. (See below for locations where you can purchase a launch permit.)
Access areas that are often utilized to launch kayaks or canoes (but are not actual "established" boat launches) are noted in yellow.
Canoe and Kayak Launch Permits - Do I need one?
Non-powered boats are not required to be registered in the State of Pennsylvania. (Canoes using either electric or gasoline motors are subject to registration requirements.)
You are only required to have a launch permit if you plan to use a PA Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) launch (and the surrounding property), or plan to paddle State Park waterways. You can purchase one or the other, they are interchangeable (for example, a DCNR launch permit purchased at a State Park also covers you at PFBC launches, and vice-versa). Both launch permits cost the same - $10 for one year or $18 for two years (plus any agent fee charged) and covers the use of State Park (DCNR) waterways and PFBC launches. No proof of ownership or title is needed. DCNR launch permits run from January 1st to December 31st, and PFBC permits run from April 1st to March 31st.
Below you'll find locations in Warren County where launch permits can be purchased. If you're unsure what launch you will use, it's always best to purchase a permit to be covered regardless of where you take your boat in/out in the state of Pennsylvania.
Locations in Warren County to purchase a launch permit:
Connie’s Notary Service: 29200 Route 6, Youngsville, Pennsylvania 16371 - (814) 563-9738
Brenda Gibson Notary Service: 1595 Market Street Extension, Warren, PA 16365 - (814) 723-4277
Chapman State Park: 4790 Chapman Dam Rd, Clarendon, PA 16313 - (814) 723-0250
Christie's Book Rack: 309 Hickory Street, Warren, PA 16365 - (814) 726-1533
Trading Post: 15910 Rt 62, Tidioute, PA 16351 - (814) 484-3530