Allegheny River Canoe & Kayak Rentals
Every summer, hundreds of people travel to the northwestern corner of the Pennsylvania Wilds to canoe and kayak the Allegheny River. It’s easy to understand why. The Allegheny is part of the nation’s Wild and Scenic Rivers System. It boasts several campgrounds, trails, historical sites and other points of interest, National Geographic Adventure such as the Allegheny National Forest. Paddlers share the calm and scenic waterway with eagles, Great Blue Heron, snapping turtles, white tailed-deer and many other species. In 2003, National Geographic Adventure named the Allegheny River one of the nation's "40 Great Fall Weekend Getaways". Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day trip with your buddies or an overnighter to teach the kids camping skills, we’re here to help. Just be careful – you might get hooked. Some of our groups have been coming back for more than 20 years.
AO is located in downtown Warren, in sight of the historic Hickory Street Bridge. We operate Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend (peak season). Spanning 107-miles of the Allegheny River, you can find a complete rundown of day and overnight trips we offer below. You may also want to read through our Frequently Asked Questions.
Allegheny River Canoe & Kayak Day Trips
Allegheny Outfitters offers three basic self-guided day trips of varying lengths and prices. Walk-ins are welcome but reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. Large groups of 6 or more canoes typically plan their trips at least a month ahead of time. Trip prices listed below include boat rental, paddles, lifejackets, and transportation to and from the start and end points. Tax is not included. Groups of six or more canoes on a weekday receive a 10 percent discount.
Trip #1: Allegheny Outfitters to Buckaloons
6.4 miles. Takes 2.5-3.5 hours. $50 per canoe or double kayak (+tax); $45 per single kayak or SUP (+tax).
Paddlers begin near the historic Hickory Street Bridge, arching over the Allegheny like a scene out of a Hallmark card. After leaving Warren, paddlers enter into a scenic area called Starbrick where a few houses and camps dot the riverbank. White-tailed deer hide in the brush while Great Blue Heron wade near the shore looking for fish, frogs and other small prey. This trip ends at Buckaloons Recreation Area, part of the Allegheny National Forest. The campground sits on a former Seneca Indian village and includes a one-mile “Seneca Interpretive Trail” where visitors can learn about several tree types (white pine, sycamore, shagbark hickory, white oak) and the ways in which animals and humans have used the trees over the centuries.
Trip #2: Kinzua Dam to Allegheny Outfitters (Mouth of the Conewango Creek)
9 miles. Takes 3 to 4 hours. $55 (+tax) per canoe or double kayak; $50 (+tax) per single kayak or SUP; $25 if you bring your own boat and would like it shuttled.
Beginning at Kinzua Dam, this trip lets paddlers enjoy the National Wild & Scenic beauty of the upper Allegheny throughout the first 7 miles, plus get a glance at its more industrial side – including ending in historic downtown Warren. At mile 7.5 paddlers must navigate a short but rowdy set of Class I rapids behind United Refinery. From there it’s smooth sailing as you pass under a few old railroad bridges and into Warren where the skyline is punctuated by a flatiron building with a steeple clock on it. You finish downtown at our shop.
Trip #3: Kinzua Dam to Buckaloons
15 miles. Takes roughly 6 hours. Two canoe or kayak minimum. $70 per canoe or double kayak (+tax); $65 per single kayak (+tax).
This is our longest day trip – and it isn’t for the weak of heart or arms. The trip covers everything described in Trip 1 and 2. Paddlers must begin this trip no later than 10:00 a.m.
Allegheny River Canoe & Kayak Overnight Trips
Allegheny Outfitters offers seven overnight trips of varying lengths and prices. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. Large groups of 6 or more canoes typically plan their trips at least a month ahead of time. Trip prices listed below include boat rental, shuttle service to and from, paddles and life jackets. Tax is not included. Groups of six or more canoes on a weekday get a 10 percent discount. Discounts are available for Scout Troops and Organizations.
Although the majority of our trips are self-guided, the livery’s staff is happy to explain your route ahead of time and help guide you through the trip planning process with recommended camping spots, resupply points, and areas of interest. You can also purchase a copy of the Allegheny River Paddling Guide, a water resistant river map book that uses text, photos, and illustrations to explain the many sites paddlers come across on the first 51 miles of the Allegheny River. You can also find answers to common questions on our FAQ page.
Have all your own gear, but just need transport from one end to the other? Check out our vehicle shuttle service.
What does it sound like to wake up on a wilderness island along the Allegheny? Beautiful!
Trip 4: Kinzua Dam to Buckaloons
15 miles. (No longer a two canoe minimum!)
Two-day (one night) trip, $100 (+tax) per canoe; $95 (+tax) per kayak.
$150 (+tax) if only taking one canoe.
Three-day (two night) trip, $115 (+tax) per canoe; $110 (+tax) per kayak.
$150 (+tax) if only taking one canoe.
You'll paddle 15 miles over two days. Paddlers begin at Kinzua Dam, paddling through the city of Warren, down the National Wild & Scenic Allegheny River. Ducks and geese mingle in parks along the riverbank. White-tailed deer hide in the brush while Great Blue Herons wade near the shore looking for fish, frogs and other small prey.
Trip 5: AO to Tidioute
22 miles. (No longer a two canoe minimum.)
Two-day (one night) trip, $125 (+tax) per canoe; $120 (+tax) per kayak.
$195 (+tax) if only taking one canoe.
Three-day (two night) trip, $135 (+tax) per canoe; $130 (+tax) per kayak.
$195 (+tax) if only taking one canoe.
This trip takes you 22 miles, from AO to Tidioute. Paddlers will pass through historic downtown Warren, encounter three of the federally protected Wilderness Islands, large swaths of the Allegheny National Forest and float to the town of Tidioute, pop. 800. For more details on where to stop for supplies, hiking, camping and more, see the Allegheny River Paddling Guide.
Trip 6: Allegheny Outfitters to West Hickory
31 miles. Three canoe minimum.
Three-day (two night), $145 (+tax) per canoe; $135 (+tax) per kayak.
Four-day (three night), $165 (+tax) per canoe; $155 (+tax) per kayak.
This journey takes you 31 miles, from AO to West Hickory. Paddlers will pass through historic downtown Warren, encounter all seven of the federally protected Wilderness Islands, large swaths of the Allegheny National Forest and float past the town of Tidioute, pop. 800. For more details on where to stop for supplies, hiking, camping and more, see the Allegheny River Paddling Guide.
Trip 7: Kinzua Dam to Tionesta
45 miles. Three canoe minimum.
Three-day (two night), $165 (+tax) per canoe; $155 (+tax) per kayak.
Four-day (three night), $185 (+tax) per canoe; $175 (+tax) per kayak.
This journey takes you 45 miles, from Kinzua Dam to Tionesta. Paddlers will begin at Kinzua Dam and pass through historic downtown Warren, encounter all seven of the federally protected Wilderness Islands, large swaths of the Allegheny National Forest and float past the town of Tidioute, pop. 800. The trip ends at Tionesta, where visitors will find a 75-foot tall lighthouse not far from the boat launch. For more details on where to stop for supplies, hiking, camping and more, see the Allegheny River Paddling Guide.
Trip 8: Kinzua Dam to President
52 miles. Three canoe minimum.
Three-day (two night), $195 (+tax) per canoe; $185 (+tax) per kayak.
Four-day (three night), $205 (+tax) per canoe; $195 (+tax) per kayak.
This is a popular trip for Scouts and Venture Crews looking to get their 50-mile badge on the Allegheny River. For more details on where to stop for supplies, hiking, camping and more, see the Allegheny River Paddling Guide, or schedule an appointment with one of our trip planners.
Trip 9: Kinzua Dam to Oil City
66 miles. Three canoe minimum.
Four-day (three night), $250 (+tax) per canoe; $225 (+tax) per kayak.
Five-day (four night), $265 (+tax) per canoe; $240 (+tax) per kayak.
This trip takes you through the Upper and Lower Middle Allegheny River Water Trail, ending just after the Class II rapids in Oil City. Please contact us for trip planning details. For more details on where to stop for supplies, hiking, camping and more, see the Allegheny River Paddling Guide.
Trip 10: Kinzua Dam to Emlenton
107 miles. Three canoe minimum.
Five-day (four night), $350 (+tax) per canoe; $325 (+tax) per kayak.
Six-day (five night), $370 (+tax) per canoe; $340 (+tax) per kayak.
This is a popular trip for Scouts and Venture Crews looking to get their 100-mile badge on the Allegheny River. (Discounts available for weekday pick-up.) This trip takes you through the Upper and Lower Middle Allegheny River Water Trail. Please contact us for trip planning details. For more details on where to stop for supplies, hiking, camping and more, see the Allegheny River Paddling Guide.
Trip #11: Kinzua Dam to Allegheny Outfitters (Mouth of the Conewango Creek)
9 miles. Two-day (one night) trip, $85.00 (+tax) per canoe; $80 (+tax) per kayak.
$100 (+tax) if only taking one canoe.
Three-day (two-night) trip, $100.00 (+tax) per canoe; $95 (+tax) per kayak.
Make it an easy overnight trip, popular with families with young children setting off on their first canoe camp adventure. Also popular for fishermen. Beginning at Kinzua Dam, this trip lets paddlers enjoy the National Wild & Scenic beauty of the upper Allegheny throughout the first 7 miles, plus get a glance at its more industrial side – including ending in historic downtown Warren. At mile 7.5 paddlers must navigate a short but rowdy set of Class I rapids behind United Refinery. From there it’s smooth sailing as you pass under a few old railroad bridges and into Warren where the skyline is punctuated by a flatiron building with a steeple clock on it. You finish downtown at our shop.
Our AO Team working hard to get folks where they need to go in the summer!
