The Fifth Edition Allegheny River Paddling Guide is a great companion for anyone planning to paddle America’s Wild & Scenic Allegheny River. This waterproof map book clocks the upper 51 miles of the Allegheny, from Kinzua Dam to President, noting major landmarks, historical sites and where paddlers can stop for food, supplies, camping, hiking and more. Each feature is marked on a detailed map of the river that’s laid out consecutively over several pages. GPS coordinates are included for tech savvy adventurers. Many sights are also captured in photos to help readers further identify what they’re seeing as they paddle down the Allegheny. The book is 36 pages, spiral bound, and the size of a reporter’s notebook for easy storage. Every page is enclosed in a 5-mil lamination to make the entire book water resistant (it even floats!). 

“We tried to write the Paddling Guide in a way that made readers feel like we were on the river with them, showing them all the cool stuff in our back yard,” Piper said. “No one paid us to be included in the guide. Our general rule of thumb was to include as much objective information as possible, so readers could check things out for themselves. Where we did make suggestions – about books, restaurants, festivals – we tried to be transparent and honest in our recommendations. We hope paddlers enjoy it!”