EXPERIENCE OUR WATERWAYS

Rivers & Lakes

Allegheny River

More than 60 miles of the roughly 325-mile-long Allegheny River traverses Armstrong County and provides an outdoor oasis for boating enthusiasts, anglers, and nature lovers. A series of locks and dams constructed in the early 20th century make the river navigable. Learn more about the locks and dams and find a lock operation schedule on Allegheny River Development Corporation’s website, alleghenyriverdevelopment.org.

Crooked Creek Lake

Nestled among the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania, Crooked Creek Lake is open for year-round outdoor recreation, including boating, waterskiing, swimming, fishing, hiking, birdwatching, and disc golf. The Crooked Creek Lake Visitor Information Center (VIC) has seasonal operating hours and offers group tours. Contact the VIC at 724-763-3161.

Keystone Lake

As the largest lake in Armstrong County, Keystone Lake covers 850 acres and stretches 5.5 miles. Owned and operated by Reliant Energy as a cooling water supply for Keystone Power Plant, the lake and surrounding area are open for public use. The area is controlled by the PA Fish & Boat Commission, which means all of their rules and regulations are in effect. Swimming is prohibited, but boats up to 20 HP are permitted.

Kiskiminetas River

The Kiskiminetas River — known locally as the Kiski — is a 27-mile-long tributary of the Allegheny River that forms the southern border of Armstrong County. It is a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. As part of the former Pennsylvania Main Line Canal, visitors can also find historical sites along the shore dating back to the early 1800s.

Mahoning Creek Lake

Situated along steep-sided valleys and wooded hillsides, Mahoning Creek Lake is a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere for kayakers, canoeists, and fishermen alike. Located near the dam is a shaded picnic area with restrooms, grills, picnic tables, a playground, and walking trails. Swimming is not permitted. You can schedule a tour of Mahoning Dam by calling 814-257-8811.

Boating Areas

KAYAKING & CANOEING

Allegheny River

Buffalo Creek

Cowanshannock Creek

Crooked Creek

Kiskiminetas River

Mahoning Creek

Redbank Creek

LAKE BOATING

Crooked Creek Lake

350 acres, public launch

Keystone Lake

850 acres, two access areas

Mahoning Creek Lake

280 acres, two access areas

Sources of Information

Allegheny River Development Corporation

P.O. Box 585, Natrona Heights | alleghenyriverdevelopment.org

Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission

Southwest Region: 814-445-8974

Northwest Region: 814-337-0444

fishandboat.com

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District

412-395-7100 | lrp.usace.army.mil

Outfitters

Redbank Valley Outfitters

159 Wright Ln, Mayport | 814-229-3621 | redbankvalleyoutfitters.com

Located between Lock and Dam 8 and Lock and Dam 9 on the Allegheny River, Redbank Valley Outfitters offers kayak rentals and shuttle services on the Allegheny River and the Redbank and Mahoning Creeks, as well as shuttles for biking the Armstrong and Redbank Trails.

The Hook Up

221 Riverside Dr, Freeport | 724-252-7170

The Hook Up is a kayak and paddleboard rental company based in Freeport. Rental fees vary and include boat, PFD, and paddle. Inexperienced paddlers or those unfamiliar with the area can also reserve time with an instructor for paddling lessons.

The River's Edge Canoe & Kayak

3158 River Rd, Leechburg | 724-845-9501 | the-rivers-edge.com

Situated along the beautiful Kiskiminetas River, The River’s Edge Canoe & Kayak is a canoe, kayak, and inner tube rental company. They also have a full-service bait and tackle shop and offer shuttle services for paddlers.

Marinas

Boulder on the Water

S Railroad St, Schenley | 412-582-3677 | boulder15656.com/water

Located at the intersection of the Kiski and Allegheny rivers, Boulder on the Water, formerly known as Schenley Marina, is a privately owned campground and marina where leaseholders can enjoy the outdoors.

Nautical Mile Campground & Marina

530 Stone Ave, Templeton | 724-868-2607

Camp, boat, fish, and relax in one location at this marina and campground located in beautiful Pool 8 of the Allegheny River On-site boat launch and boat dockage are available, and seasonal visitors and weekenders are welcome.

Rivers Edge Campground & Marina

209 Rivers Edge Rd, Cowansville, PA | 724-545-6855 | riversedgecamp.com

Located just below Lock and Dam 9 of the Allegheny River, Rivers Edge provides full slip rentals for the weekend or season. Launch your boat or jet ski from the marina and enjoy all that the Allegheny has to offer.

Rosston Eddy Marina

170 Rosston Cir, Ford City | 724-763-1202 | rosstoneddymarina.com

Rosston Eddy Marina, the only full-service marina in Armstrong County, is located on the Allegheny River in Ford City. They have a full-time repair Marine Shop and a well-stocked Marine Store for all of your boating needs.

Scuba Diving

Scott's Scuba Service

509 High St, Freeport | 724-295-3500 | scottsscuba.com

Scott’s Scuba Service is a PADI Five Star Center located in Freeport providing scuba lessons, courses, and dive events. Their retail shop offers a variety of scuba and snorkeling products from leaders in the industry, and they service gear in-house. Their travel program takes divers on both local adventures and global excursions.