A. Saltsburg
to Salina to Apollo 13.0 miles
Class Grad Size (Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
B 6/6 Large (1,723/2,872) B/B 3.5-8.2
Avonmore Vandergrift
Topographic Maps: Saltsburg, Avonmore, Vandergrift
County Maps: Indiana, Armstrong, Westmoreland
Description: This is a pretty stretch of river running between wooded hills. Pollution from mine acid has been reduced, but is still a factor. Coal mines refuse piles dot the east bank from Salina to Apollo [Reported 1989]
The Conemaugh River is part of the Kiski Conemaugh Water Trail. For information on Water Trails see page 12
Difficulties: None
Shuttle: In Saltsburg, put in where State Route 981 crosses Loyalhanna Creek a few yards from where it joins the Conemaugh to form the Kiskiminetas. Alternatively, put in on the Kiskiminetas on river right just upstream from the new bridge. Take out either in Apollo on river right, just downstream of the State Route 66 bridge, behind the senior citizen highrise or about 1.3 miles south (upstream) of Apollo on river right at the Cherry Lane trailhead for the Roaring Run Bike trail. To get to the take‑out, follow State Route 981 northwest to its junction with State Route 819 just beyond Salina. Turn right/north on State Route 819 and follow to the intersection with State Route 66 at Oklahoma (across the river from Apollo) Turn right/north on State Route 66 and go 0.4 miles to the bridge. To find the Cherry Lane trailhead, after crossing the Kiskiminetas River on the State Route 66 bridge, turn right/south at the first stoplight onto Kiskiminetas Avenue. Follow this road through town to Cherry Lane. About 1 mile from the stoplight, take the right fork into Canal Road instead of going up the hill. The road dead-ends in the trailhead parking lot 1.3 miles from the traffic light in Apollo. There are other access points. Intermediate access is available at Salina on river right just upstream of town. Intermediate access is available at the Avonmore Bridge, upstream on river right. A good one-day trip can be taken by adding the 6.9 miles of the Conemaugh River. Put in just below the flood control dam and take out at Salina.
The Saltsburg River & Trail Co. operates a canoe and bike livery at 111 Market Street. 1-877-890-5900
Gauges: Vandergrift. This gauge should read between 3.5 and 8.2 feet. This corresponds to a flow of 700 to 6,700 cfs. The Tunnelton gauge on nearby Conemaugh River will probably read between 3.0 and 6.7 feet.
Normal Wet Period: This section is normally runnable from early November through mid August, and it does not have a too high season. The Vandergrift gauge is above 3.5 feet 80% of the time and above 8.2 feet 12% of the time. The Corps of Engineers will be adjusting water releases from the dam as part of a three-year test/study of the effects of small changes in weekend water releases from Conemaugh and Loyalhanna Dams for downstream recreation. These adjustments will begin Memorial Day weekend and continue through the summer. A web page [2003] is provided to let users know what the release schedule is.
http://wmw.lrp.usace.army.mil/misc/Kiski_Outlook.html (2004)
B. Apollo
to Freeport 14.1 miles
Class Grad Size (Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
B 3/3 Large (1,825/3,106) C/B 3.5-8.2
Vandergrift Vandergrift
Topographic Maps: Avonmore, Vandergrift, Leechburg, Freeport
County Maps: Armstrong, Westmoreland
Description, Industry old and new dominates the river banks most of this section. Problems with sewage pollution have been controlled, but mine acid is still noticeable, though much reduced from earlier years. The last 2 miles are in the backwater of the Allegheny. Some private boat docks appear near the junction with the Allegheny River. To reach the take-out in Freeport, paddle across the Allegheny, then 1 mile downstream. [Checked 1987]
The Conemaugh River is part of the Kiski Conemaugh Water Trail. See page 12 for information on Water Trails.
Difficulties: Watch out for power boat traffic near the mouth and on the Allegheny. Landowners are not happy with anyone using the private boat docks without permission. Just above the mouth, on the Allegheny River is Lock and Dam #5. Stay well clear of the backwash.
Shuttle: Put in at the Cherry Lane trailhead as described in Section A. To get to the take‑out, go back across the State Route 66 Bridge and turn right/north on Sheridan Road. At the intersection with State Route 66, go straight across onto Orr Avenue and follow that for about 1.0 miles to State Route 356. Turn right/north on State Route 356 and go for about 10 miles and cross the Allegheny into Freeport. The municipal ramp is 0.5 miles upstream from the bridge. There is also access at Leechburg on river right downstream of the highway bridge, near the shopping center.
Normal Wet Period: This section is normally runnable from early November through mid August, and it does not have a too high season. The Vandergrift gauge is above 3.5 feet 80% of the time and above 8.2 feet 12% of the time. The Corps of Engineers will be adjusting water releases from the dam as part of a three-year test/study of the effects of small changes in weekend water releases from Conemaugh and Loyalhanna Dams for downstream recreation. These adjustments will begin Memorial Day weekend and continue through the summer. A web page [2003] is provided to let users know what the release schedule is.
http://wmw.lrp.usace.army.mil/misc/Kiski_Outlook.html (2004)