A. North
Park Lake to Allison Park 6.6 miles
Class Grad Size (Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
C-I 7/26 Tiny
(45/75) C/B-C
estimate
Topographic Maps: Glenshaw
County Maps: Allegheny
Description: If it were not for the trash in the creek bed, the occasional water treatment plant and the Wildwood Mine, this would be a pretty run. Except for the last mile or two, it is reasonably remote, often running at the base of a high cliff. It is flowing water with riffles and small ledges. [Checked 1998]
Difficulties: In 1981 there was a 3‑foot dam at Wildwood Mine/Country Club. If there is enough water, the spillway is runnable in a kayak, but it is too narrow for an open canoe.
Shuttle: Wildwood Road parallels Pine Creek below the spillway from North Park Lake. Choose your put-in. The easy take-out is across from the ballfield on Duncan Avenue in Allison Park.
Gauges: None.
Normal Wet Period: No available statistics on seasons. Since this section is tiny, it should normally be runnable only after a heavy rain or during spring snowmelt.
B. Allison
Park to Etna 6.5 miles
Class Grad Size (Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
I-II 5/16 Small (67/112) D/C
Etna
Topographic Maps: Glenshaw
County Maps: Allegheny
Description: This is a fine stream for a study of the construction and maintenance of retaining walls. [Checked 2003]
Difficulties: The run is basically Class I but it also has five Class II double ledges, all of which deserve respect, especially from beginners. The first two are between Burchfield Road (near Kitchen Fair) and the lumber yard. They are not hard for paddlers with Class II experience, but beginners should exercise caution. The third is at the Glenshaw Glass plant just downstream from the State Route 8 bridge. This is a man-made dam or weir with a drop of 3 to 4 feet. Scout from the left bank. Much more intimidating is the recent blasted cutoff channel across the road from the Shaler (K-mart) Plaza in Etna. This is a very steep and jagged drop of about 10 feet. It is visible from the highway and should be scouted from the Burger King parking lot. Note the four foot culvert diverting some of the main flow through the levee at the same spot. There are also a few fallen trees.
Shuttle: Put in at the ball field in Allison Park, access off Duncan Avenue. Follow State Route 8 south to a take-out at the parking lot behind Pantone Auto Parts store and warehouse. An alternate take out would be the Burger King lot on State Route 8.
Gauges: None.
Normal Wet Period: No available statistics on seasons. Since this section is tiny, it should normally be runnable only after a heavy rain or during spring snowmelt.