Carving its way through the Allegheny Watershed, the Allegheny River is one of the largest flowing water resources in northwest Pennsylvania. Its waters are used for powerboating, canoeing, fishing, and any other flowing water recreational activity you can imagine. Along its banks you will find numerous spots to picnic, hike, and bike. Many outfitters provide fishing and canoeing trips on the Allegheny River.

• For additional information on Outfitting, click here.

The Allegheny River, which eventually joins the Ohio River, has been very important in the history of northwest Pennsylvania. Used as a major transportation route during the colonial period, the Allegheny quickly became the main mode of commerce as timber and eventually oil were shipped from the northwest part of the state south to Pittsburgh. The creation of several locks in the early 1900's made transportation much more reliable and safe, and today the Allegheny is still the major waterway of northwest Pennsylvania.

• For additional information on the history of the Allegheny River, click here.
• For additional information on the Allegheny River and the Allegheny River Watershed, click here.
• For information on Allegheny River Islands Wilderness, click here.

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Once a contaminated river due to polluting industries and mine runoff, the Clarion River has gone through remarkable changes and is now one of the most scenic rivers in northwest Pennsylvania. Known for its forested landscapes and large meandering bends, the Clarion is a fantastic river to canoe or float. Fishing along the Clarion is very popular, especially for trout and bass, and swimming during the hottest months of the summer is common.

During dry times in the summer, the Clarion has a tendency to get rather low and becomes unsuitable for canoeing. Probably one of the best areas to experience the Clarion River is near Cook Forest; however, the river's length allows for many different access points and experiences.

• For additional information on the Clarion River, click here.

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With headwaters in southwest New York, French Creek is one of the most important and aquatically diverse streams in Pennsylvania. Totaling almost 11% of the total Allegheny Watershed, French Creek is one of the "cleanest" creeks to recreate on or in.

French Creek is a popular slow water canoeing creek, with many easy access points and trips of varying type and length. Bank fishing is popular and easily accomplished at many places. Swimming in French Creek is common, although no public swimming areas exist. Many picnic areas and park areas are located primarily in the small towns along the creek.

Educational programs about the French Creek, as well as water resources in general, are available through Creek Connections, a nonprofit organization to improve the education of youth about stream ecology. For additional information, contact Creek Connections at 814-332-5351.

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Oil Creek near Oil Creek State Park

Oil Creek was named after the oil industry that developed in this area of Venango County. A popular spot for fly fishing, a delayed harvest area exists near Oil Creek State Park, and numerous other areas can be bait fished. Canoeing is also a common activity as this slow moving creek eventually empties into the Allegheny River. Bicycle enthusiasts will enjoy the paved Oil Creek Bicycle Trail that runs adjacent to the creek.

• For more information on Oil Creek recreation, contact Oil Creek State Park at 814-676-5915.
• For more information on fly fishing, click here.

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Located in Butler County, Slippery Rock Creek travels through some of the most rugged country in northwest Pennsylvania. The Slippery Rock is a beautiful stream, great for a fishing trip or a scenic picnic. The climax of the creek occurs in the gorge area in McConnell's Mill State Park. This area is a combination of a steep gorge with huge boulders, and the whitewater attraction of the turbulent Slippery Rock Creek.

Rock climbers at McConnell's Mill State Park

CAUTION: These activities are not to be taken lightly. Rock climbing requires proper equipment and experience in setting up belay systems. The whitewater in the gorge is rated class I-III, so you need a significant amount of experience before attempting this creek. This is not a swimming area! Please take proper precautions.

For some great pictures of McConnell's Mill State Park, click here.

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