How fast, rough and deep is the Allegheny?
The upper Allegheny is considered ‘Class One,’ the calmest official river designation there is. In some spots you can wade from one side of the river to the other without getting your shorts wet; in others, the water is deep due to dredging. The river has a few wild spots – such as the rapids behind United Refining Company, near Mile 7 – but for the most part the water is calm and slow. Part of the Allegheny’s draw is that Kinzua Dam regulates it, making it more predictable than many other waterways, even in times of heavy rainfall or drought (see our “Links” page for the Army Corps of Engineers dam outflow reports). The river is popular among families, novices and large groups, such as the Boy Scouts, who are looking to take multiple-day trips. The Allegheny River is also a favorite among professional paddlers. It is home to the annual Pennsylvania State Canoeing and Kayaking Championships, for example, and the U.S. Canoe Association has started holding its national championship races
