Finding the Allegheny River: From Pennsylvania Wilds to Pittsburgh's Point

A River of Two States

The **Allegheny River** flows 325 miles through **western New York** and **western Pennsylvania**, forming the northern headwaters of the Ohio River.

Course & Key Locations

1. Source: Potter County, PA (near Coudersport), at ~2,400 ft elevation.
2. Northward into NY: Flows briefly into **Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties** (Allegany State Park, Salamanca, Seneca Nation territory).
3. Southward back to PA: Re-enters at **Warren** (Kinzua Dam / Allegheny Reservoir — major recreation).
4. Key PA Towns: Warren → Tionesta → Oil City (oil heritage) → Franklin → Emlenton → **Kittanning** → **Freeport** → **Kittanning** → **Natrona**.
5. Confluence: Merges with **Monongahela River** at **Point State Park, Pittsburgh** to form the **Ohio River**.

Exploring the Allegheny

• Allegheny National Forest (PA): 500,000 acres, 100+ miles of river frontage; camping, kayaking, fishing (walleye, muskie, trout).
• Allegheny Reservoir (Kinzua): 27 mi long; houseboating, fishing.
• Three Rivers Water Trail (Pittsburgh): Urban paddling to The Point.
• Historic Sites: Drake Well Museum (Titusville, nearby), Oil Region heritage.

Access

Major highways: I-80 (north), I-79/I-76 (south), US-62, PA-59, PA-66. Numerous public boat launches.