Where is the best kayaking in Pittsburgh? The top spots are on the three rivers themselves: the Point where the Allegheny and Monongahela meet, the North Shore below PNC Park, the Ohio River near McKees Rocks, the quiet back channel at Washington's Landing, and Duck Hollow on the Mon.
Kayaking in Pittsburgh gives you skyline views, bridges overhead and green riverbanks, all close to downtown. If you are searching for places to kayak near me around Pittsburgh, every spot on this list is on the three rivers and close to the city. Below we walk through five places worth paddling, what each one feels like, and how to plan a safe trip. If you want to get on the water without owning a boat, our kayak rentals in Pittsburgh put you in a 10 ft Pelican Quest for a two hour paddle.
Want the short list? These are the five spots, each on the Allegheny, Monongahela or Ohio, with the kind of paddle you can expect.
Our pontoons launch from Vic's Boat Park in McKees Rocks. For kayak launch details and which stretch fits a two hour paddle, ask when you book. Not sure a kayak is the right call for your group? Our comparison of pontoon vs. kayak rentals in Pittsburgh helps you decide.
Few cities let you paddle past a downtown skyline on three different rivers. The Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio meet at the Point, so a short paddle can take you from stadium views to wooded banks to busy bridges in one outing.
The rivers here are wide, and newer paddlers do best close to shore. The Three Rivers Water Trail, run by Friends of the Riverfront, counts more than 30 river access points along the region's rivers, so there is no shortage of water to explore. If you want the lay of the land first, our guide to Pittsburgh's three rivers from the water walks each one.
Each of these spots sits on the Allegheny, Monongahela or Ohio. Some are busy and scenic, others are quiet and green. Pick the one that matches the day you want.
This is the classic Pittsburgh paddle. The Allegheny and Monongahela join here to form the Ohio, and the Point State Park fountain sprays right at the tip. From the water you get the fountain, the downtown towers and a ring of bridges in one view.
The Point is also where the most boat traffic comes together, so stay near the edges, keep your head on a swivel and give larger boats plenty of room. Weekday mornings tend to be calmer than weekend afternoons. After your paddle, the park's lawns are a great place to spread out a picnic blanket.
Paddle the Allegheny along the North Shore and you pass PNC Park, the yellow Roberto Clemente Bridge and the riverwalk. Acrisure Stadium sits just downriver near the Point. It is lively, photogenic and full of things to look at.
This is our home stretch. Our pontoons launch from Vic's Boat Park on the west shore of the Ohio in McKees Rocks, just minutes from downtown. Look upriver and you see the arch of the West End Bridge with the skyline behind it.
Brunot Island sits in the river along this stretch, just below the West End Bridge, and it makes an easy landmark for a paddle away from the busy confluence at the Point. Bring your camera for the sunset, when the West End Bridge turns into a silhouette against the sky.
The Ohio is wide here, so wind can build on open water. Hug the shoreline, paddle into the wind on the way out, and let it help you home.
If you want fewer boats and more birds, head upriver on the Allegheny or the Mon. Washington's Landing, once called Herrs Island, sits in the Allegheny upriver from downtown. The channel behind the island is more sheltered than the main river, and you often share it with rowing crews and other paddlers. It is a peaceful spot for a morning paddle or a slow sunset float.
Duck Hollow sits where Nine Mile Run flows into the Monongahela. It feels tucked away, with wooded banks and much less boat traffic than downtown. Keep an eye out for herons and other wildlife along the shore. It is a favorite for solo paddlers and anyone who wants a slower pace.
We rent the 10 ft Quest kayak by Pelican. It has a stable, easy to steer design that works for first timers and experienced paddlers alike, and it is built to handle river kayaking.
Two hours is plenty for a relaxed paddle, but it will not cover every spot on this list. Ask about launch details and which stretches fit your time when you book, and we will help you plan a route that brings you back on schedule.
A good river paddle is all about pacing. A few simple habits make a big difference.
Pennsylvania has clear rules for paddlers. Every person needs a Coast Guard approved wearable life jacket, and children 12 and younger must wear one in any kayak. From November 1 through April 30, everyone in a kayak must wear a life jacket because of cold water. Paddlers also need a whistle or similar sound device. The full list is in the Fish and Boat Commission regulations recap.
Our rivers carry towboats, barges and pontoons. Stay well clear of commercial traffic, turn your bow into big wakes, and never paddle near a dam. For a full checklist, read our guide on kayak rental safety equipment.
Some groups split their day: a quiet paddle in the morning, then a pontoon cruise past the same sights with the whole crew in the afternoon. Not sure which one fits your group? Our comparison of pontoon vs. kayak rentals breaks it down, and our list of scenic spots on the three rivers shows what you can see by boat. Weighing a tour instead? Read boat rides in Pittsburgh: tours vs renting your own pontoon.
Not usually. A stable, easy to maneuver kayak like our 10 ft Pelican Quest is simple to balance and steer, and most people get comfortable within a few minutes. Start on calm water near the shore, paddle against the current first, and keep your first trip short. Wear your life jacket the whole time.
Pittsburgh's three rivers are the main draw. Popular stretches include the Point where the Allegheny and Monongahela meet, the North Shore near PNC Park, the Ohio River near McKees Rocks, Washington's Landing on the Allegheny and Duck Hollow on the Monongahela. Each offers a different mix of skyline views and quiet water.
No. Pennsylvania's Boating Safety Education Certificate applies to motorboats over 25 horsepower, so you do not need one to paddle a kayak. You do need to follow the life jacket and sound device rules, and kayaks launched at certain state access areas need a registration or permit. Ask about the details for your rental when you book.
Every person needs a Coast Guard approved life jacket on board. Children 12 and younger must wear one in any kayak, and from November 1 through April 30 everyone in a kayak must wear one. We recommend wearing yours the whole time on the river, no matter your age or the month.
Our kayak rentals run for two hours, which is enough for a relaxed paddle and some photos along the river. Call (412) 773-0988 or book online, and ask which stretches of river fit into your time on the water.
Ready to paddle? Book your kayak and see Pittsburgh from the water, or call (412) 773-0988 with any questions.
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