In the 1990s, Friends of the Riverfront were tasked with establishing safe, easily accessible points where people could enter Pittsburghs’ rivers or launch non-motorized boats. With their work now complete, there are a total of 23 access points along the Ohio, Monogahela, and Allegheny Rivers, establishing what is known as The Three Rivers Water Trail. The trail, now having been open to the public for 10 years, was granted National Recreation Trail status by the U.S. Department of Interior, and it allows for perfect accessibility to some of Pittsburgh’s greatest features. Some access points have boat racks, benches, and interpretive signs.
Access points can be spotted via the road or river, and they are characterized by red-paddle-shaped signs. These signs list the distance from the Point at Point State Park, a nearby scenic attraction that you can travel to via your non-motorized boat. The access points have ramps or docks for easy access to the water, and most of them have resources such as parking, boat racks, and interpretive signage that discuss the historical significance of the rivers. No permits or registration are required, and the trails can be used free of charge.
Launch your canoe, kayak, or SUP and ply the Ohio River where the Lewis & Clark journey began. For more information and a Three Rivers Water Trail map, visit friendsoftheriverfront.org.
For more information and a Three Rivers Water Trail map, visit friendsoftheriverfront.org.
Point State Park, Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Distance: 0.04 mi (straight line)
Fort Pitt Blockhouse, Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Distance: 0.07 mi (straight line)
Fort Pitt Museum, Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Distance: 0.08 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers Forts
View Listing
Three Rivers Heritage Trail System - Monongahela Wharf, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Distance: 0.30 mi (straight line)
Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes
View Listing
Gateway Clipper Fleet, West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Distance: 0.42 mi (straight line)
Duquesne Incline Parking West Carson Street Pittsburgh, West Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Distance: 0.46 mi (straight line)
Andy Warhol Museum, Sandusky Street, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Distance: 0.58 mi (straight line)
Galleries and Venues Museums and Interpretive Centers
View Listing
Carnegie Science Center, Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Distance: 0.58 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers
View Listing
481 Three Rivers Heritage Trl, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USA
Distance: 0.59 mi (straight line)
Sienna Mercato, Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Distance: 0.66 mi (straight line)
1435 Grandview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15211, USA
Distance: 0.69 mi (straight line)
LC Features Viewpoints Outdoor Experiences
View Listing
Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, Children's Way, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Distance: 0.80 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers
View Listing
National Aviary, Arch Street, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Distance: 0.83 mi (straight line)
Rivers Casino, Casino Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Distance: 0.89 mi (straight line)
Food and Drinks Fun and Sports
View Listing
1212 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA
Distance: 0.94 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers Fun and Sports
View Listing
Senator John Heinz History Center, Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Distance: 0.95 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers LC Features
View Listing
507 Foreland St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USA
Distance: 0.98 mi (straight line)
Food and Drinks Breweries and Distilleries Shopping
View ListingOur bi-weekly newsletter provides news, history, and information for those interested in traveling along along the Lewis & Clark Trail.