Urban Kayaking in Steel City

I had always associated Pittsburgh, home to the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, with being a haven for spectator sports fans. But when I heard that National Geographic Magazine ranked Pittsburgh as a "Top Adventure Town in the USA," I thought I'd check out the outdoor sports action.

Thanks to grassroots efforts and legislative initiative to combat the fallout caused by years of mining, I was actually able to launch a kayak in downtown Pittsburgh and paddle in the Allegany River. Urban landmarks such as PNC Park were interspersed with grassy banks and As I drifted under the Roberto Clemente Bridge, I was greeted by recreational and commercial watercraft as well as the occasional waterfowl.

Jon Lucadamo, Program Director, Venture Outdoors/Kayak Pittsburgh (www.ventureoutdoors.org) reflects on how the rivers proximity to downtown means adventure enthusiasts can walk from the office and be in a boat and paddling within the course of 15 minutes. The flat-waters were suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. The re-appearance of mayflies in 2000 after a 25 year absence represents a strong bio-indicator that the rivers have made an amazing comeback.

Kayak Pittsburgh (www.kayakpittsburgh.org), a project of Venture Outdoors, offers adventure enthusiasts the opportunity to paddle in downtown Pittsburgh under the 6th Street Bridge. The port of Pittsburg is one of the busiest ports in the nation, which means there is both barge and recreational boating traffic. However, the kayakers appear to stay on one side of the river with motorized vehicles completing for space on the other side. Since the area has one of the highest numbers of registered boaters, Joe relishes the novelty of using paddle versus a motor on this heavily trafficked river. Those desiring a slightly less urban adventure can trek to the slightly more secluded North Park Boathouse and paddle on a smaller but more tranquil lake.

Each trip begins with a short period of instruction, though more extensive lessons are available. Guided trips include beginner paddles, full moon paddles, and fireworks paddles. Seasonal solo and tandem kayak and boat rentals are available every day during the Summer and Saturdays and Sundays only in May and October.

Also, Three Rivers Rowing (www.threeriversrowing.org) offer rentals, pre-scheduled lesson programs and tours. Their scenic kayak tours Tuesdays through Thursdays at 6pm and Sundays at 10am through the end of November (weather permitting). They operate out of Washington's Landing Boathouse, which is located in the back channel of the Allegheny River.

For those who want to launch their own non-motorized canoe or kayak, the Friends of the Riverfront (http://www.friendsoftheriverfront.org) can direct interested parties to nine access sites. They are also the developers and stewards of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, which consists of over 21 miles of walking and biking trails along the three rivers in the Pittsburgh region.

In addition, the Friends of the Riverfront are working on a "Guide to Paddling the Three Rivers Water Trail." Those interested in a preliminary map of the Three Rivers Water Trail system along with a free Map and Activity Guide to the Three Rivers Heritage Trail for biking and walking can do so online by sending an email to friends@friendsoftheriverfront.or and calling 412.488.0212. Additional resources available at www.friendsoftheriverfront.org

To sample a full smorgasbord of Pittsburgh area outdoor adventures can be found the annual Venture Outdoors Festival. (http://www.ventureoutdoors.org/VOFest07.asp) This event, which takes place in late May draws over 7,000 people and 100+ outdoor organizations and exhibitors. This Festival is part of Pittsburgh's Great Outdoors Week (www.greatoutdoorsweek.org), a weeklong funfest that offers area residents and visitors a myriad of opportunities to participate a wide range of activities sponsored by some of the region's best outdoor recreation organizations.