Last updated: June 8, 2021
Place
Three Rivers Water Trail
Quick Facts
Location:
Pittsburgh, PA
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
11 listed
Beach/Water Access, Benches/Seating, Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Parking - Boat Trailer, Restroom, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Water - Drinking/Potable
Lewis and Clark NHT Visitor Centers and Museums
This map shows a range of features associated with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, which commemorates the 1803-1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition. The trail spans a large portion of the North American continent, from the Ohio River in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon and Washington. The trail is comprised of the historic route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, an auto tour route, high potential historic sites (shown in black), visitor centers (shown in orange), and pivotal places (shown in green). These features can be selected on the map to reveal additional information. Also shown is a base map displaying state boundaries, cities, rivers, and highways. The map conveys how a significant area of the North American continent was traversed by the Lewis and Clark Expedition and indicates the many places where visitors can learn about their journey and experience the landscape through which they traveled.
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.