Press Releases
Official Designation Given to Middle Allegheny River Water Trail
A section of the Allegheny River that winds through Armstrong County has received its official designation as the Middle Allegheny River Water Trail.
The designation was approved by the Pennsylvania Water Trails Partnership of the National Parks Service (NPS), the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC).
The Middle Allegheny River Water Trail is the newest Pennsylvania water trail, according to DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.
Armstrong County received notification of the designation in early February 2018.
The designation positions Armstrong County for increased opportunities, according to Lynda J. Pozzuto, president of the Armstrong County Tourist Bureau’s Board of Directors.
“This is huge for Armstrong County,” Pozzuto said. “This opens the doors for national promotion and visibility as well as opportunities for funding water trail projects.”
Pozzuto noted that it has the potential to increase tourism. This, she said, can bring a positive economic impact to the county in addition to possible national recognition of special events that highlight the trail.
“The Middle Allegheny Water Trail will be included in an online database of trails which lists water trail description, maps, photographs and links to other websites like the Armstrong County Tourist Bureau,” she said.
Copies of the map, developed by the Armstrong County Tourist Bureau with assistance from the Armstrong County Department of Planning and Development, highlight points of interest along this 61-mile stretch of the Allegheny River.
Its main route begins at the water trail’s southern terminus at Freeport Riverfront Park and continues all the way to its northern terminus at Emlenton Launch, in Clarion County.
“We are extremely excited about the opportunities this will bring to Armstrong County,” Pozzuto said. “We are excited to show off the beautiful Allegheny River, and Armstrong County!”
Middle Allegheny River Water Trail Partners include Armstrong and Clarion counties; Baker Family Charitable Fund (through the Community Foundation); Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County; Cowanshannock Creek Watershed Association; East Brady Area Development; Ford City Borough; Freeport Borough; and West Kittanning Borough.