Best Places to Kayak Near Pittsburgh, PA

30 public launch points within 50 miles of Pittsburgh, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby26 Rivers4 Lakes
← All paddling in Pennsylvania

Top Picks Near Pittsburgh

white boat on body of water during daytime1

Canonsburg Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner17 mi away
a person in a boat on a lake surrounded by trees2

Glade Run Access

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

LakeBeginner17 mi away
a river surrounded by lush green trees in the middle of a forest3

Elizabeth

Just 14 miles from Pittsburgh — the closest quality launch

RiverBeginner14 mi away
a bridge over a river with a building in the background

Sharpsburg Island Marina

Pennsylvania · 1.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial photography of body of water between trees

19th Street Sharpsburg

Pennsylvania · 2.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
river and green trees

Southside Riverfront Park

Pennsylvania · 3.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat in the water with a city in the background

Heinz Quay

Pennsylvania · 3.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

VERONA BORO PINE ALLEY BOAT RAMP

Pennsylvania · 5.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A bridge over a river with a city skyline.

Deer Creek

Pennsylvania · 7.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a city from a kayak

Braddock Public

Pennsylvania · 7.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bridge over a river with a building in the background

Cheswick Marina

Pennsylvania · 8.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river surrounded by lush green trees in the middle of a forest

Kilbuck Access

Pennsylvania · 9.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Springdale

Pennsylvania · 9.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bridge over a river with a building in the background

Glassport Riverfront Park

Pennsylvania · 10.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A bridge over a river with a city skyline.

Logan's Ferry Marina

Pennsylvania · 11.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Lighthouse Marine Sales, Inc.

Pennsylvania · 11.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Chestnut Street

Pennsylvania · 12.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bridge over a river with a building in the background

Boston Park

Pennsylvania · 13.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Tarentum

Pennsylvania · 13.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river surrounded by lush green trees in the middle of a forest

Elizabeth

Pennsylvania · 14.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bridge over a river with a building in the background

Coulterville

Pennsylvania · 14.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Leetsdale

Pennsylvania · 15.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Buena Vista

Pennsylvania · 15.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
river and green trees

Carousel Marina

Pennsylvania · 16.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a boat on a lake surrounded by trees

Glade Run Access

Pennsylvania · 16.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white boat on body of water during daytime

Canonsburg Lake

Pennsylvania · 17.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bridge over a river with a building in the background

Sutersville Borough Park

Pennsylvania · 18.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

New Eagle Riverfront Park

Pennsylvania · 18.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bridge over a river with a building in the background

Monongehela Aquatorium

Pennsylvania · 18.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red kayak on sea during daytime

Freeport

Pennsylvania · 19.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Sunnyside/Gallatin

Pennsylvania · 19.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red kayak on sea during daytime

Monongahela

Pennsylvania · 19.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

BUFFALO TWP MUNI AUTH FREEPORT

Pennsylvania · 19.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Pittsburgh.

Glenshaw, PA4 miHomestead, PA6 miVerona, PA6 miBraddock, PA7 miAllison Park, PA7 miOakmont, PA7 miMc Kees Rocks, PA7 miEast Pittsburgh, PA8 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Pittsburgh, PA?

Top picks near Pittsburgh include Canonsburg Lake, Glade Run Access, Elizabeth. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Pittsburgh?

Near Pittsburgh you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Pittsburgh?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Pittsburgh are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.