Kayak hang anyone?

**beckett** · 06-22-2013, 23:38

Just returned from a day trip on the allegheny river (Buccaloons to Tionesta) and was wondering if anyone was interested in an overnight trip?
For those not familiar, the upper reaches of the Alleghenny river from Kinzua Dam is a great place for kayak and canoeing during the summer when other creeks and rivers aren't runnable.
It's all easy flatwater paddling with a few minor riffles thrown in and camping is permitted on any of the rivers many islands. Most are forested and there are plenty of established campsites on quite a few of them. The scenery was great and I saw a ton of wildlife you seldom see while hiking.
Outback Adventures,the outfitter I used in tionesta, rents boats or will shuttle you and your boat upriver to the put in of your choice. Then you travel back downstream to your vehicle without having to wait for somebody to come pick you up.(always hated that part)
The stretch I paddled today was about 30 miles, and normally a 2 day trip, but
Higher than normal flow cut it to around 7 hrs of actual paddling. I'm looking forward to going back and pretty open to suggestions on distance and pace.
I'd also like to hear from anyone that has done this trip before if they have any suggestions.

**Xchaos** · 06-23-2013, 01:56

Doing the 50 mile trip in July good to here water is up

**beckett** · 06-23-2013, 14:08

Hey XCHAOS,
River level according to the West Hickory gauge was @ 4.5 or so yesterday.
This gave a drift speed around 1.5 to 2.5 mph. and pretty much opened up the whole river for paddling. The OA guys told me when it gets much lower you may have to stick to the channels in the river but it's still quite doable. I'd love to do it @ 6 or 7.
The wind was surprising midday though. There were several long, open pools were the headwind would blow you back upstream at 1-2 mph if you quit paddling.
Are you planning your tip for 2 or 3 days?
Have you done the trip before? I'm curious as to what the section above Buccaloons is like.

**beckett** · 06-23-2013, 14:11

Good luck on the trip. Hope the water levels and weather hold up!

**Snaggletooth** · 06-23-2013, 19:20

That sounds fantastic ,wish I were a couple hundred miles closer.

**obxh2o** · 06-24-2013, 19:14

Beckett -- When are you planning on going? Early August and late August/early September are two possibilities for me. Always wanted to paddle that river.

**Xchaos** · 06-25-2013, 01:23

Planning on 3 days, I haven't done it but the group I'm going with did it last year. Will probably change some tent people to hammocks when they see how we do it. I guess one of them had a hammock (Eno singlenest) w/no tarp and he was the biggest guy probably 6'4-5" and pushing 300 tried sleeping in It 1 night and ended up going to ground so the rest of them wouldn't even try, boy do I have a surprise for them. Lol

**beckett** · 06-25-2013, 12:40

Obxh2o. Actually wouldn't mind doing it at least 2-3 more times this year.
It's only a 2hr. drive for me. If you would like to do it, let me know the date and I'll most likely be able to go.

**beckett** · 06-25-2013, 18:46

XCHAOS,
One thing I will mention. Although there are plenty of islands with what seemed to be plenty of established campsites, many I saw along the island shores were in waist high grass and brush with a clear area for a tent. You may be clearing areas for good hanging spots. Something to keep in mind if your group is large.