Lake/ river/ beach access (Clarion, Freeport: toxic, creek, worst)

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by erieguy

There is river access on the South Side, Emsworth/Glenfield, Leetsdale, Sharpsburg, Tarentum and other areas but no beaches.

There are quite a few beach-like areas on the banks of the Allegheny River along Lower Burrell and further north.

[erieguy]

Originally Posted by Hopes

There are quite a few beach-like areas on the banks of the Allegheny River along Lower Burrell and further north.

"Beach-like"? Must be me but there's no way I would consider anything on the river beach-like.

I've boated the rivers for 25+ years and I haven't seen any appealing beach-like areas except for Sandcastle, Crowes Nest, Kelly's, Paradise Beach, etc...

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by erieguy

"Beach-like"? Must be me but there's no way I would consider anything on the river beach-like.

I've boated the rivers for 25+ years and I haven't seen any appealing beach-like areas except for Sandcastle, Crowes Nest, Kelly's, Paradise Beach, etc...

They're small sandbars near and next to the banks. The locals use them all the time like beaches. You've gotta keep in mind that these are RIVERS, not oceans or lakes. You take what you can when you want to hang by the river. These are actual places you can sit on a towel or a beach chair and walk out into the water because it's shallow.

I don't care how many years you've boated the river. You can't really degrade it unless you've actually tried these places the locals do.

[erieguy]

Originally Posted by Hopes

They're small sandbars near and next to the banks. The locals use them all the time like beaches. You've gotta keep in mind that these are RIVERS, not oceans or lakes. You take what you can when you want to hang by the river. These are actual places you can sit on a towel or a beach chair and walk out into the water because it's shallow.

I don't care how many years you've boated the river. You can't really degrade it unless you've actually tried these places the locals do.

Ive seen those areas. Right, the 3 RIVERS, and theres also the Yough and Beaver.

More power to them if that's all there is...but the RIVERS are nasty and I would never recommend them or the shore to be used as "beach-like"...especially kids. The RIVERS change all the time with debris, garbage, etc..., being washed up. Some type of footwear is all but a must.

Somebody that's boated/walked/used the RIVERS for many years knows what they're really like. Those that are new to them do not.

[I_Like_Spam]

Back in the day, Pittsburgh had Smoky City Beach on the south side.

South Side: Images 3: Smoky City Beach

[erieguy]

Originally Posted by I_Like_Spam

Back in the day, Pittsburgh had Smoky City Beach on the south side.

South Side: Images 3: Smoky City Beach

Awesome.

[bluecarebear]

I wouldn't go on the Allegheny south of Emlenton unless I had shots first.

[SlurmsMcKenzie]

Originally Posted by bluecarebear

I wouldn't go on the Allegheny south of Emlenton unless I had shots first.

Why Emlenton, specifically? Is there something polluting the river there? I would feel safe anywhere above Freeport (confluence with the Kiskiminetas).

[SlurmsMcKenzie]

There are some pretty great swimming spots on the Yough below the falls in Ohiopyle. Hike upstream from Cucumber Run along the Meadow Run trail and you will come across many great little pools riverside, sheltered from the rapids by the rocks. Some of these little pools are rather large, others only the size of a hot tub. It's a great place to cool off and watch the rafters go by.

[erieguy]

Originally Posted by SlurmsMcKenzie

There are some pretty great swimming spots on the Yough below the falls in Ohiopyle. Hike upstream from Cucumber Run along the Meadow Run trail and you will come across many great little pools riverside, sheltered from the rapids by the rocks. Some of these little pools are rather large, others only the size of a hot tub. It's a great place to cool off and watch the rafters go by.

A neat place for sure.

The Clarion River and the Cooks Forest area is also a neat place and a good time.