Conemaugh River Lake

Quick Facts

Pennsylvania

(724) 639-9013

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

An endowment of historic resources, added to recreational opportunities, attracts visitors to Conemaugh River Lake. Only a short drive from Pittsburgh, Conemaugh River Lake is rich in history. Primary sites of historical interest include traces of The Pennsylvania Mainland Canal and sections of the 1864 and 1907 railroads. The Pennsylvania Game Commission leases 7,000 acres of land around the lake for wildlife management and hunting.

Authorized by the Flood Control Acts of 1936 and 1938, Conemaugh River Lake is one of 16 flood control projects in the Pittsburgh District. Conemaugh Dam provides flood protection for the lower Conemaugh Valley, the Kiskiminetas Valley, the lower Allegheny Valley and the upper Ohio River Valley. When rainfall, melting snow or stream flows indicate the possibility of flooding, run-off is retained behind the Conemaugh Dam. Water is stored until it can be released without increasing flood conditions downstream of the dam.

Since its completion in 1952, Conemaugh has prevented over two billion dollars in flood damage. In September 2004 when Hurricane Ivan struck the area, Conemaugh Dam alone prevented of three hundred seventy-five million dollars in flood damage. Conemaugh Dam is able to reduce flood levels at The Point in Pittsburgh by four feet.

Map of Conemaugh River Lake

Latitude, Longitude: 40.408805, -79.125050

Fishing
Lake fishermen have an excellent prospect of landing largemouth bass, pan fish or the occasional musky or northern pike. The outflow below the dam has a variety of fish populations including walleye, perch, several bass species, trout, carp, catfish and a selection of pan fish.
Hiking
Adjacent to the dam, the Bow Ridge Recreation Area offers trails excellent for hiking and observing nature by foot.

The Woodchuck Nature Trail provides a 45-minute walk through the diverse Western Pennsylvania forest where one can observe native plants species or just take a peaceful walk.
Historic Sites
Tunnelview Historic Site, directly downstream of the dam, provides a self-guided historic walk along a section of the restored Main Line Canal that once connected Philadelphia to Pittsburgh (1834-1854).

The West Penn Trail, operated by the Conemaugh Valley Conservancy, provides a scenic historic passage through the project by generally retracing the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal and Portage Railroad. Interpretive signs along the trail point out interesting parts of the historical legacy. Over three miles of the trail is level and accessible by wheelchair at the Livermore and Westinghouse trail heads. Information brochures are available at the park office.
Hunting
The reservoir land can be accessed for hunting. Deer, pheasant, grouse, and squirrel thrive in areas such as Virginia Farms, Aultman's Run, and Stewart's Run. Hunters can access the many remote areas of the project from the West Penn Trail.
Picnicking
Looking for a place to have an outdoor gathering? Two pavilions are available for the family outings or group gathering. There are plenty of picnic tables and grills for those who just want to relax and unwind. Pavilion reservations are now being accepted for the Social Hall and Livermore Pavilions.
Winter Sports
Visitors may hit the West Penn Trail to get some exercise while enjoying the winter on cross country skis. One can explore the winter woods on snowshoes and discover which animals are active during the winter season.