What water level is good for paddling Allegheny River — Franklin to Emlenton?

This section is generally runnable at 500–15,000 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.

How do I check Allegheny River levels?

We read USGS gauge 03025500 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.

Is Allegheny River — Franklin to Emlenton good for beginners?

This section is rated Class I. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.

When is the best time to paddle Allegheny River here?

Typically April–October, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.

How long does it take to float Allegheny River — Franklin to Emlenton?

This reach is about 20 miles, roughly 7 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Allegheny River — Franklin to Emlenton: River Level Today — Can You Paddle It?

Class I20 mi · ~7 hrAllegheny RiverPennsylvania

Verdict · updated Aug 26, 7:00 AM UTC

High — use caution — rising fast

Flows are above the comfortable range. Expect strong current, pushy water, cold temperatures and fewer places to stop. Experienced paddlers only — many should wait.

Estimated range

4,920 cfs

3.9 ft gauge height

USGS gauge 03025500

Runnable 500 – 15,000 cfs

050015,00017,900

What this means today

the Allegheny River is at 4,920 cfs right now, inside the range for this reach — but it is rising fast enough that the number above is not the number you will put on the water. On a reach climbing this quickly, check it again immediately before you launch.

Over the last 24 hours it has gone from 3,620 cfs to 4,920 cfs, 36% up. Daily means over the past 6 days have run between 3,110 cfs and 3,690 cfs, ending roughly where it started.

Paddling Franklin to Emlenton

Allegheny River at Franklin to Emlenton is a 20-mile Class I run in Pennsylvania — easygoing moving water with light riffles and nothing technical. Most paddlers put in at Franklin, PA access and take out at Emlenton, PA access, a trip that runs about 7 hours at a relaxed pace.

Whether it's worth the drive comes down to flow. This section generally paddles well at 500–15,000 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Much below that and the Allegheny River gets low and bony, so you end up scraping gravel and walking the shallows; well above the top of the range it turns fast, cold and pushy, which is a more serious day than most casual boaters want. We read USGS gauge 03025500 about every 30 minutes and compare the live number to that window, so the verdict at the top of this page reflects conditions right now rather than a monthly average.

Flows here are usually most dependable April–October. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt, and late summer often drops too low to float well — but the gauge always beats the calendar, so check today's reading before you go.

7-day flow trend

Daily mean flow (cfs), past 7 days. Shaded band = runnable range.

Section facts

Difficulty: Class I
Length: 20 mi
Float time: ~7 hr
Best months: April–October
Put-in: Franklin, PA access ↗
Take-out: Emlenton, PA access ↗

Reading USGS gauge 03025500 — Allegheny River at Franklin, PA ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)

FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Allegheny River — Franklin to Emlenton?: This section is generally runnable at 500–15,000 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.
How do I check Allegheny River levels?: We read USGS gauge 03025500 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Is Allegheny River — Franklin to Emlenton good for beginners?: This section is rated Class I. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.
When is the best time to paddle Allegheny River here?: Typically April–October, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.
How long does it take to float Allegheny River — Franklin to Emlenton?: This reach is about 20 miles, roughly 7 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Nearby sections

Good to paddle · 1,590 cfs