Allegheny Islands State Park in Pennsylvania, USA

Research checked: 2026-10-22. Check linked official notices before travel.

Allegheny Islands State Park is an undeveloped, boat-access park in the Allegheny River northeast of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A visit begins with a suitable river launch and a planned landing, rather than a road entrance. The islands have no developed trails or visitor facilities. Arrange the water journey before treating this as a short outdoor stop.

River islands and natural shorelines

Island habitat: Vegetated shores and shallow shoals provide a different setting from a developed riverside park.
Wildlife observation: Birds and other animals use the islands and surrounding water.
River history: The islands' shape reflects changes made for navigation.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Topic	Details
Entrance fees	Pennsylvania state parks charge no entrance or day-use fee. Arrange any boat, launch, or group-camping permissions separately.
Opening hours	The park opens daily, sunrise to sunset, throughout the year. Authorized group overnight stays follow separate permission.
River access	The islands flood frequently. Confirm river conditions and the intended launch and landing before departure; year-round opening does not establish a safe crossing.

Treat the approach as a river trip

There are fast currents near the lock and dam. Do not use a general park pin as a navigation plan. Choose waters you know, travel with others, and leave a float plan with someone ashore.

Pennsylvania's cold-weather boating rule requires a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while underway or at anchor from November 1–April 30 on boats under 16 feet long and on any canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. The commission recommends wearing one throughout the year.

Leave the islands undeveloped

Carry supplies and remove your waste. Follow Leave No Trace practices, especially if your group receives camping permission. Hunting occurs during established seasons under Pennsylvania license and park rules; check the relevant boundaries and seasons before an island visit.

Group camping needs written permission

Qualified adult and youth groups may camp only with written permission from DCNR. Contact Point State Park, which administers the islands. The group-tenting instructions do not describe an ordinary bookable campground or unrestricted individual camping.

Plan a launch and a return

The park lies in northeastern Allegheny County around C.W. Bill Young Lock and Dam #3. Landings are on the beach; there are no park docks or launch ramps. Read the island boating information and agree on a suitable approach with park staff.

Deer Creek Access in Harmar Township is a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission river access to ask about when arranging a trip. Confirm its current status, launch requirements, and your return route. The administering office at 601 Commonwealth Place in downtown Pittsburgh is not an island entrance.

Road-access parks from the mainland

Point State Park: A downtown Pittsburgh alternative reached at Commonwealth Place after returning to the mainland.
Keystone State Park: A regional drive toward Derry, near PA 981 and US 22; choose its Keystone Park Road or overnight-area entrance.

Explore by boat and observe the river

Boating and fishing are the main ways to build a visit. Fishing follows Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission rules. Choose the activity and river section for your skills rather than assuming a landing creates an easy walking outing.

Several footpaths exist, but there is no developed hiking network. Shoreline observation can reveal birds or signs of other wildlife. Give animals space and avoid disturbing the vegetation that shelters them.

Prepare for a beach landing

DCNR describes the islands as having no visitor facilities. Bring the drinking water, food, and equipment your visit requires. Plan restroom and parking stops at your chosen mainland access rather than expecting them on the islands.

Discuss boat boarding and beach-transfer needs with park staff before committing to the trip. An undeveloped landing does not provide the same access as a dock or paved trail.

About the river islands

One island divided for navigation

The land was historically known as Hulings Island and later 14-mile Island. In 1932, construction of Lock and Dam #3 divided it. The navigation structure now bears C.W. Bill Young's name.

Flood-shaped habitat

River sediment builds the islands and shoals, while recurring floods influence their vegetation. Sycamore, cottonwood, and willow grow here. Recorded animals include beavers, great blue herons, belted kingfishers, and wood ducks. These records do not guarantee a sighting.

Contact the administering park

Call 412-565-2850 or email [email protected] about island access and group permission. The official park profile provides management information.

	Temp max	Temp min	Rain	Snow
Jan	3 °C 37 °F	-5 °C 23 °F	66 mm 2.6 in	19 mm 0.7 in
Feb	5 °C 41 °F	-4 °C 25 °F	73 mm 2.9 in	20 mm 0.8 in
Mar	10 °C 50 °F	0 °C 32 °F	83 mm 3.3 in	12 mm 0.5 in
Apr	16 °C 61 °F	5 °C 41 °F	107 mm 4.2 in	3 mm 0.1 in
May	22 °C 72 °F	12 °C 54 °F	128 mm 5.0 in	0 mm 0.0 in
Jun	26 °C 79 °F	16 °C 61 °F	144 mm 5.7 in	0 mm 0.0 in
Jul	28 °C 82 °F	19 °C 66 °F	122 mm 4.8 in	0 mm 0.0 in
Aug	27 °C 81 °F	18 °C 64 °F	85 mm 3.3 in	0 mm 0.0 in
Sep	24 °C 75 °F	15 °C 59 °F	108 mm 4.3 in	0 mm 0.0 in
Oct	18 °C 64 °F	9 °C 48 °F	113 mm 4.4 in	0 mm 0.0 in
Nov	10 °C 50 °F	2 °C 36 °F	67 mm 2.6 in	5 mm 0.2 in
Dec	6 °C 43 °F	-1 °C 30 °F	89 mm 3.5 in	13 mm 0.5 in

Allegheny Islands State Park in Pennsylvania, USA - map and visitor information