Fall Hours:

Friday thru. Sunday we will be open our normal working hours.

Weekdays we will be open by reservations only. Please call to set up your trip (814-688-7647).

Fall Foliage Trips:

Fall will be in the air soon. So now is the time to start thinking about planning a trip down the Conewango to see the trees in full color. Call now and we can start helping you plan a fun and memorable trip.

Moonlight Paddle:

The next Full Moon is the Harvest Moon, on Monday Sept. 12, 2011. Call and make reservations now.

PADDLING IN FULL SWING!

The Kayak and Canoe season is going great! the weather has at last turned to summer patterns,The upper sections of the creek are open with easy paddling in the deep flat water. The lower section has some areas were the gravel bars are showing,so grab a paddle and lets hit the water, its your turn to explore the Conewango!Many thanks to all the great people who nominated the Conewango river of the year.

SPRING IS IN THE AIR!

A few neat things for the season, The paddling season will soon be here,

This year we have the 3rd annual creek clean up planned wow the 3rd!

also there is a ribbon cutting for the waterway trail,and Water Trail Festival on June 18th in Russell, we are looking for vendors to set up there, this will be a great time!

I am looking forward to the season and seeing all of you again, We have purchased a few more boats but please make reservations soon for weekends and holidays, as always see you on the water and go with the flow!

Creek Clean up was a HUGE sucess!

Over 100 volunteers spend their Saturday wading , paddling , climbing and crawling to remove trash from the Conewango Creek, we filled one 20 yard dumpster and 1/4 of another one. I am proud to work and live with the wonderful people who dont talk about it but are about it, thank you so much. I want to thank these business for their support and I hope you will support their business

Ed Shults,Midtown Motors,Jones Carroll,Tractor Supply Company, Ajs Texas hots,Thornes Bi-Lo, Kmart, Tops Markets, Big Foot Traders Group, Boulder Foods, American Rivers, Conewango Creek Watershed Assoc, Cummings Diesel, C.O.T of Warren, Warren City, B&L Builder supply Russell Lions Club,Media 1 group,Grizzly Garys,and the over 100 volunteers who made this the biggest clean up in the history of the Conewango Creek, thank you all for your support and I look forward to working with you next year, until then see you on the water!

The FWP will also make a cash reward of up to $2,000 for traveling expenses incurred by participating. The purpose of the capacity-building program is to support the development of nonprofit organizations who are devoted to the restoration and preservation of clean water in western Pennsylvania.

The CCWA was one of 30 watershed groups in Pennsylvania that were invited to apply for the grant. Eleven groups were interviewed and the CCWA was one of three chosen.

The project will help the CCWA create a custom organizational development plan that will help strengthen areas in need of improvement. In order to have regular interaction, a “leadership team” was formed to attend meetings and trainings and to meet with consultants. The CCWA leadership team includes: Tom Osborne (Vice Chairman) of Russell, PA; Elizabeth Dropp (Director) of Youngsville, PA; and Annette Strasser (member) of Frewsburg, NY.

The CCWA is a nonprofit organization that promotes stewardship that enhances water quality and related sources throughout the Conewango Creek watershed. The mission will be pursued through identifying and evaluating the watersheds potential resource problems, developing practical solutions to address resources concerns, and involving and educating the people within the Conewango watershed community. The CCWA co-sponsored the Conewango Creek clean-up in September 2009. A total of 67 volunteers and 534 hours of service helped remove nine tons of garbage. They also sold rain barrels to homeowners to help save energy, conserve water, and reduce runoff. Through this development grant, the CCWA hopes that improvements can be made to expand their programs and projects. For more information about the CCWA visit their website at www.conewangocreek.org.

The FWP is a grant-making foundation that invests in efforts to protect natural streams, clean up pollution, and repair wildlife habitat. Their mission is to promote the protection, preservation, and restoration of the watersheds and water resources of Pennsylvania. The foundation has helped over 150 different groups, funded millions of dollars in projects, and restored hundreds of miles of polluted rivers and streams.

For this project, the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds partnered with the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management at Robert Morris University. The Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management will design a management and governance support program. They offer consulting in various areas, such as: board development, business planning, financial management, etc.

Tom Osborne is pictured receiving his Volunteer Acheivement Award.

The Conewango Creek Watershed Association held its 2009 annual meeting recently at the Jamestown Audubon Society.

Elections were conducted for the three director seats up for re-election which were filled by the incumbents: Chautauqua County at-large – Chris Humphrey from Jamestown; Cattaraugus County at-large – Brian Schrantz; and Warren County at-large – Tom Osborne of Russell. Also elected was John Haffner from Blasdell, N.Y., for a vacated Cattaraugus County at-large position.

After a brief business meeting, the Environmental Achievement Award was presented to Osborne for spearheading the Conewango Creek clean-up in September and for the energy and passion he has brought to the group. Dan Steward, association chairman, gave a summary of the activities and achievements in the past year. Kim Sherwood, association watershed curator, talked about the environmental accomplishments in the watershed and asked the public to plot an environmentally sound course in the future.

The featured presentation called “The Way We Were (then, and a little bit of now)” was given to the group by DeForest Warn and Dr. Tom Erlandson. Historical photos from the area taken by Warn and Rollin Cass dating back to the 1930s were selected to demonstrate the changes that have occurred to the watershed over the last eight decades. Areas highlighted were landmarks in Jamestown including Chautauqua Lake and its outlet, downtown Jamestown, Frewsburg and the Kinzua area of the Allegheny River. By comparing the old photos with current ones, the changes were pointed out.

Store house run, directly across from our livery is store house run it was named by General George Washington’s troops, they left provisions at this location as they started their over land trek to negotiate with Chief Cornplanter.

The first covered bridge across the Conewango was built in Akeley about 1 mile south of the livery (1846)

The Big 4 road that runs parallel to the Conewango below Russell was made and named by 4 local business men (1878)

The Conewango Creek is home to 19 species of shellfish and mussels, 3 species of turtle and numerous species of fish.

There is about 66 miles of water way on the Conewango.

The deepest area is about 52 feet deep!

The Conewango can be diveded into two sections From Russell PA north the banks are clay, the water is slow and deep, Just below Russell to Warren it is fast gravel and rock bottom, shallow with scattered deep holes.

Putting up tents.

Camping on the Conewango

We now offer low impact water front camp sites!You can spend the night fishing by camp fire light or wake to watch ducks speed through the morning fog,all this and more from the comfort of your own tent. Our tent only sites are hand cleared, spacious, camper friendly,and the first load of fire wood is on us. Have your own canoe or kayak, bring it along we offer shuttle service to and from our livery, or use the camp ground dock. So grab your gear and go with the flow on the Conewango.

We are a small, family orientated camp ground,to insure we have sites for you, we encourage reservations. We want to make your camping trip to be a fun family get away, so we ask please no pets, alcohol may be be consumed at your camp site and in moderation. Please help us by using our recycling bins.

Pricing

Tent camping prices up to 4 people, $25 per night weekend(Friday-Saturday) , Holidays 3 night minimum, week day price $20 per night, $110 per week.

Check back often for updates.

Sit around a campfire.

114 tires

The Conewango Creek Clean up was awsome! Thanks to all that helped out and to all the local business that supplied us with the gear we needed. Please remember these business when you are shopping.

Ruff Acres Antiques
Ed Shults of Warren
Warren Mall
Tractor Supply Company
Mike’s AJ’s Texas Hots (Lakewood)
Ray Shields Farm
Cornplanter Council of the Boy Scouts of America
Russell Lions’ Club 
Outdoor Life Magazine
American Rivers
Boulder Canyon Natural Foods
Warren County Sheriff’s Dept.

Click on the link below to see the pictures of the Conewango Creek Clean-up. 
http://s976.photobucket.com/albums/ae242/kayaker45/

Unloading trash from boats.

Boats waiting to be unloaded.

- Conewango Creek Watershed Association
- National Audubon Society
- Many Colleges and Clubs

- “Yak Attack”

- Free 1 hour kayak and canoe lesson
- Wednesdays, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Canoes, Kayaks, and life jackets provided

We do offer guided trips, fishing, fall leaf peeping, naturalist trips and bird watching trips along the Conewango and into Akeley swamp. Please call for reservations.

The fishing here is great but please consider catch and release, a photo does not smell!

No matter your interest we can organize and help plan your trip, we are here to help you.

In an effort to keep boat traffic to a minimum, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful trip, we will not over rent, reservations are highly recommended on weekends and holidays, this will ensure you have the number of canoes and kayaks you will need.

To request information on any of our services, complete our simple form or contact us through email or by phone 814-688-7647.

How many people fit in a canoe?
Two adults and up to one small-size child. You can also have three adults – but the third adult costs $5 extra, and may not be comfortable.

How hard is it to Kayak?
Today’s sport kayaks are very easy to operate and have plenty of space to sit comfortably in, almost everyone can kayak! forget about rolling over and white water tricks that you see on TV. Our dock has been designed to allow easy in and out of canoes and kayaks, we will be happy to let you try a kayak out.

What is your cancellation policy?
We ask that you call as soon as you can, this way we can try to rent your boats.

Do you ever cancel?
Yes, if the water gets too high due to excessive rain, or an increased outflow we will not allow customers to go out in our boats. Other severe weather conditions may also cause cancellations. We make every attempt to notify customers of a cancellation prior to them arriving. We will not rent out boats if we deem it hazardous no matter your skill level.

What is the Conewango water conditions like?
The upper stretches are considered flat water, no rapids or fast moving water, you can paddle upstream with ease. The section between Russell and Warren is class 1 small rapids easily navigated but you must use more caution then on flat water.

Are there places to camp along the river?
Yes there is, next to the livery is are own campground, it is primitive camping and we offer special rates to our customers.

What wildlife are we likely to see?
There is a huge diversity of wildlife from otters to ospreys, deer, turkeys, and the occasional bear.

What should we bring?
Sunscreen, food, cell phone, your camera, and a positive relaxing attitude.

Do you do guided trips?
We do but they are by reservation only, please call to set this up.

Do you do overnight trips?
Yes there are places to camp over night, we will be happy to help you set it up.

How far will I be from civilization?
The highway and houses are not that far, however some sections are very remote. And in some places you will see people sunning on their back deck, be sure to say hello to them!

What is the age limit for canoes?
No one under the age of 2 is allowed in our boats.

What are the state laws and livery rules regarding life jackets?
Children 12 and under and non-swimmers of any age must wear a life jacket at all times all others must have a life jacket within reach, we encourage all to wear a life jacket.

Is there cell phone reception along the river?
Cell phones work along some parts of the river but not others. Livery staff can give you a better sense about cell phone reception once they know which trip you are taking.

What do I do in the event of an emergency?
Dial 911. In places where cell phones don’t work, paddlers should go to the nearest house for help. The livery’s phone number is also written on the boats, and life jackets in the event of a pressing but non-emergency situation.

What do I do in the event of a thunderstorm?
If you hear or see lightening or thunder, get off the water immediately.

Can we bring alcohol on our trip?
It is illegal in Pennsylvania to drink alcohol or be under the influence while operating a boat, even a non-motorized one. Responsible adults of legal drinking age who wish to enjoy a beverage while picnicking or camping along the Conewango are welcome to transport these items in our boats – but we will not allow anyone to operate our equipment while under the influence of alcohol, celebrate after your trip.

Do you offer group discounts?
Yes. Groups of four or more canoes or kayaks on a weekday get a 5 percent discount. Tax-exempt groups should take 6 percent off the listed trip prices. We also offer discounts to Conewango Creek Watershed Association, and Members of the National Audubon Society.