The Upper Shenango River Water Trail provides 21 miles of easy paddling in scenic northwestern Pennsylvania. Starting at Pymatuning State Park, and running through the towns of Jamestown and Greenville, it ends at an Army Corps of Engineers facility at Shenango River Lake. This valley was once the site of the Erie Extension Canal and remnants of the canal are still visible in some areas along the river. Enjoy the quiet and relax as you experience the pleasures of the Shenango River.

There are several public access points for the water trail.

1 Pymatuning State Park – Public canoe launch and parking. | 1 Water Trail Dr. Jamestown, PA

2 Halfway Road – Public canoe launch and parking area. | 205 Halfway Rd. Jamestown, PA

3 Porter Road – Unimproved access on private land.

4 Riverside Park – Public canoe launch and parking off of Alan Avenue. | 45 Alan Ave. Greenville, PA

5 Kidds Mill Bridge – Public canoe launch and parking at Kidds Mill park. | 99 W Kidds Mill Rd, Greenville, PA 16125

6 New Hamburg – Public canoe launch and parking. | 627 State Rte 4014, Fredonia, PA

7 Big Bend – Public canoe launch and parking. | Valley Rd. Mercer, PA

8 Golden Run Wildlife Area – Public boat launch and parking. | 2430 Lake Rd. Sharpsville, PA

9 Clark Recreation Area – Public boat launch and parking. | 2844 Lake Rd. Sharpsville, PA

10 Shenango Recreation Area – Public boat launch and parking. | Township Hwy 585, Transfer, PA

11 Mahaney Recreation Area – Public boat launch and parking. | Kelly Rd. Sharpsville, PA

12 Hartford Access Area – Public boat launch and parking. | Hartford Landing, Sharpsville, PA

*Not shown on map* – Parkers Landing Access Area | Parkers Landing Rd, Sharpsville, PA 

View Map

Check the Flow Before You Go!

Pymatuning Dam

Kidds Mill Bridge

Paddling Safety Tips

• Wear your life jacket — 80 percent of all recreational boating fatalities happen to people who are not wearing a lifejacket.
• Expect to get wet — even the best paddlers sometimes capsize or swamp their boats. Bring extra clothing in a waterproof bag.
• Be prepared to swim — if the water looks too hazardous to swim in, don’t go paddling.
• If you capsize — hold on to your boat, unless it presents a life-threatening situation. If floating in current, position yourself on the upstream side of the capsized boat.
• Scout ahead whenever possible — know the river or stream to avoid surprises.
• Be prepared for the weather — get a forecast before you go. Sudden winds and rain are common and can turn a pleasant trip into a risky, unpleasant venture.
• Never boat alone — boating safety increases with numbers.
• File a float plan with a reliable person indicating where you are going and when you will return. Remember to contact the person when you have returned safely.

Fish & Boat Boating Handbook

Brush Up on Paddling Safety

Whether you are a new paddler, or an experienced one. It is always a good idea to brush up on your Paddling Safety. You can do so with this free course from the American Canoe Association! You will receive a certificate upon completion. The course takes about 20 minutes.

Paddle Sports Safety Course from the American Canoe Association