The 2025 Stony-Kiski-Conemaugh Rivers Sojourn
Thursday, June 5, to Sunday, June 8
With Conemaugh Valley Conservancy
Our sojourn showcases the entire river valley in a spectacular four day, 44-mile float on the Stonycreek, Conemaugh, and Kiskiminetas Rivers. From Johnstown to Apollo, we’ll paddle through breathtaking vistas each day and camp each night. The sojourn will take us through deep river gorges, with views of historic canal remnants and wildlife along the way. All skill levels are welcome!
After registering, all participants will receive an information packet with detailed itinerary, directions, and everything you need to know to participate. Register for just one day, or join us for a weekend in the great outdoors!
No Experience Necessary
The sojourn offers mostly flat paddling along the borders of Cambria, Westmoreland, Indiana and Armstrong counties, making it ideal for novice paddlers as well as those with more experience. Daily instruction is offered and designated companion boaters accompany our group throughout the journey.
Bring the Entire Family for Kid’s Day!
Join us for Kid’s Days on the river! Kid’s pricing is available on Saturday, June 8! Register your children, up to 14 years old, for just $10 each. Children must be accompanied by an adult. We’ll be floating from the Conemaugh Dam to Avonmore, with a stop at the Saltsburg’s Annual Historic Canal Days Festival.
Sight Seeing
We’ll paddle through Conemaugh Gap, one of the deepest gorges in the state, and through the scenic and secluded Packsaddle Gap. Each day we’ll make stops in historic communities like Blairsville, Saltsburg, and Apollo.
Register Early
Registration is limited to the first 50 per day, so please register early to guarantee your spot.
Registration Fees
Non-Members:
$45 per person / per day
CVC Members:
$40 per person / per day
Saturday Only Kid’s Pricing:
$10 per child / up to 14 years old
CVC memberships are just $25 and include your entire household. Become a CVC Member today to protect our rivers and support conservation in the Kiski-Conemaugh River Valley and check out our other event discounts.
Prices do not include boat rental.
Itinerary
Itinerary – please note that a packet with detailed itinerary and directions will be sent to all registrants. Please refer to that packet for your convenience.
Day 1 – Thursday:
We’ll depart Johnstown from Sandyvale Memorial Gardens and travel approximately 11 miles to Seward. This day consists of mostly flat paddling with a couple of Class I or II ripples. We’ll make camp in Blairsville.
In the event of low water, we may launch from Cambria City on the west side of Johnstown.
Day 2 – Friday:
Friday is a 10-mile run through the beautiful Packsaddle Gap, featuring a mostly flat paddle with a couple of Class I or II ripples. We’ll set up camp at Conemaugh Dam.
Day 3 – Saturday:
The group will depart from Conemaugh Dam, making a stop in Historic Saltsburg halfway through the trip. The town will be holding the Historic Canal Days Festival once again! Enjoy the music and the atmosphere before we finish our paddle to Avonmore, where we’ll make camp, and enjoy time at the PNA club in town. There will be a Full Moon Paddle that evening. Saturday’s trip is approximately 12 miles.
The Rebecca Hadden House Museum will be open during the festival.
Day 4 – Sunday:
On our last day, we’ll float approximately 7 miles from Avonmore to Apollo’s, Roaring Run Recreation Area. This day consists of mostly flat paddling.
Explore & Learn
Each year the Stony-Kiski-Conemaugh River Sojourn celebrates the river and the nature-loving spirits that have helped lead the way to their revival. Not so long ago, our rivers and streams suffered from decades of industrial pollution, filled with the rust-orange color of mining runoff. With the help of local leaders in conservation and volunteers that work year round, monitoring watersheds, the Kiski-Conemaugh River Valley has experienced an amazing rebound. Thank you to everyone who joins us to experience a weekend of kayaking, hands-on learning, and educational guests. See you in June!
Boating Equipment & Shuttling
If you bring your own boating gear, you will be responsible for transporting your kayak or canoe to the launch sites. Shuttles will be provided to get participants to and from their vehicles throughout the sojourn.
All sojourners will bring their own vehicles along for the entire trip. This will allow you to leave your camping equipment and other gear safely in your vehicle while we are on the water.
If you’d like to rent a boat, please discuss rentals with the sojourn coordinator before registering. While we have great outfitters throughout the basin, none of the outfitters are able to cover the entire sojourn course. Rentals are available in the lower basin only – so Blairsville to Apollo, Days 3 and 4. You can make your own arrangements for rentals with the outfitters below, but you will need to carefully understand their limitations.
Saltsburg Kayak + Canoe Outfitters
Saltsburg, PA
(724) 252-8520
Two Dam Kayak Rentals
Saltsburg, PA
(724) 541-7447
Meals & Camping
Safety
For everyone’s safety, sojourners are asked to follow all rules from our event organizers. Full details and safety requirements will be issued in registration packets. All sojourners must wear a properly fitted US Coast Guard approved PFD (life jacket) and carry a whistle on their person during all on-water activities.
In addition, this year we will be following CDC guidelines associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. As these guidelines change, we will be updating our protocols as well. Please expect for masks to be required and for social distancing practices to be in effect. As always, we thank you for your patience as we navigate these guidelines.