By Water

Quemahoning Reservoir

This is a beautiful scenic body of water located off route 601 between Hollsopple and Jerome, Pa.  It was originally built as a water supply for Somerset and Cambria County areas and owned by The Manufacturers Water Company of Johnstown (TMWC).

The lake opened for public fishing in 2000 and could become the best big bass lake in the state. There is a boat ramp with a per day access fee. Boats are restricted to less than 17' and no gas or gasoline motors are permitted on the lake; electric motors only. There are several carry-in accesses around the lake that can be used without paying a fee by using a canoe or small carry-in boat.

Launch Areas:

Quemahoning Recreation Area - Trailer Boat Launch, requires a for fee parking pass per day. A season parking pass (Memorial Day-Labor Day) is also available.
Green Bridge - Car Top or non-trailer launch site. Vehicles must park in adjacent lot after launching - no fee.
Birdman Road - Car Top or non-trailer launch site. Vehicles must park in adjacent lot after launching - no fee.
Lemon Road - Car Top or non-trailer launch site. Vehicles must park in adjacent lot after launching - no fee.
Higgins Run - Parking area only.
Plank Road - Parking area only.

Only electric motors are permitted.

Boat Rentals:

Buckstown Canoe and Kayak
248 Penn Ave.,  Hollsopple
814-479-3365

Directions:

Take Route 219 South to Route 403 - Davidsville exit. Turn left at the bottom of the exit toward Hollsopple. Follow 403 to junction with Route 601 - bear to the right at the junction to follow 601 south for 1.5 miles. Turn left onto Plank Road (look for Camp Harmony sign) then an immediate right on Quemahoning Dam Rd.

 

Stonycreek River Lower Section & Bens Creek

Stonycreek River Canyon is earning an outstanding reputation as an excellent whitewater stream. Its five-mile stretch of nearly continuous rapids has been the site of the 1972 Olympic whitewater trials and of the Conemaugh Valley Conservancy's outfitted raft run which takes place every spring.

Kayakers often describe the Stony as "a play-boater's dream" due to the large boulders and rock shelves that create hydraulics where boaters can roll, turn and spin without moving down river. Though normally a Class III run, the Canyon provides Class IV rapids at higher water levels.

Ben's Creek is a favorite of canoeists and kayakers looking for a more relaxing paddling experience as they wind their way through the surrounding hills and valleys of the region.

Local Fish Species:

Trout, bass, and panfish

Access:

  • The put-in is at the newly developed Greenhouse Park along Rt. 403 between Benscreek and Tire Hill.
  • Take-out options include: In Riverside at the end of the Jim Mayer Trail under the railroad bridge. This is a relatively short run of 1 ½ miles. Parking is very limited at this take-out.
  • For a longer paddle, many people take out at the Army Corps maintenance ramps. One of these ramps is located in the Hornerstown neighborhood. The other ramp is just past the Johnstown Inclined Plane on the right side, where an access ramp leads down to the river from Route 56 - the same spot often used as a put-in for paddling Conemaugh Gap.
  • Put in at State Route 601 bridge in Foustwell, or add an additional 1.5 miles by putting in just below the ball field in Hollsopple. The take out is a little tricky. From Hollsopple, take State Route 601 to Foustwell. Make a left before the bridge that goes over the Stony onto SR 4039. Follow this road for approx. 2 miles and under Rt. 219 (4 lane). Just past Rt. 219, make a right onto Kaufman Church Road (on corner). Follow for approx. 1.5 miles and make a right onto SR 4022 (Carpenters Park Road) at a stop sign. Follow over Rt. 219 (4 lane) and down to the Stony takeout (Carpenters Park).
Conemaugh River

The Conemaugh runs from Johnstown to Freeport, where it meets the Allegheny. This stretch is interrupted by the Conemaugh Reservoir. Except for a few areas of fast water, the river provides long stretches suitable for canoeing & kayaking. The scenic beauty of the area along the river adds to the experience.

Local Fish Species: 

Bass and panfish.

Access:

There is public access above the dam along Route 403.