See all 2 routes on Loyalhanna Creek
Pennsylvania | Laurel Highlands
Loyalhanna CreekLigonier Nature Trail to Kingston
A roughly seven-mile upper Loyalhanna Creek water-trail segment from the named Ligonier Nature Trail access to the Kingston access above the dam spillway. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission guide names both access points, publishes their coordinates, and recommends a minimum 250 cfs at the direct Kingston USGS gauge.
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Need to know
Why this call
Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.
Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
Plan ahead
Tomorrow and the weekend
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Plan
Plan your trip
Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.
Route logistics
Access and shuttle
A named PFBC Loyalhanna Creek Water Trail segment with direct USGS flow guidance and a take-out above the Kingston spillway.
Access map
Put-in
Ligonier Nature Trail accessUse the PFBC-named Ligonier Nature Trail access and Kingston access; do not improvise at private banks or bridge shoulders.
Take-out
Kingston access above dam spillwayKingston take-out is upstream of the dam spillway and requires an intentional exit before the hazard.
Road shuttle
Access notes and hazards
Access caveats
- Use the PFBC-named Ligonier Nature Trail access and Kingston access; do not improvise at private banks or bridge shoulders.
- Kingston take-out is upstream of the dam spillway and requires an intentional exit before the hazard.
- The PFBC coordinates are approximate access anchors; follow current signs and access directions on site.
Watch for
- Kingston dam spillway
- Whitewater and changing current
- Strainers and cold water
- Low flow below 250 cfs
- Closures, permits, and parking changes
Plan this paddle
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Conditions
Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast
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USGS measurements
More about this gauge
These measurements come from the gauge station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Loyalhanna Creek at Kingston, PA. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Gauge detail
Water-level history and forecastDetailed view
Gauge
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Photos
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Score & sources
Why this score
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Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
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- Checking evidence cautions.
Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | Loyalhanna Creek at Kingston, PA |
| Discharge | Checking |
| Gauge height | Checking |
| 24h trend | Checking |
| 24h change | Checking |
| Current band | Checking |
| Rain last 24h | Checking |
| Rain last 72h | Checking |
| Air temp | Checking |
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| Wind | Checking |
| Gusts | Checking |
| Rain timing | Checking |
| Preferred range | Needs paddler reports |
| Known low-water floor | 250 cfs |
| High threshold | Water-level guidance unavailable |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Official data source |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | PFBC Loyalhanna Creek Water Trail minimum flow |
| Gauge source | Checking |
| Weather source | Checking |
| Rainfall source | Checking |
NotesWhat to know before you go
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Official route and accessLigonier Nature Trail access to Kingston access, about 7 river miles
PFBC's official Loyalhanna guide lists the access sites, approximate river miles, coordinates, directions, and the Kingston dam-spillway warning.
- Direct gauge and thresholdUSGS 03045000; minimum 250 cfs
PFBC explicitly recommends a minimum of 250 cfs at the Kingston USGS gauge for the water trail.
- Live USGS stationLoyalhanna Creek at Kingston, PA
USGS provides the live monitoring location and discharge telemetry for station 03045000.
- Dam hazardKingston spillway below take-out
PFBC places the Kingston take-out about 300 feet upstream from the dam spillway and identifies the downstream portage context.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
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Reports
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More routes to check next
Compare another stretch on this river, or explore different rivers within 75 straight-line miles.
Quick answers
Loyalhanna Creek paddling FAQ
What water level is best for the Ligonier Nature Trail to Kingston route on the Loyalhanna Creek?
Paddle Today watches Loyalhanna Creek at Kingston, PA and uses 250 cfs as the conservative low-water floor for this route. The ideal range still needs more paddler reports.
Where does the Ligonier Nature Trail to Kingston route on the Loyalhanna Creek start and end?
This route starts at Ligonier Nature Trail access and ends at Kingston access above dam spillway, about 7 river mi on the water.
Is the Ligonier Nature Trail to Kingston route on the Loyalhanna Creek suitable for beginners?
This is listed as a hard route. Treat the live score as a planning aid, then confirm conditions, hazards, access, and group skill before launching.
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