Allegheny River: the Tie that Binds

The idea for a Bradford to Oakland canoe trip originated with Carol A. Baker, vice president and dean of academic affairs at Pitt-Bradford. Two associates, Madeline Miles, an advisory board member, and Rick Lutz, a Bradford community educator, contributed to the early planning and are among the trip’s most steadfast participants.

“I’ve always been fascinated with the Allegheny River and its history,” said Baker, who was looking for a means of establishing an informal tradition at Bradford when she came up with the idea for the annual canoe trip five years ago. “The Allegheny River was a symbolic connection between Bradford and the mother campus in Pittsburgh.”

Known as the Allegheny Rivers Scholar’s Canoe Trip, the journey begins in Bradford, McKean County, and continues down the Allegheny River to Oakland. The group, 50 people in about 20 canoes, usually arrives during late morning on the fifth day at the Three Rivers Rowing Association, Washington’s Landing.

The five-day trip covers 199 miles, although canoeist paddle only five to six hours each day, covering about half the distance by water. A bus provides transportation to and from the group’s campsite or hotel. Each year, organizers seek out different portions of the river to travel, keeping the itinerary scenic and varied. As a result, many paddlers repeat the trip each year.

Participants include students, who can earn a physical education credit; alumni; staff; faculty; administrators; and members of the board of trustees. Most are from the Pitt-Bradford campus, although a few from the Oakland campus participate. Canoeist range in age from 19 to 70, and experience is not necessary, said Baker. To help any newcomers, organizers offer canoeing instruction at a local lake prior to the group’s departure. And for those who are not able to make a five-day journey, a two-day trip also is available.

According to Baker, the annual event has several goals: to enhance the community of learners and its commitment to liberal education; to symbolically recognize the relationship between Pitt-Bradford and the Oakland campus, while focusing attention on the Bradford campus; to carry out projects of service; and to have fun.

“And this is absolutely a fun group,” said Baker. “Everyone is in there working together, and that helps build community.”