AVC Dotter River Access

The AVC Dotter Kayak Access is more than a way to enjoy the river. The Allegheny Valley Conservancy (AVC) owns this 16.37 acre site along the Allegheny River to permanently protect the floodplain and riverine habitat as well as provide recreational access for the public. A picnic pavilion is provided, and overnight camping is allowed for both river trips and users of the Allegheny River Trail, the bike trail on the land side of the property which is also part of the regional Erie to Pittsburgh Trail.

This water access provides for smaller, half-day floats to downstream boat launches or full day trips from further up-river. This section of the river is a Class I-II, B and is used for paddling and fishing. The Allegheny River Water Trail along this section is designated as a Wild & Scenic River. The property provides an access drive from a parking area for outfitters and individuals to drive down the hill and load or unload kayaks. They must then park in the parking area provided by the land trail organization at the top. River users then can take their watercraft further down the hill to the river on the stone path.

This site connects the public to the stewardship of the river and the surrounding riparian habitat. As trail users experience the property and become aware of the ownership by AVC, they will learn that the property is protected primarily for the conservation value of the riparian habitat. They will also become aware of the fact that conservation and use of the land can go hand-in-hand.

The Allegheny Valley Conservancy (AVC) is a 501(c)3, volunteer non-profit established in 2002 with the mission “to promote good land use through the protection, conservation and management of the open-space, forested, agricultural, historic, natural, ecologically significant, environmentally sensitive, biologically diverse and scenic resources of the Allegheny River and French Creek watersheds” in northwestern Pennsylvania. Good land use is essential to the need for clean air, clean water, and livable communities.

Outdoor recreation is growing as an important economic driver as well as community development initiative. AVC provides access to the regional outdoor amenities and makes them inviting to local residents and visitors. For more information, please email avcinfo@windstream.net.