Confluence, PA Along the Great Allegheny Passage

About Our Town
Great Allegheny Passage
Fallingwater & Kentuck Knob
Yough River & Lake
2011 Calendar

Historically, our town was named for its location at the junction of the Casselman River and Laurel Hill Creek with the Youghiogheny River. Today, the name is more than a geographic moniker, reflecting the confluence of recreational venues that attract visitors to our friendly community from far and wide.

Passing through our town is the Great Allegheny Passage bike trail, part of a 335-mile continuous non-motorized corridor from near Pittsburgh to Washington, DC. For dozens of miles, it parallels the Youghiogheny River, noted for some of the best whitewater boating in the Eastern U.S. as well as spectacular scenery. And speaking of boating the 2,840-acre Youghiogheny River Lake just south of town is a power-boater's dream.

Within a short drive are two world-renown Frank Lloyd Wright masterpieces, Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob, that should be on everyone's 'must see' list.

If you haven't guessed it by now, our natural resources are a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. During warm months, anglers enjoy excellent fishing in well-stocked rivers and streams, hikers can choose from 79 miles of trails in nearby Ohiopyle State Park, and campers settle into mountain wildflower havens. When the snow flies, visitors flock to four area ski resorts and miles of cross-country ski trails for frosty adventures.

We are surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Pennsylvania, including the highest, Mount Davis at 3,213 feet above sea level – which is another way of saying the vistas are really beautiful.

Confluence, PA. Where mountains touch rivers ... and visitors become friends. Come and find out for yourself.

Confluence is a great place to stop when biking on the Great Allegheny Passage. We have all the services you need:

   • Seven fine restaurants
   • Two well-stocked food stores
   • Hardware
   • Pharmacy
   • Laundromat
   • Two banks
   • Full-service bike shop
   • Rental properties
   • B&Bs
   • Two campgrounds
   • Guest houses
   • Antique and arts shopping
   • Swimming
   • Rafting
   • Kayaking
   • And more!

The Great Allegheny Passage is part of the larger Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (PHNST) corridor, one of only 11 so designated in the country. PHNST is a network of trails between the Chesapeake Bay and the Ohio River. You can find itineraries for hiking, bicycling, paddling and more at www.potomacheritage.net or visit the National Park Service trail site.

Confluence Trail Access/Parking Information

Many of our visitors take the opportunity to tour two of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpieces located nearby:

Fallingwater "is one of 12 landmarks that will change the way you see the world," according to Travel and Leisure Magazine. It is only about 12 miles from Confluence.

Kentuck Knob, a mid-50s Usonian home, is framed by spectacular mountain vistas and located just 7 miles from Fallingwater.

Reservations recommended: (724) 329-8501

The River

This pristine river has something for everyone. The Middle Yough starts in Confluence and flows to Ohiopyle through the Middle Yough Gorge, an unpopulated area bounded by state park and state game lands. The river has beaver, otters, and mink as well as different varieties of shore birds and ducks. Fishing is superb for both trout and bass.

The Gorge offers opportunities for family float trips with small rapids and lots of flatwater for swimming and fishing. It also is a challenging trip for novice canoeists and kayakers.

The Lake

Constructed for flood and water control by the Army Corps of Engineers, the lake is 16 miles long and up to one-half mile wide. It began operation in 1948 and has over 2,800 acres of water available for power boating, water skiing, jet skiing, swimming and fishing.

The impoundment has boat-launching ramps at the Jockey Hollow and Somerfield access areas along U.S. Route 40, as well as the Tub Run access area along Route 281, south of Confluence, and a Mill Run in Maryland.

According to those who use it, this is the best lake for boating in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Additional Information

MAY

Wing Night at CVFD's new building on Barlow Street. May 14, 5-7 p.m.

Author Charles Martin's presentation on his book about the French & Indian War. Turkeyfoot Valley Historical Society. May 19, 7 p.m.

Family Magic Show. Confluence Creative Arts Center. May 15, Time TBA

Garden Tractor Pull behind Beggs Park on Barlow Street. May 22, 1 p.m.

Folks Sing. Confluence Creative Arts Center. May 22, Time TBA

CVFD Chicken BBQ at Confluence Community Center. May 28, 11 a.m.

JUNE

The Salvation Army 10th Annual River and Wind Challenge Bicycle Ride. June 4. For more information call 814-445-9232.

Wing Night at CVFD's new building on Barlow Street. June 10, 5-7 p.m.

Confluence Women's Civic Club Strawberry Festival at Confluence Community Center. June 11, 4-6 p.m.

National Chainsaw Carving Festival at Addison Community Park. June 16-18.

Big Fat Yard Sale at Confluence Creative Arts Center. June 22.

Old Home Day, June 25.Town-wide yard sale and Civil War & WWII re-enactors in the Park, all day. Children's events in the Park, 1-3 p.m. CVFD Chicken BBQ, 5 p.m. Free concert in Town Park Bandstand featuring the Shippensburg Glaskapelle.

JULY

Wing Night at CVFD's new building on Barlow Street. July 2, 5-7 p.m.

Folks Sing. Confluence Creative Arts Center. July 10, Time TBA.

Robert Gohn: "Touch of Brass Civil War Band." Turkeyfoot Valley Historical Society. July 21, 7 p.m.

CVFD/AVFD Fireman's Day, July 23. Food, kids games, beverages, games of chance, fire engine rides, balloon bounce, dunk tank, CVFD Fire Hall, Noon - 10 p.m. Firefighter's games, 1 p.m. Fallen Firefighter's Memorial Service, 3 p.m. Free concerts, 4-10 p.m.

Garden Tractor Pull behind Beggs Park on Barlow Street. July 24, 1 p.m.

AUGUST

Wing Night at CVFD's new building on Barlow Street. August 6, 5-7 p.m.

Jewelry Bash at CVFD's New Building on Barlow Street. August 13, Time TBA.

Bob Michel: "Living the Tradition: Ballads for Now." Turkeyfoot Historical Society, August 20, 5 p.m.

Riversport Slalom Race at Ramcat Rapids. August 27-28.

SEPTEMBER

CVFD Chicken BBQ at Confluence Community Center. September 3, 11 a.m.

That Dam Ride and Tour de Confluence bicycle rides. September 10 & 11.

Ed Reis, Heinz History Center, presents: "Westinghouse Robots." Turkeyfoot Valley Historical Society. September 15, 7 p.m.

Wing Night at CVFD's new building on Barlow Street. September 17, 5-7 p.m.

Garden Tractor Pull behind Beggs Park on Barlow Street. September 25, 1 p.m.

OCTOBER

Pumpkinfest - A Fall Foliage Celebration, October 7, 8 & 9. Four free concerts, car show, contests & karaoke.

Family Pumpkin Carving/Lighting. Confluence Creative Arts Center/Historical Society. October 8, 1-4 p.m.

Paula Purnell: "Children's Halloween Celebration." Confluence Creative Arts Center. 4 p.m.

Joan Whetsell: "Addison Apparitions." Turkeyfoot Valley Historical Center, October 20, 7 p.m.

CVFD Cash Bash at CVFD's new building on Barlow Street. October 22, 12 p.m.

NOVEMBER

Wing Night at CVFD's new building on Barlow Street. Date: TBA, 5-7 p.m.

Lions Club Irish Pancake Supper at Turkeyfoot Valley High School. November 12, 5 p.m.

Holiday Arts and Crafts Show at Confluence Creative Arts Center. November 19.

Light-up Night at the Town Bandstand. Santa Claus arrives; free concert; and, free refreshments. November 26, 7 p.m.