There's one accessory that is a must for a successful trip down the Allegheny River.

“Always wear your life jacket,” reminded Carol Vernon, Army Corps of Engineers spokeswoman.

Starting on Memorial Day, Butler County residents will be able to take their recreational boats down the Allegheny River — from Lock 9 at Rimer in Armstrong County, through Lock 8 in Mosgrove; Lock 7 at Kittanning, and Lock 5 in Freeport — all the way to the Point State Park in Pittsburgh.

Because of a partnership between the Army Corps, the Allegheny River Development Corporation and the Upper Monongahela River Associates, funding is provided to keep those locks open from noon to 8 p.m. weekends and holidays through early fall.

“We try to remind people, before they get out on their boat or kayak, look to see where they are trying to go,” Vernon said.

She warns boaters to be aware of “fixed-crest dams” that are hard to see when you are traveling on the water. “You have to know where those are located,” Vernon said encouraging boaters to visit www.lrp.usace.army.mil.

Some tips for those using the locks: Boats and kayaks need 80 to 100 feet of line, and life vests are a must.

While some are using paddleboards on the river, the boards are not allowed in the locks.

For a stop off point, Kittanning Riverfront Park is a popular location when the summer weather blows into town, said P.J. Wilhelm, Armstrong County Tourist Bureau executive director.

“We have such a beautiful area, that's one thing that makes us so unique,” Wilhelm said. “Not many towns are set right on a lock.”

After the Memorial Day Parade, summer attractions start, Wilhelm said. One event is the Waves of Thunder, a motorcycle event, June 7 to 9 held by the river and featuring vendors, live music and a motorcycle and car show.

People also can fish on the Allegheny, Wilhelm said. For people who want to swim, Crooked Creek Park is 10 minutes away from Kittanning, she said.

Kittanning and East Brady are part of the Armstrong Rails to Trails.

The 36-mile long Armstrong Trail is located on the former Allegheny Valley Railroad line along the eastern bank of the Allegheny River in Armstrong and Clarion counties. The trail links such towns as Ford City, Kittanning and East Brady.

A public boat launch on the Armstrong side of the East Brady Bridge is open year-round at no charge at Lock 9, said Susan Buechele, East Brady Borough secretary. Boating is the most popular recreational activity, she said. During the recreational boating season, a public dock is put in at Bradys Bend.

A summer attraction is Riverfest, which is an annual event that has taken place for 27 years in East Brady, Buechele said. A parade, fireworks, carnival and food vendors are part of the four-day festivities, which will take place from July 25 to 28.

Also, bald eagle nests can be spotted along the river, she said. Nearby attractions, including restaurants that are nestled along the river, can turn a visit into an all-day trip, Buechele said.

Eagle Associate Managing Editor Donna Sybert contributed to this report.