Head of the Ohio

The 2.6 mile course is on the Allegheny River with the start line just below the 40^th Street Bridge in front of a mooring cell near the top of Washington's Landing (formerly Herr's Island) on the right descending bank.  Washington's Landing is the home of the Michael P. Lambert boathouse and is in close proximity to our Millvale facility. The finish line is just below the Fort Duquesne Bridge less than 500 meters from the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers in downtown Pittsburgh.

For most of the event's history, this has been an excellent course marked by rowing under nine bridges and finishing within the cityscape of downtown.  Occasionally the water at the finish line has been choppy but only judged unrowable once.

In addition to rowing, the Head of the Ohio will feature a wide variety of outdoor activities and entertainment for all ages at North Shore Riverfront Park – the site of the finish line.  Visit our food and entertainment area on the Great Lawn where you can enjoy music and activities designed for everyone.

Spectators may view the finish line area by paddling in a dragon boat. The dragon boat will launch from the river trail below the Heinz Field docks periodically throughout the day. Paddling is free and subject to the rules provided on site. Be sure to sign up in advance at the event!

If you would like to set up a tent for your team at the Head of the Ohio, please complete the Tent Reservation Form.  Please note that you must complete and return this form to guarantee a space at the event.  Please call or email Rick Brown with any questions or concerns.  TENT ASSIGNMENTS ARE MADE ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS AND ARE BASED ON THE AMOUNT OF SPACE AVAILABLE ON THE LAWN.