Destination Thursday: Nicholson Island along the Blue Allegheny

Located 36.0 miles from the mouth of the Allegheny River, Nicholson Island is one of the few relatively undisturbed islands near Pittsburgh (a sharp observer might detect the Pittsburgh cityscape downstream in today's photo). Originally, the island was larger, composed mostly of mud flats which were barely exposed during low water levels and flooded at other times. Since construction of Lock and Dam #6, 1.0 mile downstream, all but 23 acres of Nicholson Island have been inundated. It is actually two islands, divided by a permanent shallow channel. Flooding is common, particularly in the spring when the southern one third of the island is inundated for several weeks.

The forest on Nicholson Island is characterized by large, mature trees. Silver maple ( Acer saccharinum ) and black willow ( Salix nigra ) dominate, whereas black walnut ( Juglans nigra ), box elder ( Acer negundo ), and eastern sycamore ( Platanus occidentalis ) occur sparsely across the site. Shrubs are lacking under the dense canopy but grow in thickets around the perimeter of the island and between the forest and the grassy marsh. Rich soils deposited annually by flooding, and abundant water provide excellent growing conditions for herbaceous vegetation, which is lush and dense in areas of abundant light. Mammals are sparse on Nicholson Island, although white-tailed deer occasionally find their way to the area. Bird species, however, are abundant. Several species nest regularly on the island, including song sparrow, red-winged blackbird, common yellowthroat, green heron and mallard duck.

The best seasons to visit Nicholson Island are summer (pictured today) and fall. A portion of the island is flooded in the spring. Wildflowers bloom in the summer and wildlife is most abundant on the island in summer and fall.

April Fool. Click here to see a real photo of Nicholson Island.

Directions: Take Rt. 66 north from Leechburg, Pa., for 6.5 miles to a road on the left leading along Taylor Run to Kelly Station. Turn here and follow the road along a stream until it reaches railroad tracks and the Allegheny River. Cross the tracks and immediately turn right onto a dirt road parallel to the tracks. You will see a lock and dam, and Nicholson Island just upstream. The best place to park and launch a canoe is at the point where the road and tracks cross a small stream -- Pine Hollow Run. A gravel bar at the mouth of the stream provides good access to the river. The best place to land on the island is just inside a small northern channel on the main island. There is a cleared spot for picnicking and camping. Overnight visits are permitted.

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