How did flat boaters get back up river?

Question

When the people would go from Pittsburgh to New Orleans with a flat boat how did they get back to Pittsburgh?

Answer 1

I believe I read that the boats would often be broken up for the wood.   The boatmen would then ride back on horseback or some of the way on a riverboat.

Answer 2

They WALKED... once the trip down river was over, they broke the boat up and sold the wood and then either walked back up river, or bought a horse.

This is WELL documented in many books that were written at the time and was common.

Answer 3

inthe water  duh

Answer 4

that's it, sold for scrap.

but the people....why the heck would you ever leave New Orleans for Pittsburgh?