Above Dunbar to Connellsville 6.4 miles
Class Grad Size (Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
III-IV 59/112 Tiny
(26/43) Dunbar B/A
Tiny
(38/63) Connellsville Streamside
Topographic Maps: South
Connellsville, Connellsville
County Maps: Fayette
Description: Dunbar Creek drains a tiny watershed on Chestnut Ridge in the vicinity of Jumonville. The beginning of the trip has braided channels, many downed trees, and the remains of several old dams. The largest old dam is about a mile below the put-in. It has trees in the washout channel and should be carried. The next mile is comparable to the lower Savage River with even gradient, plenty of speed and small waves, and a few one-shot play spots. The gradient picks up for the next 2 miles into Dunbar. The steepest section is near Furnace Hill where the road is away from the stream. Here the run enters a small man-made canyon of slag and other industrial waste. Most of the run can be scouted from the boat, but one 4 foot drop next to a truck-size slag boulder deserves special attention. Shortly below this a debris pile chokes most of the stream. Below Dunbar the gradient diminishes and the stream becomes Class I-II with some tree hazards. [Reported 1989]
Difficulties: Old dam about a mile below the put-in should be carried. A couple of Class IV drops should be scouted and perhaps carried. Dunbar is noteworthy because the stream flows under the local tavern and hotel. Two channels are open to the paddler, but they should be scouted from shore during the shuttle. Downed trees can present problems at any point.
Shuttle: To reach the put-in from Connellsville, head south for the State Game Lands by way of US Route 119. Turn left onto State Route 1053 (the road between Dunbar and Ohiopyle State Park). Pass through Dunbar continuing along side the stream for about 2 miles. Pick your put-in. One suggestion is where the stream leaves the main road. Return to Connellsville and take out under the US Route 119 bridge. On the river you will paddle about a mile on the Youghiogheny, and through town to reach this bridge.
Gauges: Streamside. There is a concrete ledge just upstream of the first highway bridge above Dunbar. Optimal level when it is 3/4 covered.
Normal Wet Period: No available statistics on seasons. Since this section is tiny, it should normally be runnable only after a heavy rain or during spring snowmelt.