A. State Route 381 to
State Route 2011 5.0 miles
Class Grad Size
(Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
II-III 53/90 Tiny
(30/50) A/A
estimate Ursina
Topographic Maps: Fort
Necessity, Ohiopyle
County Maps: Fayette
Description: This is a extremely beautiful run. Occasional well-maintained summer homes dot the shore, but for the most part the banks are covered in mountain laurel. The creek runs through the back of Nemacolin Woodlands, past wrought-iron gates at the mouth of Beaver Creek, and along the lawn of a small church. The third small iron bridge marks the take-out at the Park office on State Route 2011. [Reported 1984]
Difficulties: Downed trees block the stream in several places. One of these is right around a bend from the put-in; it may be simpler to put in below it. Two low dams should be scouted. The first is intact; the second is broken out on the left side and may be passable there.
Shuttle: Follow US Route 40 to Farmington and turn left/north on State Route 381 toward Ohiopyle. The put-in is about a mile from the corner at the bridge crossing the small creek by the logging company on the left. To reach the take-out, follow State Route 381 north to State Route 2011 and turn right toward the park office, where the road crosses Meadow Run.
Gauge: Ursina. This gauge on nearby Laurel Hill Creek will probably read above 2.1 feet. Check the put-in; more tributaries join soon. A drain pipe on the bridge should not be more than a foot above the water. If Meadow Run is up, Indian Creek is probably up, too.
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.
B. State Route 2011 3.0 miles
to Youghiogheny River
Class Grad Size
(Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
IV-V 88/135 Tiny
(41/68) A/A
mouth
of stream Ursina
Topographic Maps: Ohiopyle
County Maps: Fayette
Description: As it passes the trail to the rafting customers' gathering point, this delightful stream changes character and makes a run for the Youghiogheny. [Reported 1994]
Difficulties: Shortly after the rafting gathering point the gradient increases to about 110 feet per mile as you reach the Cascade. It's runnable, but many choose to carry; the best carry is on the left, but the best spot for a safety rope (for those who choose to run) is on the right. Two more spots require special attention. The first is a 4-5 foot drop to the left of a large undercut rock at the bottom of a zig-zag. The second is the top of the slide, where you must get out in time to avoid running it (the last eddy looks possible but may not be). Most people who have run the slide purposefully have needed stitches at the take-out, so carry around.
Shuttle: To reach the put-in, follow State Route 381 to State Route 2011 and turn toward the park office, where the road crosses Meadow Run. Meadow Run enters the Youghiogheny River at Entrance Rapid. If you don't feel like working your way back upstream to the Yough put-in, paddle the rest of the Loop on the Yough. This section can be combined with the previous section.
Gauge: Ursina. This gauge on nearby Laurel Hill Creek will probably read above 2.1 feet. If Meadow Run is up, Indian Creek is probably up, too. Check Meadow Run at the put-in bride on the river left upstream side. Count down the number of bridge stones. If above the bottom of the fifth stone it is probably too high. Below the bottom of the sixth stone will be scrappy.
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.