A. Swallow Falls
State Park 5.7 miles
to Sang Run "The Top
Yough"
A. Swallow Falls State Park to Sang Run
Class Grad Size (Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
V-VI 42/130 Medium
(200/333) A/A 0.8-2.7
estimate Sang
Run
Topographic Maps: Sang Run (Md)
County Maps: Garrett (Md)
Description: The Top Yough (this section) and the Upper Yough (the next section) are undoubtedly two of the most difficult runs reviewed in this guide. Together they comprise one of the premier whitewater challenges in the East. If you are adequately prepared and in good company this will be a superb experience; but if you or your paddle mates are not expert boaters, expect a catastrophe. The gradient is steep, the current swift, and the stream is strewn with boulders and holes. There is no evidence of civilization except at the put-in and take-out.
Put in at Swallow Falls State Park below Lower Swallow Falls. In the middle of the first Class V rapid Muddy Creek pours into the Yough from river left. Catch an eddy and glance upstream at the splendid falls, before continuing your descent.
Most of the rapids can be scouted from eddies. At lower levels (1.8-2.0) the river is highly technical, and there are numerous pinning possibilities. At higher levels (2.5-2.8) large holes and explosion waves abound. Above 3 feet the eddies become upstream rapids, and the whole river is Class VI.
Only those who have mastered the Tygart Gorge and Cheat Canyon should consider this. Because of the continuity and difficulty of the rapids, rescue is difficult. A solid roll is an absolute necessity. The remnant of a trail runs along river right, otherwise the mountain sides are choked with dense undergrowth of rhododendron and hemlock. [Checked 1990]
Difficulties: About 1.5 miles into the run lurks the Suck Hole, a Class V which nearly everyone elects to carry. There is no distinguishing feature for this rapid so it is best to be with someone who knows the river, or be prepared to do a lot of scouting. At first glance Suck Hole seems just to be another Class V series of drops punctuated by mid-stream boulders. But look carefully at the "inviting" eddy on river right just after the first drop. Notice the water sliding out backwards into a tremendous undercut stuffed with logs, debris and other assorted goodies.
Shuttle: Put in at Swallow Falls State Park. Take out near the power station at Hoyes Run, but please do so quickly and without fanfare. Due to strict Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wild and Scenic River Regulations some local property owners are hostile to paddlers. Under no circumstances should shuttle vehicles be left on private property. You might want to add about 3 miles of flatwater to the trip and paddle down to the Sang Run Bridge (the Upper Yough put-in).
Gauges: Sang Run. This gauge should read below 2.7 feet. This corresponds to a flow of 262 cfs. Use this gauge with caution! The levels cited are for natural flow only. The water from the Deep Creek power station dumps in below this section but above the gauge. If there is a dam release when you check the gauge you will need to subtract 4 to 5 inches from the reading. For instance, in the summer during a mid-morning dam release the Sang Run gauge may read 2.2 but this section will not be runnable. The "Upper" would be the appropriate run. There are seldom dam releases on weekends.
Note that the character of this river changes dramatically with every two-inch increment on the gauge, and during a heavy rain the levels can change very quickly. The Top Yough can be run in early spring and after heavy summer rains. If a dam release raises the level too high for a run on the Upper, the Top Yough or nearby Bear Creek should be exciting alternatives.
Normal Wet Period: Runnable only after a rain.
B. Sang Run to
Friendsville, Md. 9.3 miles
"The Upper Yough"
B. Sang Run to Friendsville, Md.
Class Grad Size (Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
V-VI 56/100 Medium
(295/646) A/A 1.8-2.8
Friendsville Sang
Run
Topographic Maps: Sang Run (Md), Friendsville (Md)
County Maps: Garrett (Md)
Description: This section, often called the Upper Yough, is one of the ultimate white-water runs in the East. After 3 miles of flatwater, the river drops continuously through a beautiful gorge, although the paddler may not notice anything except water and rocks on the first few trips. For 6 miles there are no pools, only eddies in which to rest and regroup. The river is characterized by rapids that drop away so steeply that the paddler cannot see through to the bottom of any of the major rapids. The beginning and ending of the major rapids are arbitrarily designated rocks in the river and are separated by only slightly smaller rapids. The river should be attempted only by very experienced closed boaters with excellent boat control and a 99-percent-plus roll on lesser rivers. Swimmers face a probability of injury and loss of equipment. An overgrown logging railroad follows the river along the left above National Falls and along the right below. The first several trips should be done only in the company of other paddlers who already know the river. The rapids are so continuous and so concealed by the drops and boulders, that scouting is not possible if the paddler expects to finish before dark. The first-time paddler should be prepared for a long and exhausting, but exhilarating day.
A number of rafting companies offer trips on this section. This is some of the most intense and difficult rafting in the United States. Rafters should be aware that some of the private rafting trips that have been attempted have not been completed. Other private trips have lost their equipment and some have required outside rescue. [Checked 2003]
Difficulties: The 14 major rapids (all individually Class IV+ or V) are as follows Gap Falls, Bastard Falls, Charlie's Choice, Triple Drop, National Falls, Tommy's Hole, Zinger, Hinzerling, Meat Cleaver, Powerful Popper, Lost and Found, Cheeseburger Falls, Wright's Hole, and Double Pencil Sharpener. Memorizing the names in order helps considerably in maintaining your perspective on the river. Without the names as milestones, the river can seem an endless series of disappearing rapids. All of the major rapids include blind entries with steep and technical maneuvering. Most of the rapids are long and include numerous pinning and broaching possibilities.
The best chance for a safe and enjoyable trip on the Upper for a first time paddler is with a group of experienced paddlers who know the intricacies of this river. Before considering this section a paddler should feel comfortable with rivers such as the Tygart Gorge and the lower Big Sandy.
Shuttle: From Friendsville follow Bishoff Road to a sharp right turn onto Hoyes-Sang Run Road and follow it to the put-in. The residents of Sang Run (the put-in) have a history of great concern over their property rights and have posted all obvious river access points with no trespassing notices. The State (Maryland) has acquired access property at the put‑in. It is being maintained by American Rivers. They are accepting donations to cover the costs.
Gauges: Sang Run. This gauge should read below 2.8 feet. This corresponds to a flow of 318 cfs. Use this gauge with caution! The levels are for natural flow only. The Sang Run bridge gauge can be viewed only from the put-in bridge. It includes the outflow from Deep Creek Lake used to generate peaking power for the Pennsylvania Electric Company. During the week power plant operation adds considerable water to the river. For gauge information call Pennsylvania Electric Company, Hoyes Generating Station (301) 334-3165. "Two turbines" is the best level for decked boats. It takes the water two hours after release to reach Sang Run, another hour to reach Gap Falls, and 7 more to reach Friendsville. The Corps of Engineers Friendsville gauge can be used for this stream to a certain extent. A reading of 2.9 feet on this gauge (natural water) is minimal for decked boats. Be very cautious if the gauge reads over 4 feet.
At Sang Run, there is a gauge on the bridge; 1.5 feet is minimum, but that is a good first time level. A level of 2.5 feet is as high as most experts will run. Remember, this is a Class V-VI river. Approach with great caution.
Normal Wet Period: Weekdays. This river is generally runnable only Monday through Friday when the natural flow is augmented by power generation releases out of Deep Creek Lake. On weekends, the peaking power plant does not operate, but in the spring or after heavy rains, the river is runnable in natural water. In fact, at this time, the peaking release can be dangerous, converting a difficult but manageable trip into a nightmare.
C. Friendsville to
Confluence 16.0 miles
Class Grad Size (Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
A Lake Medium (295/637) A/A
Friendsville
Medium
(436/878) Youghiogheny Dam
Topographic Maps: Friendsville, Ohiopyle, Confluence
County Maps: Garrett (Md), Somerset, Fayette
Other Maps: A map of the reservoir showing camping facilities, access points, etc. is available free from the Corps of Engineers, District Engineer, Pittsburgh District, Federal Building, 1000 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222.
Description: This Corps of Engineers recreation lake lies in the heart of the Laurel Highlands and spanning the Mason-Dixon line between Pennsylvania and Maryland. The Corps invites you to experience the clean waters, mountains and steep-sided valleys which encompass the project and provide an unsurpassed setting for outdoor recreation opportunities. There are numerous coves and backwater areas along the lake which provide excellent fishing.
During the late fall and winter, the level of the lake is drawn down for flood control leaving exposed mud banks.
During the drought of 2001-2002 the level of the lake was way down and one could canoe amongst some of the old structures that were submerged when the lake was created. [Checked 2003]
Difficulties: Power boats and water skiers.
Shuttle: Several access points are available on the lake. Obtain the map from the office at the foot of the dam, or from above.
Gauges: Youghiogheny Lake pool elevation. See the Corps of Engineers Daily Reservoir Report and Forecast
http://wmw.lrp.usace.army.mil/current/forecast.html (2004)
Normal Wet Period: This is a lake so it is always canoeable unless it is iced over.
D. Confluence to
Ohiopyle 11.0 miles
"The Middle Yough"
D. Confluence to Ohiopyle
Class Grad Size (Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
I-II 9/20 Medium (436/856) A-B/A 1.8-3.5
Youghiogheny
Dam Confluence
Large
(1,029/2,005) Confluence
Topographic Maps: Confluence, Ohiopyle
County Maps: Somerset, Fayette
Description: The 11-mile stretch between Confluence and Ohiopyle is a favorite run, especially for instructing whitewater students and in the late summer when nothing else is runnable. The river cuts through Laurel Ridge with wooded mountainsides along the river. An abandoned railroad along the left bank has been converted into a bicycle path. This stretch begins easy and gets more difficult as Ohiopyle is approached. Below the Ramcat Hollow put-in are 2 miles of Class I-II rapids. In this section there are four significant rapids. The next 3 miles is a long flat shallow section called the "Doldrums". At lower water levels you will have to be really sharp to get through without dragging. After the river makes a major left bend the pools shorten and the rapids begin to intensify with the best rapids occurring in the last mile to Ohiopyle.
There are several outfitters that offer both boat rentals and instruction of this section of the river. [Checked 2003]
Difficulties: At Ohiopyle, a take-out has been built by the state, on river left above the island which is 0.25 miles above the highway bridge. An alternative take-out is on either bank immediately below the highway bridge. Do not attempt to run beyond this point as there is a 20‑foot waterfall just downstream. At higher water levels you should use the State Park take-out. If you use State Park take-out you will miss the "Zee" rapid on river right.
Shuttle: The normal put-in is at Confluence above the road bridge and below the Corps of Engineers campground on the river left. One can eliminate about 2.0 miles of flatwater by putting in downstream along the left side of the river at the Ramcat Hollow State Park put-in. To get to the take-out, continue up Ramcat Hollow road to State Route 2012, Turn right towards Ohiopyle. At the “T” in Ohiopyle turn right. There is an official take-out on river left about 400 yards upstream of the bridge. To use the take-out below the highway bridge, park on river right along the railroad tracks and haul your boats up to the cars. A bicycle trail from the Ramcat Hollow put-in, along river left to the take-out offers an option of a easy 9 mile bike ride for the shuttle.
There are several outfitters in the area, that offer guided raft trips, raft rentals and rubber kayak rentals.
Laurel Highlands (800) 4-RAFTIN
Ohio Trading Post (888) OHIOPYLE
River Sport (800)-216-6991
White Water Adventures (800) WWA-RAFT
Wilderness Voyagers (800) 272-4141
Gauges: Confluence. This gauge should read between 1.8 and 3.5 feet (2003 rating table). This corresponds to a flow of 550 to 2,100 cfs. The Ohiopyle gauge at the end of the section will probably read between 1.3 and 3.5 feet (2003 rating table). This corresponds to a flow of 575 to 2,250 cfs
Normal Wet Period: Due to the dam at Confluence and the cooperation of the Corps of Engineers there is usually enough water for a good run, but it is normally too high from early January to mid May. The Confluence gauge is above 1.8 feet 92% of the time and above 3.5 feet 30% of the time.
Hostel: Hostelling International had a hostel at the Ohiopyle Youth Hostel in Ferncliff Park at Ohiopyle, but it is currently (2003) closed, because extensive modifications were needed.
E. Ohiopyle to
Bruner Run 10.1 miles
"The Lower Yough"
E. Ohiopyle to Bruner Run
Class Grad Size (Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
III-IV 17/45 Large
(1,200/2,000) A/A 1.4-3.5
estimate Ohiopyle
Topographic Maps: Ohiopyle, Mill Run, Ft. Necessity
County Maps: Fayette
Description: The stretch from Ohiopyle Falls to Bruner Run is a favorite trip for rafters and advanced canoeists in closed boats. In addition to the exciting rapids and beautiful scenery there are frequent opportunities for swimming in the fairly clean but chilly water. Unless there are people in the party who have run this section before, a considerable amount of scouting is required. Because the Corps of Engineers maintains the water level throughout the summer, it is not unusual to find boaters from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Washington, DC as well as hordes of local boaters. [Checked 2002]
Difficulties: Besides the normal problems of a Class III-IV river, this stretch of river is populated by a high density of inexperienced rafters. After the first rapid one can stand on shore and watch a continuous stream of rafts with very few breaks in traffic. As this is a Class III-IV river it is pushing the limits of an open boat. It is being run successfully in open boats, but the water level and skill of the paddler is critical. Many open boats have been destroyed on this section.
The current quota system allows a certain number of rafters on the river every 15 minutes. During the summer this quota is filled from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Because of the filled quotas advanced reservations for rafters are generally required. Weekend time slots are being reserved several months ahead of time. There is also a quota for boaters; however, during the summer of 2003 the boater's quota did not fill except for some prime times on weekends. Call 888-PA-PARKS or the Ohiopyle State Park office at 724-329-8591 to schedule a launch time.
Entrance Rapids is a series of ledges and hydraulics twisting several hundred yards. Cucumber Drop, immediately following, channels to the far right, with a final chute left of center and a large hole in the center. The next significant rapid is the Railroad Bridge Rapid. After a drop over a ledge, turn sharply left to miss "Charlie's Washing Machine". The river then opens up into flowing shallows for a couple of miles. The Dimple is a large rock near the left shore with water flowing directly into it. There is a narrow channel to the right of the Dimple at the top of a long left-curving rapid with the "Swimmer's Rapids" hydraulic at the bottom. The standing waves here are favorites of closed boaters for surfing. Swimmers hydraulic is a good one to play in, as it seldom, if ever, will hold a boat. Double Hydraulic follows a long rock garden. It can be sneaked on the right. Immediately after is the Gate (also known as River's End, World's End, the Pipestem).
Shuttle: Put in below the falls at Ohiopyle at the State Park put-in. There is a quota system on this river, see above. The take-out requires a 1.5 mile bus trip up a steep hill from the river to the parking area, for which you must buy a ticket at the put-in. The shuttle leaves Ohiopyle to the south, takes the right-hand fork in Ohiopyle towards the Campground, and follows the signs to Bruner Run. When parking be sure to get off the road, as there are many boaters cars and commercial trip busses along this narrow road.
Gauge: Ohiopyle. A new electronic river gauge has replaced the existing staff gauge at the launch area, but it corresponds well to the old staff gauge. Be aware the new gauge reads in feet and hundredths, instead of feet and inches. The gauge should probably read between 1.4 and 3.5 feet. This corresponds to a flow of 625 to 2,250 cfs. For decked boats 3.5 feet is okay, and it has been run at 4.0 to 4.5 feet by experienced paddlers. This corresponds to 1,475 to 1,850 cfs. At the 5.0-foot level (4,000 cfs) the commercial rafting tours stop operating. The Confluence gauge further upstream will probably read between 1.9 and 3.5 feet (2003 rating table). This corresponds to a flow of 610 to 2,100 cfs. If Yough is too high, try the Casselman from Markleton to Fort Hill for a fun run. Check also to see if the Laurel Hill is runnable.
The graph in the previous section shows the correlation between the 7:00 AM readings for the Confluence and Ohiopyle gauges during the 1988 canoeing season.
Normal Wet Period: The dam at Confluence and the cooperation of the Corps of Engineers usually provide enough water for a good run, but it is normally too high from early January to mid May. There is not enough information for the Ohiopyle gauge to determine wet period data, however the Confluence gauge is above 1.9 feet 90% of the time and above 3.5 feet 30% of the time.
F. Bruner Run to
South Connellsville 9.0 miles
Class Grad Size (Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
II-III 10/17 Large
(1,300/2,167) A-B/A
estimate Ohiopyle
Topographic Maps: Mill Run, South Connellsville
County Maps: Fayette
Description: This trip starts tough and gets easy. The rapids start right at the put-in with no chance for a warm-up. They end well above the mouth of Indian Creek. The gorge has beautiful scenery with Class C-I whitewater consisting of shallow riffles. [Checked 2002]
Difficulties: The first few rapids are Class III, but there are easy routes. The dam at South Connellsville can not be run. Lower boats over the right side and continue to the US Route 119 take-out or take out above the dam at an alternate take-out on river left at the Connellsville Water Treatment Plant upstream of the dam.
Shuttle: When the Bruner Run take-out shuttle is running (see section above) private cars cannot drive to the Bruner Run river access (the put-in for this section). Check with the rangers in Ohiopyle or the shuttle vehicle drivers for the ride down the hill. The shuttle for this section is horrendously long. Use State Road maps for the trip from Bruner Run to South Connellsville. There is city-supplied access under the US Route 119 bridge in South Connellsville. An alternate take-out that avoids the dam and cuts off 2.5 miles of flatwater is just upstream of the dam. Go south on US Route 119 through Connellsville. The road divides as it goes up the hill with houses between the north and south bound lanes. A gas station marks the end of the divided section. About 100 yards beyond the gas station is your left/west run onto Clair Street. After turning onto Clair Street almost immediately turn right/south onto Riverside Drive. Follow this small road through a junkyard. At the fork, go right (the left goes to the power plant). Park just before the gated entrance to the Connellsville Water Plant. Beat you way through the brush to the river.
Gauges: Ohiopyle. This gauge should read above 2.5 feet. This corresponds to a flow of 1,000 cfs. If the water level is too high, one can try Fort Hill to Harnedsville, or Rockwood to Markleton on the Casselman.
Normal Wet Period: The dam at Confluence and the cooperation of the Corps of Engineers usually provide enough water for a good run. This section is normally runnable from mid November through late September.
G. South
Connellsville to Dawson 5.7 miles
Class Grad Size (Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
C-I 5/6 Large
(1,350/2,580) A/B 2.1-4.8
Connellsville Connellsville
Topographic Maps: South Connellsville, Connellsville, Dawson
County Maps: Fayette
Description: After leaving Connellsville, sparse population and wooded banks make this a pleasant trip. At mid-trip the remains of the Schenley Distillery on river right offers a reminder of the valley's history. [Reported 1989]
Difficulties: None.
Shuttle: Put in at Connellsville under the US Route 119 bridge on the upstream left side of the river. Follow State Route 201 west and then State Route 819 north to Dawson. At Dawson the take-out is on the river right some 200 yards upstream from the bridge. The road is chained where it leads into the firemen's carnival area. The take-out is on the other side of the chain. Park on the main road and do not block access to the area. A take-out just 50 feet upstream of the bridge, should not be used because of local landowner problems. It is possible to run from the take-out of the previous section, but you must carry around dams at a filtration plant and a power plant.
Rivers Edge Campground (724)-628-4880 provides canoe rental and shuttle from Connellsville downstream to their campground at Adelaide for a 3 mile trip.
Gauges: Connellsville. This gauge should read between 2.1 and 4.8 (2003 rating table) feet. This corresponds to a flow of 630 to 4,300 cfs. The shallowest place on the entire trip extends across the river just below the bridge at Dawson. If this can be canoed, the water level is adequate.
Normal Wet Period: Dam controlled. The Connellsville gauge is above 2.1 feet 85% of the time and above 4.8 feet 18% of the time.
H. Dawson to
Whitsett 9.7 miles
Class Grad Size (Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
C-I 6/8 Large
(1,400/2,333) B-C/B 2.1-4.8
estimate Connellsville
Topographic Maps: Dawson, Fayette City
County Maps: Fayette
Description: This section of the Youghiogheny River is characterized by shallow riffles and calm pools. In higher water, the riffles develop into regular standing wave patterns. The last mile is flatwater, but just upstream of Layton there are many nice flat rocks for sunning and swimming. [Checked 2002]
Difficulties: None
Shuttle: The put-in is described as the take-out for the section above. A commonly used take-out at Layton will cut about 2.3 miles from the trip. Park either at the Hazelbaker Canoe Livery 1-800-42-RIVER for $3.00 per car for access/parking (2002) or there is a dirt road which starts between the main road and the railroad tracks and then curves in under the main road to get to the river. The Whitsett take-out is about 2 miles downstream from Layton, or about 1 mile northwest of Perryopolis on the river left where the paved but unnumbered road follows the stream bank for over 0.5 miles, offering river level access. Hazelbaker also provides a shuttle service.
Gauges: Connellsville. This gauge should read between 2.1 and 4.8 feet (2003 rating table). This corresponds to a flow of 630 to 4,300 cfs. The shallowest place on the entire trip extends across the river just below the bridge at Dawson. If this can be canoed, the water level is adequate.
Normal Wet Period: Dam controlled. The Connellsville gauge is above 2.1 feet 85% of the time and above 4.8 feet 18% of the time.
I. Whitsett to
McKeesport 28.8 miles
"The Bottom Yough"
I. Whitsett to McKeesport
Class Grad Size (Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
C 1/1 Large (1,700/3,043) C/B
Sutersville Sutersville
Topographic Maps: Fayette City, Dawson, Smithton, McKeesport
County Maps: Fayette, Westmoreland
Description: Aside from the villages of West Newton, Sutersville, and Blythedale there is little development visible from river level for the 25 miles to the Boston Bridge. Even here, industrial sites are mostly screened by trees and brush. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has a detailed write-up of the Sutersville to Boston section. See appendix D for the address. [Checked 1999]
Difficulties: This section of the Youghiogheny can be canoed all year. However, caution should be exercised in early spring and after heavy rains as the current may be swift, and floating debris can be dangerous.
Shuttle: See Section H above for the description of the put-in at Whitsett. There are several take-outs and put-ins in the area of West Newton. The West Newton Sportsmen's Association has a public launching area at the downstream end of town on river right. A second access point is the fire dock along Collinsburg Road on river left. From West Newton to Sutersville the road runs next to the river. A good put-in at Sutersville is behind the Recreation Park. At Sutersville, the road crosses the river and continues downstream, skirting the villages of Blythedale, Industry, and Buena Vista. In Buena Vista there is access to the river from the bicycle trail head parking. From Buena Vista, take the Greenock road for 2.5 miles, then bear left on Renzie road and go about a mile into Boston. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has built a paved access ramp at Boston. It is on the left bank, just below the bridge. Another one has been built near the McKeesport sewer plant, on the left bank at the mouth of the Youghiogheny. To reach the Coulter Access point, cross the Boston Bridge and turn right on Center Street. When Center joins Long Run road, turn right. In White Oak, turn right on White Oak road. Turn right again onto Coulterville Road. Follow Coulterville Road till it ends in Coulter.
This section can be broken into sections in several different ways.
Whitsett to Smithton 4.0 miles
Smithton to West Newton 6.5 miles
West Newton to Sutersville 3.0 miles
Sutersville to Buena Vista 5.0 miles
Buena Vista to Coulter 4.1 miles
Coulter to Boston 3.9 miles
Boston to McKeesport 3.8 miles
Two canoe liveries
operate on this section of the river: Burke Lee's Filling Station in Boston
(412)-754-1490 and Youghiogheny Canoe Outfitters in West Newtown (877-79-YOUGH)
Gauges: Sutersville. We do not have enough information to report runnable levels on this section. A reading of 5.0 feet (2003 rating table) on the Sutersville gauge corresponds to the mean flow of 3,034 cfs. Since this is a large size river, we speculate that the river is runnable most of the year; at 5.0 feet it may be too high. The Connellsville gauge upstream will probably read between 2.0 and 4.5 feet.
Normal Wet Period: Dam controlled.