Youghiogheny (Lower)
(nicknamed the Yock by river runners)
Location: Southwestern Pennsylvania (about 50 miles southeast of Pittsburgh).
Length of trip: 7.5 miles in three to five hours.
Season: March to mid-May (Class IV rapids), March through October (Class III rapids). The water flow usually peaks in April. Crowded on weekends and in summer.
Weather: Daytime temperatures in spring average in the 40s (F), nighttime in the 30s. Summer temperatures are pleasant (upper 70s and low 80s during the day, upper 50s and low 60s at night), with the occasional hot spell or thunderstorm. Temperatures in autumn drop into the 60s during the day, into the 30s and low 40s at night.
Lodging: Wooded campsites in Ohiopyle State Park, as well as inns and B&Bs in the town of Ohiopyle and the surrounding area.
Boats: Kayaks, paddle rafts.
Rapids: Class III and IV. Cool (maximum of 65°), clear water.
Special features:
- Broad, powerful river flowing through a sloping canyon covered with pines and hemlocks.
- Steep ledges and short, dramatic rapids, with tight maneuvering through patches of boulders.
- The first 1.25 miles forms a loop that you can keep running over and over simply by portaging 300 yards back to the starting point.
- Excellent fishing (trout, smallmouth bass).
- Good hiking.
- Mountain laurels and rhododendrons bloom in spring.
- Popular with leaf peepers in autumn.
- Lots of wildlife (wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, bobcats, black bears, grouse), especially in spring.
- Suitable for beginners, families, seniors in good shape, and the physically challenged who are comfortable in and around the water.
Nearby excursions:
- Fallingwater, one of architect Frank Lloyd Wrights best-known houses.
- Bear Run Nature Preserve.
- Fort Necessity National Battlefield.
- Laurel Caverns.
For a list of outfitters:
- Ohiopyle State Park, Box 105, Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania 15470; +1 412 329 8591, fax +1 412 329 8603. Try to book at least four to five weeks in advance for weekend trips, a week or two in advance for weekday trips.
For more information:
- Pennsylvania Department of Tourism, Office of Travel and Tourism, Room 453, Forum Building, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120; +1 717 787 5453 or 800 847 4872, fax +1 717 234 4560.
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