Youghiogheny River — Maryland Section
🏔 Scenic River
Garrett Co. · 25 mi · Class IV–V
172CFS/ 2.58 ft
Below Optimal→Stable
Optimal: 400–1200 CFS · USGS #03075500
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Swallow Falls State Park · Deep Creek Lake Recreation Area · Maryland Scenic River
The Upper Yough from Sang Run to Friendsville is the premier Class IV–V run in the Mid-Atlantic — 11 miles of continuous expert whitewater through a remote Appalachian gorge. Dam releases from Deep Creek Lake provide reliable flows. The mandatory portage around Swallow Falls and the 18-foot Meat Cleaver drop define this as serious paddling.
Trip sections
Upper Yough — Sang Run to Friendsville, Class IV–V, the marquee run
Below Friendsville — Class II–III, lower canyon
Outfitters
Precision Rafting
Upper Yough specialists since 1985, Friendsville
72-Hour Flow Forecast
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.