Youghiogheny River
🏔 Scenic River🛶 AW Stewardship
Fayette / Somerset Co. · 132 mi · Class III–V
350CFS/ 2.87 ft
Below Optimal→Stable
Water temp: 53°F — Hypothermia risk, wear a drysuit
Optimal: 1500–4000 CFS · USGS #03076500
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Ohiopyle State Park · Pennsylvania Scenic Rivers Program · American Whitewater Stewardship
The 'Yough' (pronounced 'yock') is the crown jewel of eastern Pennsylvania whitewater — a Class III–V river that flows through the Laurel Highlands of the Allegheny Mountains. The Youghiogheny Gorge at Ohiopyle State Park is one of the most popular whitewater destinations in the eastern U.S. Three distinct sections serve every skill level.
Trip sections
Lower Yough (Ohiopyle to Bruner Run) — Class III–IV, 7.5 mi, most popular in the East
Middle Yough (Confluence to Ohiopyle) — Class I–II, beginner friendly
Upper Yough (Sang Run to Friendsville MD) — Class IV–V, technical and demanding
Notable Rapids
Entrance RapidClass III
First rapid below Ohiopyle Falls launch. Sets the tone for the Lower Yough — continuous, fast, rocky.
CucumberClass III+
Long Class III+ with a tricky entrance move. Big waves and a pourover at the bottom.
RailroadClass IV
One of the most famous rapids in the East. A long, complex Class IV with multiple channels and a powerful hydraulic at the bottom.
Dimple RockClass IV
Technical Class IV. A large boulder mid-river creates a powerful eddy line. Named for the dimple in the rock face.
Rivers EndClass III
Final rapid before Bruner Run take-out. Fun wave train, good finish.
Outfitters
Ohiopyle State Park Outfitters
Lower Yough raft and kayak trips
Wilderness Voyageurs
Yough trips since 1964
White Water Adventurers
Lower, Middle and Upper Yough
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.