The "Lower Yough" is a classic section of Class III whitewater that begins below Ohiopyle Falls in the town of Ohiopyle.
The first mile has the unique distinction of ending where it begins. You can paddle a mile long loop of rapids by putting in below Ohiopyle Falls and taking-out on river right below Railroad Rapid. From there it's a 5-10 minute walk back to put-in.
You can choose to continue 6.5 miles downstream and paddle the entire Lower Yough, finishing at Bruner Run Rapid.
Trip Highlights
Mile 0: Put-in below Ohiopyle Falls. The falls are only legally runnable at flows below 1.8' and require signing in at the Lower Youghiogheny Launch Booth.
Mile 0.1: Entrance (III) is a long rapid with tons of eddies and fun play spots.
Surfing Entrance Rapid on the Lower Yough
Mile 0.3: Cucumber (III) is a great rapid with a big rock to avoide at the bottom. Below here in quick succession are Piddly (I), Camel and Walrus (II+), Eddy Turn (II+), and Dartmouth (II+).
Mile 1: The "Loop Take-out" is just below Railroad Rapid (III) on river right.
Entering Railroad Rapid on the Lower Yough
Mile 3: Dimple Rapid has a potentially dangerous rock to avoid on the right side in the entrance.
The entrance to Dimple Rapid on the Lower Yough
Mile 3.2: Swimmer's (III) has an amazing river-wide surf wave/hole. Below here is Bottle of Wine (II+), Double Hydraulic (III), River's End (III+), Schoolhouse Rock (II+), Stairstep (II+), and the Maze (II+).
Mile 7.4: Bruner Run (III) is the last rapid on the Lower Yough.
Mile 7.5: Take out just below Bruner Run on river left.
