- Which river is right for me? There are many variables. Some aspects you want to consider are how much excitement do you want, what time of year you are planning, your past river experience, and the ages of the persons in your group.
- How many people do I need? You can bring just yourself or a large group.
- Can I participate by myself? We can either have you make new friends by placing you with another group or you can choose to paddle a single inflatable craft.
- Are there age limits? We recommend age 5 on the Middle Yough, age 12 on the Lower Yough, age 14 for the Cheat, and age 16 for the Upper Yough.
- What if my child is younger, can they still go?You know your child best so use your best judgment. Please note that for safety reasons we do reserve the right to require you to take the captained raft option or to refuse services based on size or age.
- What size rafts do we use?Our fleet ranges from 6’ inflatable kayaks to 16' water crafts. Below is the style of boats and descriptions.
Inflatable kayaks- All inflatable kayaks are self-bailing and come in a one or two person model. If you have ever rafted before, this may be the craft for the next level of excitement.
PPB (personal paddle boats) - These two-person crafts are known by many different names, essentially, they are self-bailing pontoon rafts. The floor of the boat is lifted off the water (no drag) allowing for speed and maneuverability. This is an ideal raft for two people, for a family with smaller children, or fisherman on the Middle Yough.
4 or 6-man Avon self-bailing rafts - Known as the “Cadillac of rafts.” They are light, maneuverable and can handle three to six people comfortably. All of our Lower Yough guided tours use Avon self-bailing rafts as well as by request for Lower Yough rentals.
8-man raft – These larger rafts are utilized at high water levels on the Yough and the Cheat Rivers.
Bucket boat - a bucket boat is a raft in which you must use a bucket to bail the water from your raft. Lighter on the ground but heavier and harder to steer on the water.
- What is a self-bailing raft?This modern raft has an inflated elevated floor with holes along the side. When the water pours into the raft it goes right back out through these holes. This boat has great finesse on the water because it is not carrying around the heavy water.
- Are guides in the rafts with us?At high water on the Yough and the Cheat rivers, guides are in every boat, otherwise guides are in other rafts and kayaks around you. In this manner you captain your own craft while the guides assist, direct, and educate you throughout the day. On the Upper Yough there is guide in every raft. Choose the captained raft option to guarantee a guide in your raft under normal water conditions.
- Do we have to paddle?Yes, this is a participatory sport. Everyone is expected to paddle.
- I have never rafted before, do I need experience?On the Upper Yough, it is strongly suggested, otherwise all of our rivers are great for first timers, but also know your limitations.
- Do you accept people with disabilities? Yes (in most cases). Let us know the disability and we can match our staff and rivers to meet those needs.
- What is included in the trip? On guided tours, we provide your raft, paddle, PFD's, helmets, guide service, lunch, and transportation back to the check-in area.
- What is for lunch?Lunch includes assorted meats and cheeses, bread, peanut butter and jelly, cookies, and other deli style foods.
- Can I bring my own lunch? Yes, we are happy to accommodate special dietary requirements. Please let us know in advance so we may make special arrangements to transport those lunches.
- Where can we stay?You can stay at the Yough Plaza Motel located in the heart of Ohiopyle. We can also provide you with a listing of other hotels and campgrounds in the area.
- What do the river classes mean?
Class I: Easy, Fast moving water with ripples and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.
Class II: Novice, Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels, which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed.
Class III: Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp a boat. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims.
Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, or rest. Rapids may require "must" moves above dangerous hazards. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills.
Class V: Expert. Extremely long, obstructed, or very turbulent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, forceful, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is often difficult even for experts. Proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential.
Class VI: Extreme and Exploratory. These runs have almost never been attempted and often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. After Class VI rapids has been run many times, it's rating may be changed to an appropriate Class 5 rating.
- What does Ohiopyle mean? American Indians of the Delaware, Shawnee and Iroquois nations used this area as a hunting ground. Old records indicate that the name of Ohiopyle was derived from the American Indian word, "Ohiopyle" which means "white frothy water" a reference to the large falls on the Youghiogheny River.
- What is the History of the Ohiopyle region? In 1754, George Washington was trying to find a water route for his attempt to capture Fort Duquesne, now Pittsburgh. When Washington got to the falls he abandoned his plans to use the Youghiogheny River.In the early 1900's, the Ohiopyle area, particularly Ferncliff Peninsula, was so popular as a summer resort that the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad scheduled Sunday excursions trips from Pittsburgh.The geological history is mountain forming and erosion processes. The speculation 1,700 feet deep Youghiogheny Gorge was formed by the Youghiogheny River cutting through Laurel Ridge. A geology brochure offering more information is available from the park office.The Commonwealth acquired most of the park land in the mid- 1960s, and in 1970 the first phase of construction was completed with the development of the Falls Area.
- How do you pronounce Youghiogheny?Yock-a-gain-ee or yock. (if you want to sound like a pro)
- How far in advance should we book a reservation? There is no set time, but space is limited so reserve your spaces as soon as you get a date in mind. Walk-ins are accepted as space permits.
- What happens if we fall out?You get wet! Odds are about 10% of our guests will experience the refreshing water while on the trip. Stay calm and listen closely to your guide's instructions.
- Are life jackets included? YES Helmets?YES