Youghiogheny
4. Middle(Confluence to Ohiopyle)
| Difficulty | II |
| Length | 9.1 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 11 fpm |
| Gauge | Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle, Pa |
| Flow Rate as of 40 minutes | 1.84 ftmedium runnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | October 21, 2025 |
This stretch of the Youghiogheny offers a rewarding introduction to whitewater paddling — a scenic, accessible run suited to early-intermediate paddlers while still retaining some playful challenges. It features a fun mix of mellow whitewater, clear riffles, and rock gardens set amid the lush terrain of southwestern Pennsylvania. Access is straightforward, put-in and take-out are convenient, and it serves as an excellent “step up” for paddlers moving beyond flatwater or gentle Class I runs.
Given its approachable nature, this run is a natural choice for guided trips, family outings (with experienced oversight), or skill-building days before tackling more advanced sections of the Yough. That said, open canoes may find the later features a bit ambitious if water is high or paddlers are inexperienced — sit-on-tops, kayaks, and competent guided craft are a safer bet.
The section begins at Ramcat Rapids, a lively first drop where new paddlers can hone their skills and gain confidence, and winds downstream through Class I–II rapids, occasional steeper moves, and pockets of current. The character here is friendly and manageable but not trivial: a few larger features later in the run (notably Elephant Rock) demand respect and a bit of preparation, so it’s wise to stay alert, scout when in doubt, and communicate clearly within your group.
Flow on this section is regulated by the dam forming Youghiogheny River Lake, just upstream of the town of Confluence. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, releases vary depending on reservoir operations, but the section is typically suitable for boating throughout the year.
Important: Pennsylvania park regulations require paddlers to take out before the bridge at Ohiopyle to avoid inadvertently running Ohiopyle Falls. The take-out is a short distance upstream of the bridge on river left, where an access ramp and parking area are provided.
Park at the Ramcat Parking area. This is a common put-in on river left, avoiding a mile or two of flatwater immediately below Confluence, PA.
The first rapid in the river. Usually run down the middle or right side at lower water to avoid rocks. At high water, a wicked hydraulic forms on the river left at the bottom. Not a great place to be.
Mainly a ledge covering the left 2/3 of the river. Easily run right over the middle, if you keep the boat straight. Something has shifted in that hole, as at 2 feet it was surfing a raft and a canoe at the same time, so try to have some speed. The sneak is on the river left near the bank.
You will see several large boulders on the river left. That is Drake Run, a good class-5 creek. The rapid is run right down the middle, avoiding the 2 pinning rocks on the left. Had a canoe taco around one of them once and it took about an hour to get it off. At high water, some good 6+' surfing waves.
About half a mile below an island, The Doldrums begin. You have about 3 miles of flatwater before a couple small rapids.
After a lot of flatwater, and a couple shallow rapids, comes The Haystacks. There are several medium-sized boulders on the right. The sneak line is along the left side, with the main line right through the waves in the middle.
A very large rock right in the middle of the river. Normally run on the right side, through the smaller waves. An interesting route at around 2 feet is to run about 10 feet left of the elephant. At higher levels, you can even right through a little slot about a foot to the left of the Elephant. Good surfing to the left of the rock. The first takeout is about 1/4 mile downstream on the left. Look for the white sign.
The 'standard' takeout is just after Elephant Rock, on river left. Many paddlers keep going to run Z Rapid and take out at the Rte. 381 bridge.
Just upstream of the Rte. 381 bridge is Z Rapid, which curves around on river right as the name indicates. After Z Rapid, don't miss the takeout under the bridge, as Ohiopyle Falls is not far downstream.
Take out under the Route 381 bridge on river right. Don't miss this take-out, as Ohiopyle Falls is just downstream.
Apr 23, 2018
Looking upstream
Sep 13, 2017
We ran this on Saturday August 5, 2017 @5.5ft on Confluence gauge in LiquidLogic Remix XP9 & XP10. River was moving fast and a few of the rapids had some HUGE, irregular waves which would be a challenge for a beginner. Some of the waves on Drakes, Z rapid, and Cable Car were easily 6'+ waves. I would give these rapids a Class II+ to III- rating easily at this level.
We ran left of the island on Z Rapid. One huge, diagonal curling wave, nearly parallel to the end of the island, almost took us completely vertical. It was pretty intense. We took out on the left side of the bridge @Ohiopyle day use area because at this level there was a pretty big hydraulic under the bridge on river right.
Many of the outfitters will tell you that you are not allowed to paddle Z Rapid which is located further down from the commercial take-out. Commercial take-out is located on river left about 200 yds. past Elephant Rock. However, the law states that you are NOT allowed to paddle past the bike trail bridge in Ohiopyle. There are signs posted clearly on the bridge.
Oct 13, 2014
If anyone wants a literal 'rip-and-go' guide the PA park service has made one at: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr\_003519.pdf
May 26, 2012
I noticed there weren't any photos of ramcat rapid on AW, so here's a wide shot of this section of the Yough. The ramcat wave is so forgiving at this lower level -- it flushes out on both sides, and has a nice sweet spot for some side surfing and basic moves. This was my first time deliberately surfing, and as you can see the big eddy line offers a clean, easy ferry in. Awesome for a first timers area -- I can attest! Within a weekend I built all my confidence on this stretch of river and then took to the Cheat Narrows the next day.
