Youghiogheny

Looking upstream

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.

Drakes Rapid @ 5.5 ft. on Confluence gauge.

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

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.

Jared practicing attaining and eddy catches under the bridge in Ohiopyle.

45.86 F = cold

behind the horizon line

This fine surfing spot is river left of Elephant Rock. A nice eddy below the rock will hold a dozen boats as paddlers wait their turn. Enjoy this spot...it is the last rapid before the Middle Yough takeout.
An upstream view of Class I Fast and Clean Rapid on the Middle Yough. The scenery is spectacular on this section of the Yough as it circles the base of Sugarloaf Mountain: the second highest mountain in PA. Enjoy.

Looking downstream on Flipper hole, a feature of Drake Rapid on the Middle Yough.
Looking upstream on Flipper hole, a feature of Drake Rapid on the Middle Yough.