White Water Rafting in Ohiopyle

Ohiopyle State Park spans 20,500 acres of the Laurel Highlands and offers adventure and excitement.

Laurel Highlands

A magnificent mountainous region, the Laurel Highlands spans 3,000 square miles of Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland Counties in southwestern Pennsylvania. The breathtaking beauty of the Laurel Highlands spans from rolling hills, deep river gorges and majestic mountains. It's an awesome place to escape the city and enjoy the great outdoors. The Laurel Highlands are also home to some of Western Pa's spectacular attractions such as Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, five national parks, and the award-winning Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.

Ohiopyle State Park

One of the most well known and utilized state park in this area is Ohiopyle. This gorgeous natural resource spans 20,500 acres of the Laurel Highlands with the Youghiogheny River running through the middle. This river is known to provide some of the best whitewater rafting in the eastern United States. Ohiopyle is also known for it's spectacular scenery and is a destination for hiking, biking, horse riding, fishing, hunting and rock climbing, as well as cross country skiing and sledding in the winter. With over 79 miles of trails for all levels of exploration and fitness, you'll find one that is perfect for you. There are waterfalls to explore and rare foliage and plants to examine. Camping is a popular way to experience Ohiopyle State Park and there are 200 sites to choose from during March-December.

Photo Credit: Laurel Highlands River Tour Facebook Page

White Water Rafting in Ohiopyle

Everyone from novice to veteran experts can find a perfect white water adventure for them. Laurel Highlands River Tours is one of the first white water rafting companies in Ohiopyle, as they started offering guided whitewater rafting tours in 1962. The Middle Yough is an introductory experience on serene and calm waters and class 1 and 2 rapids. The Lower Yough is an intermediary experience with class 3 and 4 rapids. The Upper Yough is an advanced experience meant for experienced rafters. One section drops over 115 feet per mile! This tour has class 4 and 5 rapids. If you want to try something other than rafting, they also offer mountain and trail biking, rock climbing and more.

Photo Credit: White Water Adventures Facebook Page

Another great option for adventure on the water is White Water Adventures. They offer guided and escorted rafting tours on the Yough, raft and inflatable kayak rentals, biking, and lodging in Ohiopyle. The Yough Plaza Motel's location in the heart of Ohiopyle State Park is within walking distance to hiking, cross country skiing and sledding fun. You can also rent a bike from White Water Adventures and enjoy a day on the scenic Great Allegheny Passage. All of this adventure is only an hour south-east of Pittsburgh, perfect for a weekend getaway or even a day trip.

Molly A.

Author

Molly A.

Guest Blogger

Molly Allwein loves traveling the world, her three rescue dogs, and indulging in brunch & happy hour. Her favorite things about living in Pittsburgh are the $10 opera tickets, the robust community and philanthropic organizations, and the amazing culinary scene.

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