Description:
This is the busiest whitewater run in the eastern U.S. due to summer weekend recreational releases that allow for consistent commercial use. The run consists of 7 miles of class III (some IV at high water) water with good technical training for intermediates. The "Loop" is a popular short run that can be done multiple times in a row and includes a walking shuttle. Permits are required during the summer weekends along with a shuttle fee (see Ohiopyle State Park web site ). This is the only site nearby that whitewater boats can be rented. Commercial outfitters run trips on this section (see state park web site for info). State Park Map (pdf).
Directions:
The Lower Youghiogheny River is located in Western PA. within Ohiopyle State Park. The put in is in the center of town (Google directions below). To get to the Bruner Run take-out, go south out of Ohiopyle and take the first right onto Kentuck Rd. Go 1.5 miles to an intersection. Go straight onto Holland Hill Rd. for a little over 4 miles to the take out parking lot. During the main summer season, you can not drive all the way to the take-out, but must park and get a shuttle from the river (see web site). For the Loop, there is parking across the Rt. 387 bridge (still in town). The shuttle includes walking your boat on the Great Allegheny Passage (rail trail) back to town.
Activities:
Camping, hiking, Backpacking, Fishing, Whitewater (Middle Yough), Bicycling, Mountain Biking, Family Play Areas
Address:
Ohiopyle State Park , PO Box 105, Ohiopyle, PA 15470-0105
Phone/Email:
724-329-8591
Web resources:
ORC Resources:
Book – “A Canoeing and Kayaking Guide to West Virginia”
Hero photo and some gallery photos courtesy of Gabe Dewitt.