Lower Yough Rafting Rentals

Lower Youghiogheny River Raft Rentals in Ohiopyle

Are you an experienced rafter, ready to tackle the Lower Yough on your own? Raft rentals are available for either a 7.5-mile, full-day trip or a quick trip of the “Loop,” the first rapid-packed, 1.25 miles of the Class III-IV Lower Yough. There are three different types of boats you can choose from – Rafts, Shredders and duckies.

We highly recommend PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE and a familiarity with this section of river before trying an unguided trip. The river can be dangerous and it is important that you have the necessary skills to safely navigate this run.

Don’t have that experience, or maybe you aren’t sure? Try a Guide-Escorted Lower Yough Rafting trip instead. You’ll get to captain your own boat, BUT you’ll be doing so under the expert instruction and support of a guide who is rafting with you on the trip leading his or her boat down the river, too. Perfect solution to maximize your fun and minimize your stress!

What You Need to Know About Lower Yough Raft Rental Reservations

Reserve In Advance: Reservations are recommended to assure equipment availability. In addition to your payment, a drivers license is required to receive your equipment.
Permits Required for Weekends: For weekend rentals from April-October you must acquire a launch permit from the State Park. Please reserve your launch permit with the state park prior to making your equipment reservation by calling 888-PA PARKS.
Where to Check In: You will check in at Wilderness Voyageurs Outfitters in Ohiopyle 1.5 hours PRIOR to your launch time. (This instruction is only for those who are renting equipment, it has nothing to do with you if you are on a guided trip of any format.)

Types of Rental Boats Available

Various raft rental types of boats are available for rent. Your choices include:

Rafts: 4-6 Person size
Shredders: A 2-person cataraft inflatable boat
Solo or tandem inflatable kayaks: also called duckies

Important Shuttle Information for Lower Yough Rental Trips Only

You are responsible for running a shuttle and returning all of the rented equipment back to Wilderness Voyageurs prior to dusk. The shuttle system for the Lower Yough is run through the Ohiopyle State Park. Keep reading below for all the details.

Running Shuttle & Shuttle Tokens

This can be a little confusing, if this is the first time you have rented equipment in Ohiopyle. You must leave a vehicle at the take out in order to return to Ohiopyle at the end of the day. In addition, you must purchase shuttle tokens for a ride that brings you from the river to the parking lot where your vehicle will be located. This means you need 2 vehicles or a bike to ride back from the takeout.

Running your shuttle: It is helpful if your group has 2 vehicles. You can park one at Old Mitchell Parking Lot (located 8 miles from Ohiopyle). This is where the State Park shuttle will drop you and your equipment at the end of your river trip. If you do not have 2 vehicles, it is possible to bike the shuttle (we rent mountain bikes if you need) and frequently rafters will catch a ride with fellow rafters.

Shuttle Tokens: You must purchase your shuttle tokens ($4) from the launch area the day of your trip. Renters are responsible for transporting all equipment back to Ohiopyle. THE PARK SHUTTLE BUS DOES NOT GO TO OHIOPYLE. Please check with the park at 888-PA-PARKS for updated shuttle information. If you need directions, we’ll provide them when you check in.

Have fun and be safe!