WHERE DO I CHECK IN AND AT WHAT TIME?
Please check your itinerary / invoice for details.
Guided Trips / Guide Escorted Middle Yough and Lower Yough
Please arrive at Wilderness Voyageurs outfitter store at the time stated on your invoice. Click here for directions to Wilderness Voyageurs in Ohiopyle, PA.
Lower Yough Rentals
All Lower Yough Rentals must check in 1 1/2 hours prior to your state park launch time. The check in location is at Wilderness Voyageurs Outfitter Store, directions to Ohiopyle (If you are on a guided trip of any kind this does NOT pertain to you.)
Kayaking/Fishing/Climbing/SUP/Scout Trips
Please arrive at Wilderness Voyageurs outfitter store at the time quoted on your invoice. Click here for directions to Wilderness Voyageurs in Ohiopyle, PA.
Upper Yough Trips
Please arrive at Wilderness Voyageurs Friendsville MD Upper Yough Rafting Center at the time quoted on your invoice. Click here for directions to Wilderness Voyageurs in Friendsville, MD.
Cheat Rafting Trips
Please arrive at Wilderness Voyageurs Albright, West Virginia Cheat River Rafting Center at the time quoted on your invoice. Click here for directions to Wilderness Voyageurs in Albright, WV.
WHAT FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE?
Our facility on Garrett Street in Ohiopyle has everything you need for a carefree day on the river. Parking in our private lots, and a bath and change house is located across from the check in location with hot showers. There is a full service outfitter Store for last minute sun screen, t-shirts and other fun items. The check in locations for the Cheat River trips and Upper Yough trip have changing facilities but not showers.
Prior to your adventure do you need a pick me up, Rapid Java Gourmet Coffee Stand offers organic coffee and espresso drinks, great breakfast treats & homemade ice-cream, steps from your trip check-in. Grab a fair trade coffee and watch as folks are departing for their day’s adventure. Successful day shooting the rapids, or climbing the whole way to the top? Celebrate with a craft micro-brew and a hearty meal at Falls City Restaurant and Pub 100 yards from where your car is parked.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
- The quick answer is quick drying clothes you don’t mind getting wet or dirty.
Water shoes, sandals or old sneakers – you must wear shoes and they need to stay on your feet. Don’t bring flip flops unless you have a roll of duck tape as well to strap them on with. - Do NOT wear any cotton. Cotton will make you cold.
- Early spring the air may be warm, but the water is still very cold. Wear a synthetic underlayer.
- For more details on how to dress appropriately, please click here.
- We have wet suits & paddling jackets to rent for the day.
- Please be sure to check the weather before your day of rafting.
WHAT ARE THE LOCAL OHIOPYLE ACCOMMODATIONS?
Trillium Lodge is located just 4 miles from our base. There are also multiple bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels and campground options in the area.
WHAT IF IT IS RAINING?
This is a popular question. Trips do go rain or shine. You’re going to get wet anyway, so come along and make like a duck. Afternoon showers are a regular occurrence in the summer.
WHAT IF THE WATER IS REALLY HIGH?
It is important to remember that this activity takes place on natural rivers that can change water level dramatically and with little or no warning. On the Lower Yough if the water rises above a certain level, the trip format will change. Larger boats will be used with a guide in every raft. Wilderness Voyageurs reserves the right to change the section of river. Our goal is to provide you with a raft trip of similar experience! There are many options in the area.
IS RAFTING REALLY SAFE?
Wilderness Voyageurs has maintained an excellent safety record for over 50 years. We take a great deal of pride in providing our guests with a trip that is safe and enjoyable. Every guide is trained in First Aid and CPR. Our river staff maintain certifications and training that is twice the state minimum. Every guide undergoes an intensive training course and then must complete 20 trips before being allowed to guide. However, due to the nature of the activity, Wilderness Voyageurs Inc. assumes no responsibility for personal safety or loss of personal property.
WHAT DO CLASS RATINGS MEAN?
Class I Easy. Fast moving water with riffles and small waves.
Class II Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers.
Class III Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class III-” or “Class III+” respectively.
Class IV-VI Advanced to Extreme.
IS A RAFT OUR ONLY BOAT OPTION?
No. You can upgrade to a Shredder or a Duckie. On the Middle Yough, Canoes are also available (we do recommend previous experience for Duckies and canoes).
WILL I HAVE OTHER PEOPLE IN MY RAFTS?
Possibly. We’ll do our best to keep groups together.
WILL MY FAMILY BE ABLE TO WATCH ME RAFT?
Yes, there are various spots along the river where you can view rafts running the rapids. This will requires some light hiking to get to the river.
DO I HAVE TO WEAR A HELMET?
Helmets are not required for Middle Yough rafters. They are provided for Canoe & Duckies. Helmets are required for all other river trips except the Historical Float Trip and Cheat Narrows trip.
CAN I WEAR MY OWN LIFE JACKET?
No
CAN I WEAR MY OWN WET SUIT?
Yes
HOW LONG DOES THE TRIP LAST?
3-6 hours depending on river levels
WHEN WILL WE STOP FOR LUNCH ON THE GUIDED TRIP?
Approximately half way through your trip
WHAT WILL WE HAVE FOR LUNCH?
Deli style wraps, fruit, drinks, and cookies.
ARE THERE VEGETARIAN/VEGAN OPTIONS FOR LUNCH?
Yes
CAN I BRING ANIMALS?
Only dogs on Middle Yough Rentals. They must be well behaved, travel well, ok with transportation, good with other people, kids & other animals. If they puncture the raft, you are responsible for damages. No animals on any other trips.
WILL THERE BE TIME FOR HIKING OR NATURE WALKS?
No but there may be time for swimming.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
RAFTING
- The quick answer is quick drying clothes you don’t mind getting wet or dirty.
- Water shoes, sandals or old sneakers – you must wear shoes and they need to stay on your feet. Don’t bring flip flops unless you have a roll of duck tape as well to strap them on with.
- Do NOT wear any cotton. Cotton will make you cold.
- Early spring the air may be warm, but the water is still very cold. Wear a synthetic underlayer.
- We have wet suits & paddling jackets to rent for the day.
- Please be sure to check the weather before your day of rafting.
COLD WEATHER RAFTING
(Rain, Early Spring, Late Fall Trips) Wetsuit / Splash Jacket (available for rent) Swimsuit to wear underneath Shoes that tie, buckle or velcro (old tennis shoes, athletic sandals, booties) Polypropylene, wool, capilene, neoprene or fleece top to wear under the splash jacket (any material that wicks water from the skin) Tight fitting cap (wool, fleece, etc.) Fleece or wool socks Note: Do not wear anything cotton! Cotton does not wick water from skin and lets body heat escape leaving you in the cold. A cold rafter is not a happy rafter.
WARM WEATHER RAFTING
Swimsuit Shorts (nylon or other quick drying material) Shoes that tie, buckle or velcro (old tennis shoes, athletic sandals, booties) T-shirt (to avoid sunburned shoulders) Baseball cap Sunglasses with strap Sunscreen
ROCK CLIMBING & MOUNTAIN BIKING
Loose-fitting, comfortable clothes We recommend non-cotton, quick dry clothing. If you have bike shorts, please wear those for biking. Tennis shoes work well for climbing & biking if you do not own sport specific shoes. Windbreaker/ jacket for cool weather Sunscreen / Bug Repellent
KAYAKING
Swimsuit to wear as your base layer Shoes that will stay on your feet: Old Tennis shoes, river sandals ( IE: Teva’s) or neoprene booties Warm layers: Polypropylene, Wool, Capilene, neoprene or fleece. Quick Drying or wicking materials such as these are good. DO NOT WEAR COTTON. Cotton does not wick moisture from your body, does not have any insulating features when it is wet and it keeps you cold! Hat & fleece or wool socks if you are learning to kayak in the early spring or late fall. The hat must be tight fitting enough to wear under your helmet. Neoprene gloves Wetsuits and Splash Jackets are available to rent. Change of clothes and a towel. Extra shoes if necessary.
Don’t forget your sunscreen for the hot days! If you are renting equipment and NOT part of a guided tour – you may want to pack lunch or snacks
Are there wetsuits for rent for rafting and kayaking or SUP?
Yes. The cost is $10 for a farmer john wetsuit and $5 for a splash jacket
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE?
The minimum age for Family Raft trips on the Middle Yough is 5 years old and no experience is necessary. If you are considering a Peddle Paddle, we recommend a minimum age of 8, simply because it is a long day. For Lower Yough Whitewater trips it is 12 and no experience is necessary. For Upper Yough and Cheat Trips it is 16 and previous experience is recommended.
WHAT IF I CAN’T SWIM?
Many rafters can’t swim. On all trips, Coast Guard-approved life jackets are provided and must be worn. On advanced trips, it is recommended that you have swimming skills.
DO I HAVE TO HAVE ENOUGH PEOPLE TO FILL A RAFT TO MAKE A RESERVATION FOR THE LOWER OR MIDDLE YOUGH?
No. Whether you come alone or bring 80 of your best friends, rafts for the Lower Yough can accommodate 4 to 6 people. They are equally maneuverable with 4, 5, or 6 ppl. We call it raft math and tends to work out. We may combine groups at the launch area the day of the trip to make the steering of the raft easier.
WHAT IS THE WATER LEVEL?
The Lower Yough is a dam controlled river and has great water level all year. The spring can bring higher levels due to rain. We are fortunate to have one of the longest rafting seasons in the country, trips are available daily from April 1 to October 31.
The Middle Yough is a dam controlled river and has great water level all year. The spring can bring higher levels due to rain.
WHAT IF THE WATER IS REALLY HIGH?
If the water rises above a certain level, the trip format will change. Larger boats will be used with a guide in every raft. Wilderness Voyageurs reserves the right to change the section of river. Our goal is to provide you with a raft trip of similar experience as the trip intitially reserved! There are many river options in the area that allow us to provide a class 3 experience that is similar to the Lower Yough at normal water levels. We reserve the right to turn away a guest if we feel it is unsafe for that guest to participate in the trip, this can be do to many factors, age, weight, fitness level, etc.
MIDDLE YOUGH SPECIFIC FAQ
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE?
The minimum age for Family Raft trips on the Middle Yough is 5 years old and no experience is necessary. If you are considering a Peddle Paddle, we recommend a minimum age of 8, simply because it is a long day.
WHAT IF I CAN’T SWIM?
Many rafters can’t swim. On all trips, Coast Guard-approved life jackets are provided and must be worn. On advanced trips, it is recommended that you have swimming skills.
CAN I TUBE DOWN THE MIDDLE YOUGH?
No. Tubing is not allow in Ohiopyle State Park! The State Park has size requirements on inflatable water crafts!
HOW DO WE GET TO THE LAUNCH POINT AT THE BEGINNING OF OUR TRIP?
We will transport you to the Middle Yough Launch Area (Ramcat Launch) at the beginning of your trip.
If you are participating in the Pedal & Paddle, you will ride your bike to this point.
HOW DO WE GET BACK TO OUR CARS AT THE END OF THE TRIP?
You will take off the river almost directly across the river from our outfitter store. Just walk your helmets, lifejackets, and paddles back across the bridge.
HOW MANY MILES IS THE MIDDLE YOUGH?
You will be on the water for 9 miles which will take approximately 3 – 5 hours to complete depending on what the water levels are, how many times you stop, and how fast you are paddling.
ARE WE GOING TO GET WET?
The Middle Yough is a calm Class I and II section of river, but with any water sport there is a possibility of getting wet.
DO I NEED TO BE PHYSICALLY STRONG?
Participation is required; you must paddle. You don’t need to be an athlete, but good physical condition is expected. Life jackets limitations are a maximum girth of 54″. If you have medical conditions that strenuous activity may affect, consult your physician.
DO I HAVE TO HAVE ENOUGH PEOPLE TO FILL A RAFT TO MAKE A RESERVATION FOR THE MIDDLE YOUGH?
No. Whether you come alone or bring 80 of your best friends, rafts for the Middle Yough will be filled with 4 to 6 people.
To get a feel for the Ohiopyle area check out our Ohiopyle Photo gallery of hidden corners of Ohiopyle State Park and its many moods.
Ohiopyle State Park
Check out our blog on Ohiopyle State Park, in it we feature all the wonderful things to do in the park to help you make the most of your time in Ohiopyle area.