Water Sports & Whitewater Rafting

Have a mild or wild water adventure in the Laurel Highlands! Rafting tours are available on Class I through Class IV waters. Paddle your way down a leisurely stretch of flat water while enjoying the view with your family, or challenge yourself with some of the best kayaking and whitewater rafting in PA. Try Stand-up paddle boarding on calmer waters, take a leisurely lake paddle, or prepare yourself for the thrill of the whitewater.  

Whitewater Rafting on the Youghiogheny

Thrill seekers! Find heart-racing fun in the Laurel Highlands on the fast-flowing Youghiogheny River, which attracts whitewater boaters from spring to early fall. With Class III and IV rapids, the seven-and-a-half-mile Lower Yough is the busiest section of whitewater east of the Mississippi River.

You don’t have to be an experienced paddler to join in on the adrenaline-pumping fun. The  Middle Yough section features Class I and II rapids, making it ideal for novice kayakers, families with young children, and anglers. Take an express trip with a shorter ride down the river or plan an entire weekend with fun on water. New to the water? Your guides have all the gear and knowledge to make sure you have a successful whitewater rafting adventure in PA's Laurel Highlands!

Family Rafting

All ages and experience levels welcome! Expert outfitters and guides will prepare you for the rafting or boating experience appropriate to your level of interest and skill.  You’ll find extensive rafting, kayaking, and canoeing options, and be amazed by the beautiful surroundings you’ll encounter while on the Yough. The Bottom Yough, Middle Yough, and the Youghiogheny River Lake are perfect for more leisurely family floats. The Bottom Yough and Youghiogheny River Lake are very calm, while the Middle Yough offers Class I and II rapids, just fast enough to excite the kids. 

Pedal and Paddle

Experience an exciting day full of biking, boating, and exploring in Ohiopyle! Take advantage of Peddle-Paddle packages offered by Ohiopyle Trading Post, White Water Adventurers, Laurel Highlands River Tours, or Wilderness Voyageurs for biking and rafting adventures all in one day. Pedal upstream and exchange your bicycles for boats so you can float and paddle back to Ohiopyle.

Canoeing & Kayaking

There are dozens of locations across the Laurel Highlands where you can paddle out. The main hubs for rentals are in Ohiopyle and at Laurel Hill State Park, but there are plenty of locations where you can bring your own equipment as well, like the Casselman River, Pasternak Recreation Area, Mammoth Park, and Northmoreland Park, just to name a few.  

Ohiopyle offers excellent kayak instruction programs, designed for every level of experience. Beginners start on the flat water, intermediate paddlers can tackle the Middle Yough with Class II rapids, and advanced kayakers can take on the Lower Yough, with its Class III and IV rapids.

On the Bottom Yough with Class I waters, you'll find Hazelbaker's Kayak & Canoe Rental, where you can rent canoes, kayaks, rowboats, hydro-bikes, and paddleboats. 

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Stand-up paddle (SUP) boarding is an increasingly popular way to enjoy the water. With more mobility, a short learning curve, and more freedom, you’ll be paddling down the river in no time. You can rent the boards in Ohiopyle at Wilderness Voyageurs or at Laurel Hill State Park, where you'll find Hazelbaker's Kayak and Canoe Rental's second location.

Plan your water adventure today, and enjoy the beauty of the Laurel Highlands!