Whitewater Boating

	Experience the challenge of conquering the rapids -- take your family and friends whitewater rafting in Pennsylvania. Three parks -- Lehigh Gorge in northeastern Pennsylvania, Ohiopyle in southwestern Pennsylvania and Leonard Harrison in northcentral Pennsylvania -- offer guided raft tours run by experienced outfitters. Three other parks have whitewater boating opportunities.
Ohiopyle State Park

Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks that are available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Know and obey the rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Department of Conservation of Natural Resources, Bureau of State Parks. For complete boating information visit the PA Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Visit the Safety Code of American Whitewater for useful safety information.

Whitewater is classified according to difficulty ranging from the easiest, Class I to the most difficult, Class VI. Each of the three parks offers a different experience. Lehigh Gorge offers very continuous Class II and III rapids along the Lehigh River, which is a good choice for children and beginners. Rafting is most enjoyable when the water is high in the Lehigh River which is during March , April and early May. Seasonal water flows affect the rapids at Leonard Harrison; and therefore, rapids vary from a Class IV during heavy rainfall seasons down to a pleasure cruise at Class I. Several sections of the course are usually Class II and III, with the rest at Class I. For the more adventurous or experienced rafters, the Youghiogheny River course at Ohiopyle is wilder with Class III and IV rapids. The Youghiogheny River is a nationally renowned whitewater river. Rafting is best in the spring and fall when the water is high and there are fewer crowds.

Shuttle bus transportation is provided to and from the river along with rafts, paddles and life jackets. Each rafting trip is preceded by a safety and river briefing. All have experienced river guides that have extensive training. Reservations are recommended and can be obtained by contacting one of the outfitters below.

International Scale of River Difficulty

The classes below are the American version of the rating system used throughout the world. This system is not exact. Rivers do not always fit easily into one category and there may be regional interpretations. This information is from American Whitewater.

Class I: Easy - Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Self-rescue is easy.

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. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges is often required. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can occur.

Class IV: Advanced - Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. May be large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. Rapids require “must” moves above dangerous hazards. Self-rescue is difficult.

Access for People with Disabilities

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.

Where to Whitewater Boat

Lehigh Gorge: The Lehigh River carves through the park in a steep-walled canyon. It is one of the most scenic rivers in America and features Class II-III whitewater boating. Explore Lehigh Gorge for more information and a list of licensed concessionaires.

Leonard Harrison: Pine Creek carves the "Grand Canyon" of Pennsylvania. It begins just south of Ansonia, along U.S. Route 6 and continues south for about 47 miles. At Leonard Harrison and Colton Point state parks the depth of the canyon is about 800 feet and these park locations have the most spectacular scenic overlooks.

Licensed Concessionaires

Pine Creek Outfitters
570-724-3003

Canyon Cruiser
877-786-2269

McConnells Mill: Slippery Rock Creek is a Class II to IV river, depending on water level. Spring and fall are the best times for boating. Boaters generally start from Rose Point (US 422 bridge), outside of the park boundary, and boat to Eckert Bridge, covering 2.5 miles with a portage around the dam at the Old Mill. It is illegal to “run” the dam. Boaters must stay at least 50 feet from the boil at the base of the dam. An additional 3.5 miles of whitewater from Eckert Bridge to Harris Bridge can extend the run for boaters to 6 miles. Rafts, canoes and kayaks are not available for rent in the park. Explore McConnells Mill for more information.

Ohiopyle: The focal point of the area is the more than 14 miles of the Youghiogheny [yaw-ki-gay-nee] River Gorge that passes through the heart of the park. The "Yough" [yawk] provides some of the best whitewater boating in the Eastern U. S. as well as spectacular scenery.

There is a fee to reserve a launch time at Ohiopyle State Park. Explore Ohiopyle for more information a list of licensed concessionaires.

Ralph Stover: When high water conditions exist, Tohickon Creek offers a challenging course for closed deck canoes and kayaks. Water releases occur in the spring and fall. Explore Ralph Stover for more information.

Worlds End: Whitewater boaters may use the Loyalsock Creek at any time of the year although the area by the swimming beach is closed during the summer. The best water is March to May. Due to rapid fluctuations in water level, kayakers should inquire about conditions before coming to the park. The stream is NOT suitable for open canoes.

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