Upper Yough Expeditions -Upper Yough Gorge - Technical Class 4

Dan at Bastard Falls

Class 4 - 5 • 10.5 miles • Mon, Fri, and 1st Sat of Month

The Youghiogheny River springs from the 3,000 - foot ridges of the Allegheny Plateau in Western Maryland. For 11 miles, the upper section of this pristine river offers a true wilderness experience as it cascades through a lush hemlock forest teeming with wildflowers and wildlife. This is the legendary Upper Yough... pronounced "Yock."

After you enjoy the scenery in the deceptively calm entrance pool, you'll soon find the river's main attraction.. whitewater, and plenty of it! Even the Class III rapids we warm up on will get your attention. Soon, You're careening through the tightest of slots in boulder-piles like Split Decision and the Fat Man's Squeeze.

As we run these increasingly difficult rapids, our expert guides will develop a strong sense of teamwork among our crew members before we enter the Class V rapids at Bastard Falls.

In the majestic Upper Yough Gorge, the river commands your attention. Precise cooperation is needed to skillfully navigate the many blind chutes and ledge drops. For 7 miles, the river is virtually one rapid! The Upper Yough drops an average of 116 feet per mile, creating the most continuous stretch of technical Class V whitewater in the east. This river trip is an "energizing" paddling experience.. guaranteed to please the most avid whitewater enthusiast.