Excerpted from Appalachian Whitewater: The Northern States by John Connely, et al.

The 10-mile run from Confluence to Ohiopyle passes through a beautiful winding gorge. You can put in on river left in Confluence. However, if there is not enough discharge from the dam, put in downstream beyond the mouth of the Casselman or at the Riversport Camp a mile or so downstream.

For about two miles below the dam, there are only occasional riffles, with flatwater predominating. About a mile below the outskirts of town, the river turns away from the broad valley and heads left into narrow confines.

The first of several Class II rapids begin here. These are all easily read and delightful to run. Soon the rapids recede and the river broadens out considerably for three or four miles. If it is a windy day, this section can be painfully arduous (the wind always blows upstream for some reason).

Falling Water

Soon, however, the canyon walls begin to squeeze the river, and rapids re-form for the last three miles of the trip. Aside from the railroad tracks on either side, the river flows through a road-less, people-less setting. There is also a bicycle trail along the river from Confluence to Stewarton, except when it crosses the loop below Ohiopyle.

When you see the first signs of Ohiopyle in the distance on the right bank, you should begin to plan your exit from the river — dangerous Ohiopyle Falls lie just downstream. Conservative paddlers will want to hang to the left of the island above the Ohiopyle bridge and land on the rocky"beach" just below it. There is a large parking area here.

More experienced paddlers will want to run the Z-Turn Rapid (Class III) to the right and take out downstream on the right side of the river. Since the water is less than two feet deep, an upset at this point is not serious; all you have to do is stand up and walk to shore. Nonetheless, a take-out in Ohiopyle should always be made with caution and with consideration for the inexperienced members of the group. Do not paddle beyond the abandoned railroad bridge, as this will commit you to running the falls.

Move on to Lower Yough II

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