Upstream in Ohiopyle

Jul 27, 2007 — Maybe the best way to find Ohiopyle is to follow the cars and pickups loaded with kayaks and canoes. Or bikes, camping gear, fishing rods and hunting rifles.

Fewer than 80 year-round residents live in this tiny town filled with white clapboard houses and a few brick stores. But more than a million people visit Ohiopyle State Park every year, which completely surrounds Ohiopyle. Summer weekends there are a circus - but in a good way.

Ohiopyle lies at the valley intersection of a few twisted, steep and narrow mountain roads alongside the Youghiogheny River, to which its owes its popularity.

The "Yough" (pronounced yock) attracts 87,000 visitors every year to its thrilling white-water-rafting adventures. But despite its reputation as a white-water town, even more bicyclists (227,000) hit the state park's 27-mile bike trail, part of the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile rail trail.

Last year, a connection was made to the C&O Canal Towpath (184 miles) in Cumberland, Md., and bikers can ride from Pittsburgh to Georgetown in Washington, D.C., or 334 miles.

Bikes are available for rental at one of the many tourist-friendly shops in town.

And

for those not interested in cycling or meeting the infamous Dimple Rock (at least nine people have drowned here in 30 years) or some of the other Class IV rapids, pull on hiking boots for some of the 79 miles of hiking trails or put on hip waders for flying fishing. Or just relax under a massive green umbrella of trees at one of the 226 camp sites or camp cabins.

Wherever you go, take a camera. Waterfalls are hidden along the trails, and birds and other wildlife are everywhere.

For a trip on the Yough, check with one of the outfitters in town. The lower Yough is a more difficult and exciting ride, boasting more violent Class III-IV rapids (Class IV- Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water, according to American Whitewater safety code).

The middle Yough is Class I-II rapids and is more of a float trip, suited for children or beginner kayakers. However, even rookies can tackle the lower Yough on a guided trip.

For a more quiet weekend, check out Ferncliff Peninsula National Natural Landmark, just a short walk across the river from Ohiopyle. The north-flowing Yough drops seeds from southern forests on this 100-acre peninsula, giving wanderers a look at rare and unusual - for Pennsylvania - plants.

From river's edge, watch the rafters slide through the rapids or walk to the high bridge for an even more grand view of the river. Or bike along the river to watch.

Either way, it's all about the Yough.

ON THE WEB

· For details about Ohiopyle State Park, visit http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/Parks/ohiopyle.aspx

· For details about white-water safety, visit americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/safety:start

· For details about the Ohiopyle area and attractions, visit http://www.laurelhighlands.org

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IF YOU GO

Ohiopyle is about 185 miles and a three-and-a-half-hour drive from York. Because of its secluded location, five different drivers might have five different ways to reach the town. Check online with Mapquest or Google for the best directions.

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INTERNATIONAL SCALE OF RIVER DIFFICULTY

Class I Rapids

Fast-moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.

Class II Rapids: Novice

Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels that are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering might be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers

Class III: Intermediate

Rapids with moderate, irregular waves that might be difficult to avoid and can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers might be present but are easily avoided

Class IV: Advanced

Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it might feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure

Class V: Expert

Extremely long, obstructed or very violent rapids that expose a paddler to added risk. Drops might contain large, unavoidable waves and holes, or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids might continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness.

Class VI: Extreme and Exploratory Rapids

These runs have almost never been attempted and often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue might be impossible.

Source: American Whitewater

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