Trucking the Youghiogheny

Generally, paddlers spend a lot of time playing around on the Loop and then go on to Stewarton.

For those not up to handling such rough water, a put-in can be made below Railroad Rapids and, with a few judicious carries, the trip can be made to Stewarton in comparative safety. The first two miles below the Loop are open and easily read Class II descents, with only one Class III, which drops rather sharply.

Soon below this Class III rapid, the river narrows and appears to end, but a loud roar coming from the left warns the paddler of a special treat — Dimple's Rapids. A paddler who is on this section for the first time may want to scout these rapids out, considered by some to be the most difficult of the Lower Yough.

Doing the Dimple

The current is choked down into a bulging filament, smashes directly into Dimple Rock (left bank), and veers off to the right.

Immediately below, this Class III IV rapid continues with a dazzling combination of reefs and boulders, and below these are a long field of haystacks (large standing waves) and a river-wide, gaping hydraulic (Swimmers' Rapids), followed by more haystacks. Needles to say, flipping in Dimple can be the start of a long day.

Be sure to miss Dimple Rock; it is undercut. Run the channel, which slams into Dimple, as far right as possible. At medium water levels you can sneak this drop by running down a center channel to the right of Dimple Rock.

The feisty hydraulic at Swimmers' Rapids is a popular lunch stop. Rafting groups stop here so their customers can jump off the left bank upstream and float through it. More experienced kayaks, duckys, and canoes jump into it for a vigorous surf. However, surfers have to wait in line and contend with the waves of rafts and swimmers punching the hydraulic.

Schoolhouse Rock

The next rapid after Swimmers' is Bottle of Wine. The right channel is a vigorous drop into two big waves, and the far left is more gentle. After a long rock garden comes Double Hydraulic, which is just what it says. The first hydraulic is bigger and stickier. Scout from an eddy on the left or from the right bank. Sneak both hydraulics on the right.

Right after Double Hydraulic is River's End (Class III IV), where the river seems dammed up but instead funnels over a steep drop on the left. Scout this drop from the left. You run it just the opposite of Dimple.

Enter tight left next to a big rock near the left bank. As you pass this rock, be ready for a sharp left turn to avoid Snaggletooth Rock just below, which has snagged its share of errant rafts and boats.

After a long mellow Class III run-out and pool comes Schoolhouse Rock — so named for the large rock at the bottom that has collected countless tuitions in the form of broached boats. Be sure to miss this rock right or left.

A Killer Finish

Below Schoolhouse Rock on river right is Million Dollar Wave — an exquisite surfing spot. Then comes Stairstep — a feisty short ledge series in the center with a sneak on the far left.

Then, be sure your life insurance premium is paid up, because Killer Falls (Class II) is next on the far right.

The last rapid is Brunner Run, or Dragon's Tooth (so named for a distinctive triangular rock upstream). The most conservative route is on the right. The Brunner Run take-out is just below on the left.

In the off-season, you can park cars here and use the access road. During the peak season, you'll have to use the shuttle. Check the bulletin board at the put-in for dates and times.

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