Ohiopyle, PA rafting and other water adventures in the Laurel Highlands.

Western Pennsylvania is home to some of the best whitewater rafting and kayaking in the Eastern U.S. The Youghiogheny River offers exciting Ohiopyle, PA rafting for outdoor adventurists seeking a thrill. For those in need of some guidance, the Laurel Highlands has plenty of PA river tour companies, instructional schools and outfitters that can lead you on an exhilarating adventure, emphasizing safety the whole way. As for gear, it's already here. All you need to bring is a bit of courage, a sense of adventure, and a little elbow grease. Oh, and an extra pair of dry clothes wouldn’t hurt, either.

The Youghiogheny River Gorge, which passes through the heart of the Ohiopyle State Park, provides a wide range of water activities for vacationers of all ages—from viewing the dramatic Ohiopyle Falls of the 30-foot bridal veil waterfall at Cucumber Falls to seeing the deepest gorge in Pennsylvania from Baughman Rocks to exploring plants and fossils on Ferncliff Peninsula.

Learn about the History made along
our river shores

There’s another kind of Ohiopyle, PA rafting that’s basically the opposite of the white-knuckle, thrill-a-minute experience of whitewater rafting on PA’s Youghiogheny river. The Historic Float Trip is a two-and-a-half hour journey that takes you deep into PA Laurel Highlands' history. You’ll be transported back to the very beginnings of settler culture and life in our region.

Your guides, dressed in 1750’s garb, will tell you all about the key moments in our storied past, including battles of the French and Indian War, George Washington’s first command, the Whiskey Rebellion, and the birth of the coal and coke industry. This Ohiopyle, PA rafting trip will have you immersed in Laurel Highlands’ history, as well as the most striking fall foliage you’ve ever seen.

Is the stillness of a wilderness lake
more to your liking?

Then plan a trip to Laurel Hill State Park. Its 63-acre lake is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, or small-boat sailing (sunfish or catamaran). Canoe rentals are available. Plus, it’s surrounded by thousands of acres of unspoiled park and forest vistas that positively explode with color during the autumn months.

Still looking for more fun in the wet stuff? Try Seven Springs Mountains Resort. They offer two kinds of aquatic activities –– hydrobikes and paddleboats. There’s even late-season paddle boating at Hidden Valley Resort.

Who says water adventures are just for summer? View our Laurel Highlands, PA Rafting directory for more information.