On The River With WWA

If you have never heard of a buckwheat supper, you may be wondering what is actually being served—and why people look forward to it all year. The short answer? Buckwheat cakes, sausage and a generous helping of Ohiopyle tradition. The annual Ohiopyle Buckwheat and Pancake Festival returns October 9–11 at the Ohiopyle-Stewart Volunteer Fire Department and Ohiopyle Community Center. It is one of those wonderfully old-fashioned community events that gives visitors another reason to spend a fall day in Ohiopyle. First, What Is a Buckwheat Cake? A buckwheat cake looks a little like a pancake, but it has a flavor all its own. Buckwheat flour produces a darker, heartier cake with a slightly earthy taste. Despite its name, buckwheat is not actually a type of wheat. It comes from the seeds of a flowering plant that are ground into flour….

The calendar has officially given summer the boot. That doesn’t mean Ohiopyle is closing up shop. It means the air is cooler, the leaves are beginning to change and you can ride the bike trail without feeling as though you’ve been slowly roasting in the afternoon sun. Frankly, fall is showing off—and we’re here for it. There Is Still Plenty of Time to Ride The Great Allegheny Passage doesn’t disappear after Labor Day. Some of the best riding weather of the year is still ahead of us. The trail runs right through Ohiopyle, so you can make the ride whatever you want it to be. Pedal along the river for an hour, head toward Confluence for a longer adventure or simply ride until your legs suggest that turning around might be a fine idea. Fall riding comes with cooler temperatures,…

The rafts have changed. The gear has changed. The way people plan and book their trips has certainly changed. But one thing has remained remarkably consistent: we love the river, and we want everyone who joins us to have the best possible time experiencing it. As we come to the end of our 55th year,…

Some of the best days in Ohiopyle do not need a complicated itinerary. Rent a bike in town, follow the river to Confluence, stop for lunch, and ride back to Ohiopyle when you are ready. You will spend the day outside, see a beautiful stretch of the Great Allegheny Passage, and return with the satisfying…

There’s something about Ohiopyle in September. The mornings arrive a little cooler. The afternoons are warm and comfortable. The trails are quieter, the pace slows down, and before long, the first touches of autumn begin appearing across the mountains. It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to spend the entire day outside. And…

If you’ve rafted the Lower Yough with us, you’ve probably heard about the Upper Yough. It usually comes up toward the end of the day, when everyone is back in the boats and the conversation starts to wander toward the river. Someone asks a guide what their favorite section is, or what they would recommend…

If you spend much time in Ohiopyle, you get used to hearing the river divided into three sections: the Upper Yough, the Middle Yough and the Lower Yough. It sounds simple enough. But here’s the thing: those three sections are surprisingly different. And the story of the Youghiogheny River doesn’t begin in Ohiopyle. It starts more than 100 miles away, and the water that runs past us here will eventually end up in the Gulf of Mexico. So let’s follow the river. It Starts in the Mountains The Youghiogheny River begins high in the mountains near the Maryland-West Virginia border. From there, it starts making its way north through Maryland and into Pennsylvania. Long before it reaches Ohiopyle, though, the river’s flow is influenced by a couple of major water projects. And one of them plays a particularly important role…

Years from now, you probably won’t remember every meal you ate on vacation. But you might remember hearing the roar of the rapid approaching You might remember the hydraulic that sent foam and water flying over the boat—and the fact that everyone was completely drenched and laughing.   You might remember looking around and realizing…

When most people think about whitewater rafting, they picture the middle of summer—July sunshine, school vacations, and crowded weekends. But here’s something many first-time visitors don’t realize: Some of our favorite days on the Lower Yough happen in September. With warm days, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery, September has quietly become one of the best times to experience Ohiopyle. If you’ve been assuming rafting season winds down after Labor Day, you might be missing one of the best-kept secrets of the year. The Weather Is Hard to Beat By September, the intense heat of midsummer has usually given way to warm afternoons and crisp mornings. It’s comfortable enough to enjoy the outdoors all day, whether you’re rafting, hiking, or exploring town. The river is still running, the scenery is still beautiful, and you won’t spend the day wishing…

The first day of Steelers Training Camp has arrived, and thousands of fans are making their way to Latrobe for another exciting season. If you’re traveling from out of town—or even making the drive for the day—why not add another classic western Pennsylvania experience to your trip? Ohiopyle is only about an hour from Latrobe, making it an easy side trip before or after practice. Our Lower Youghiogheny River Guided Rafting Trip is the perfect adventure for first-time rafters and families looking to add a little excitement to the day. You’ll paddle 7.5 miles through beautiful Ohiopyle State Park, splash through more than 20 fun rapids, and still have plenty of time to cheer on the Black and Gold. A Sample Game Plan Morning Option Arrive in Ohiopyle for our morning rafting trip. Finish by early afternoon. Drive to Latrobe…

It happens almost every day. A raft pulls back into the take-out. Everyone is soaking wet, exhausted, and grinning from ear to ear. As they’re unloading their gear, someone in the group says it. “Next year we’re doing the Upper.” Or… “We’ve got to bring the kids.” “My brother would love this.” “Let’s stay the whole weekend next time.” They haven’t even changed out of their life jackets, and they’re already planning another trip. After more than 50 years on the Youghiogheny River, we’ve learned something about Ohiopyle. People don’t just visit once. They come back. It Starts With a Little Nervousness Almost everyone arrives with at least one question. “What if I fall out?” “Have you done this before?” “Are we crazy for signing up?” Then the guide gives the safety talk, everyone pushes off from shore, and before…

When most people think of Ohiopyle, they picture exciting whitewater rapids and unforgettable rafting adventures. While the Youghiogheny River is certainly the heart of our town, there’s so much more to discover beyond the river. Ohiopyle is a place where every trail leads to something beautiful, every overlook offers a breathtaking view, and every visit…