Youghiogheny River — Maryland Section
About
Class IV-V continuous drops through Garrett County's Appalachian gorge make the Upper Youghiogheny from Sang Run to Friendsville one of the East's most technical whitewater runs. At 680 CFS average with an optimal window of 400–1200, the Yough delivers 25 miles of demanding whitewater split between the marquee Upper section and the more forgiving Class II-III canyon below Friendsville. Precision Rafting guides commercial trips through the steepest drops, though private boaters with solid Class V skills dominate the put-ins during prime flow windows. The river corridor runs through Swallow Falls State Park and Deep Creek Lake Recreation Area, with Maryland Scenic River designation protecting the forested banks. USGS gauge 03075500 tracks releases from upstream Deep Creek Dam — when flows push toward the upper end of the range, even experienced paddlers treat this stretch with respect.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.