Laurel Highlands River Tours Blog

Raft the Yough

2010-07-13T18:58:00-04:00

We've hit the dog days of summer! There is no better way to escape the heat than to hit the RIVER! Rafting season is in full swing!

Head to Ohiopyle State Park to check some Class III-IV rafting on the Lower Yough. We offer Guide Escorted (guides aren't in your raft but will escort you down the river), Fully Guided (a guide will be in your raft) and Premium Guided Tours (the ULTIMATE Yough experience)! All you need is swim wear and sunscreen and we will provide the rest, including lunch!

Check out our Calendar for last minute savings on select tours on the Lower Yough. Don't miss out on this summer's best outdoor adventure. Book now ONLINE or give us a call 800-472-3846.

Family Fun Rafting!

2010-07-13T18:03:00-04:00

Summer is HERE! There are only about five weeks left before the kids are back to school. Now is the time your family should be looking for some fun outdoor activities. Why not bring the whole family rafting? We are offering some great deals right now.

Raft on the Middle Yough guided tour on any Wednesday and one child (under 12) can raft FREE with two paying adults. Come to Ohiopyle during the to experience the State Park at its quieter moments! The river will also be a lot less crowded, which is always a good thing! Mention code KFW to one of our outdoor specialists to receive your discount.

May Specials

2010-05-16T17:03:00-04:00

There are a few weeks remaining in May and we have some great specials left this month.

Raft on the Upper Yough Friday, May 21 or Friday, May 28 for just $105 plus tax! Wow - what a discount! Saturday, May 29 Upper trip is already sold out so call in sick from work and hit the river for a great deal!

Maybe you're not ready for the Class V rapids? How about the Beast of the East, the Cheat River? It's Class III-V rapids are sure to please. Also check out the Lower Yough's Class III whitewater or the Middle Yough's Class I and II family float trip. Raft a guided tour on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend for Sunday's discounted rates. Check out our Specials page for more great deals!

Good news!

2010-03-27T17:51:00-04:00

I was so excited, I had to tell someone:

Congratulations

Hank and Tina!!!

They came in to rent bikes this afternoon and when

they came back, Tina had a great big shiny new ring!

Hank proposed to her on the bike trail by the river

here in Ohiopyle on this beautiful sunny afternoon.

What a great couple! I wish them all the luck and

happiness in the world!

Special Day on the Upper Yough

2009-09-26T15:39:00-04:00

Terry Palmo, our general manager here at Laurel Highlands, took a trip down memory lane yesterday, in the form of a ride with Senior Guide, Tommy Steyer down the Upper Yough! And here's a photo to prove it:

Go Terry! Lookin' good!

Terry wanted to let everyone know that even when you're pushing 60... it's important to stay active and get outside and enjoy yourself!

Falls Race 2009

2009-08-13T12:54:00-04:00

*Falls Race 2009*

Saturday, August 22nd, 2009

Check out the official Falls Race website to read about the new information that has been posted. www.fallsrace.com They have released an image of the 2009 t-shirt design and details about the Town Party, being hosted right here on the Laurel Highlands Outdoor Center Porch at 7 pm on Saturday!

Also, don't forget to check out our Big Fall Sale that will officially begin on Saturday, August 22nd. including store-wide specials and our HUGE Gazebo Sale with items up to 50% OFF!!! Our 2009 Demo kayaks will also be for sale on that day. Don't miss out on the great deals on clothing, gear, boats, and more!

Upcoming events!

2009-07-28T17:31:00-04:00

Here in Ohiopyle, the end of July, August, and September are our busy times! There is so much to see and do that I thought a Calender of Event was in order. So check out what I've put together, and I've included links to more information when it's available. Check back, I'll update as needed. I hope you're having a great summer!

Here's the Ohiopyle State Park's upcoming events:

Start Date	Time	Event	Location

8/01/09 SAT	10:00am-12:00pm	Moonshine and Tom Faucet	Ohiopyle State Park
8/01/09 SAT	8:30pm-10:30pm	Furtrading	Ohiopyle State Park
8/02/09 SUN	1:30pm-3:30pm	Ask the Naturalist Hike	Ohiopyle State Park
8/02/09 SUN	7:00pm-9:00pm	Cemetery Hike	Ohiopyle State Park
8/03/09 MON	9:00pm-11:00pm	Owl Prowl	Ohiopyle State Park
8/07/09 FRI	8:30pm-10:30pm	Snakes and Reptiles	Ohiopyle State Park
8/08/09 SAT	9:00am-11:00am	Volunteer Clean Up	Ohiopyle State Park
8/08/09 SAT	9:00am-4:00pm	Kayaking 101	Ohiopyle State Park
8/08/09 SAT	1:00pm-3:00pm	Spinning Through Time	Ohiopyle State Park
8/09/09 SUN	8:30pm-10:30pm	Black Bear	Ohiopyle State Park

Saturday, August 22nd, 2009- Don't forget about the Over the Falls Race and Festival! This is one of our biggest events all year in Ohiopyle and there is lots to see and do. Go here for more info: http://www.fallsrace.com/

September 5th and 6th, 2009- The next big event you should check out is the 21st Annual Music in the Mountains in the Ohiopyle State Park. With Bluegrass Music, food, vendors, a spaghetti dinner, a 5k, and fireworks! What more could you ask for?

Friday & Saturday, October 9th and 10th, 2009- The best thing about October is the Fall Buckwheat Supper here in Ohiopyle. Hosted by the Community Center and the Ohiopyle Volunteer Fire Department, it's a weekend-long event with the best buckwheat pancakes and all the fixin's ! Local food and craft vendors, too!

Check out our Star!

2009-07-20T17:38:19-04:00

MacKenzie and Team USA in Buochs, Switzerland

MacKenzie Hatcher (Laurel Highlands River Guide) and Sierra O'Brien raced in Wildwater Kayaks in the Junior Wildwater World Cup in Buochs, Switzerland last week. We couldn't be prouder of them!

Good job girls!

Another Big Weekend in Ohiopyle

2009-07-17T16:31:21-04:00

Check out some of these fun activities planned with the State Park this weekend! Top off a fun day on the river with the Owl Prowl tonight, or try the Arts in the Park event on Saturday. Contact the Ohiopyle State Park office for more details.

Start Date	Time	Event	Location

7/17/09 FRI	9:00pm-11:00pm	Owl Prowl	Ohiopyle State Park
7/18/09 SAT	10:30am-12:30pm	Snake Hike	Ohiopyle State Park
7/18/09 SAT	1:30pm-4:30pm	Arts In the Afternoon - Garden Stepping Stones	Ohiopyle State Park
7/18/09 SAT	8:30pm-10:30pm	Geodeman	Ohiopyle State Park
7/19/09 SUN	1:30pm-3:30pm	Summer Wildflower Hike	Ohiopyle State Park
7/19/09 SUN	7:30pm-9:30pm	Ghost of Tom Faucet	Ohiopyle State Park
7/22/09 WED	1:00pm-4:00pm	Arts In The Afternoon - Silk and Sun Fabric Fun	Ohiopyle State Park
7/24/09 FRI	8:30pm-10:30pm	The Fisher and The Otter	Ohiopyle State Park
7/25/09 SAT	9:00am-3:00pm	Project Weedwack 2009	Ohiopyle State Park
7/25/09 SAT	1:00pm-4:00pm	Arts In The Afternoon - Handmade T-shirts & Bandannas	Ohiopyle State Park

Become a fan of Laurel Highlands River Tours

2009-06-28T14:24:00-04:00

Don't miss out on the goings-on in Ohiopyle! Become a FAN of Laurel Highlands River Tours on Facebook to stay in the know! We have been uploading lots of photos of our guide staff and some cool pictures of our past. And, there are many more photos to come!! Check back to view some pics of our 2009 Training Class and some funny rafting mishap pictures.

Click here for the link to our page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Laurel-Highlands-River-Tours-and-Outdoor-Center/95354874761?ref=ts

Check out The Ohiopyle House Cafe!

2009-06-23T08:00:00-04:00

The Ohiopyle House Café is open 7 days a week, 11am to 9pm on weekdays, and 11am to 10pm on weekends. Located on Grant Street in Ohiopyle, right next to the Bike Trail, Stacey's got a great menu avaiable with some great new dishes, and some of the older favorites. My favorite, the Pasta Jessica. Come visit us to see our new menu and Daily Specials!

The Mariettaville Tavern opens around 12pm everyday and stays open to the wee hours of the morning! The juke box is always going!

There’s also the most amazing Bloody Mary Bar and special breakfast served in the Tavern 8am to 12pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

And get this: Fresh in from the bars of Key West, special celebrity bartender, Dax Fiore! Come visit the Tavern and ask him for his specialty drink of the day. Each night he picks a different mixed drink with island flair that is sure to please!

The holiday weekend is fast apporaching!

2009-06-22T15:33:00-04:00

With the Fourth of July holiday creeping up on us, I thought a guide on where to go for fireworks, music, and more would be helpful to anyone who may be visiting our area from out of town. So, here's the F.o.J. 411!

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Thursday - July 2, 2009
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm - "Lobby Palooza" - Chateau Lobby. Complimentary
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Movie - Lecture Hall. Complimentary

Friday - July 3, 2009
9:00 am - 10:00 pm - Miniature Golf Tournament - Fallingbrook Mini Golf Course
$8 Adult / $6 Child
10:00 am - 5:00 pm - Retail Trunk Show - Heritage Court. Complimentary
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm - Disc Golf Tournament - Adventure Center.
$15 Per Person or buy the Adventure Pass for $15!
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm - "Lobby Palooza" - Chateau Lobby. Complimentary
8:30 pm - 9:30 pm - "Wild Animals" Show - The WildSide. Complimentary

Saturday - July 4, 2009
11:30 am - 12:15 pm - Retail Fashion Show - Paradise Pool. Complimentary
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm - "Tour of Nemacolin / Bacardi Crawl" A la carte
2:00 pm - Registration for Classic Car and Bike Show - The WildSide. Complimentary
4:00 pm - 9:00 pm - "Carnival" at The WildSide. $5 Per Person
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Judging of The WildSide Classic Car and Bike Show
5:00 pm & 8:00 pm - Family Activities - The WildSide

Three-Legged Relay Race
Potato Sack Race
Pie Eating Contest
Water Balloon Toss

7:00 pm - Awards for The WildSide Classic Car and Bike Show
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm - "Wild Animals" Show - The WildSide. Complimentary
8:30 pm - 1:00 am - Live Band - The WildSide
9:30 pm - Fireworks*
*Best viewed from Lafayette Gardens, The WildSide and Links Pro Shop Parking Lot.

Sunday - July 5, 2009
10:00 am - 1:00 pm - Lautrec Sunday Brunch

Reservations will be available at a later date. For more information, contact a Resort Sales Specialist at 866.344.6957.

The Uniontown Mall, Uniontown, Pennsylvania

Independence Day Festival & Fireworks

Jun 28, 2009

Fayette Chamber of Commerce Annual Independence Day Concert and Fireworks on Sunday, June 28th beginning at 6pm and ending with Fireworks at dusk.

INTO THE ARENA AT 6PM

CHRIS HIGBEE PROJECT AT 7:30PM

FIREWORKS AT DUSK (APPROXIMATELY 9:15PM)

Connellsville, Pennsylvania

Annual July 4th Fireworks Celebration

The Community Events Committee (CEC) of the Chamber is coordinating the fifth annual 4th of July Fireworks celebration on Thursday, July 3rd at dusk (rain date is July 5th). The fireworks will be set off near City Hall in Connellsville.

Before the fireworks, the community is invited to Lions Square to dance and enjoy doo-wop from the mid 50’s to early 60’s! Regis and Garry Lowman of "Just Havin’ Fun" have donated their time and talent for everyone to enjoy a fun evening in honor of our Chamber’s 80th anniversary this year! So plan to join us (and bring a chair for watching the fireworks after the dance) for a great time! This is another free event sponsored by your Chamber.

Family fun rafting

2009-06-07T16:16:16-04:00

So now that the kids are out of school, your family may be looking for some fun outdoor activities. Why not bring the whole family rafting? We are offering some great deals right now.

Raft on the Middle Yough guided tour on any Wednesday of June and one child (under 12) can raft FREE with two paying adults. Coming to Ohiopyle during the week is also a great time to experience the State Park at its quieter moments! And the river will be a lot less crowded, which is always a good thing! Mention code CSO to one of our outdoor specialists to receive your discount.

If you are looking to raft other sections of the Yough, or try out some other land-based activities we offer, our Pay Early June special is still running. If you were to call and reserve your outdoor vacation before June 30th, you can receive 5% off your reservation! How cool is that! Mention code CEJ to one of our outdoor specialists to receive your discount.

Sunday Sunday Sunday

2009-05-07T13:53:00-04:00

So, we're in what meteorologists call a "minor weather event" here in Ohiopyle. We've had so many rainy days that the creeks are flooding, the river is high, and the trees and flowers are exploding with blossoms! It's really pretty during the few moments when the sun breaks through. All of this rain means that the lakes are filling and the future looks excellent for consistently perfect water levels for the majority of the river season! Which is very good news for boaters! But not the best news for bikers and hikers...

But there is hope! This coming Sunday is supposed to be beautiful. If you're looking to do a little relaxing in the out-of-doors any time soon, Sunday's your day. Check out our forecast here: http://www.accuweather.com/us/pa/ohiopyle/15470/forecast.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=1&metric=0

The fifteen day forecast looks even better! There are 80 degrees days coming! Our spaces for the coming weekends are filling rapidly, so if you're ready for some fun in the sun, give us a call so we can help you plan your outdoor adventure!

Another fun day on the Cheat River

2009-04-17T11:46:00-04:00

Wednesday, April 15th, 2009

Cheat River, Albright, West Virginia

Mount St. Joseph College from Baltimore, Maryland

Thanks Greg! We had a blast!

Our First Trip of the Year!

2009-04-08T19:37:00-04:00

Picture this... The very first trip of the year: A warm Spring day, the rains have stopped and the sun is shining. You're in Albright, West Virginia, at the put in for the Cheat River. It's April! The river is at 5 feet! It's 70 degrees! To us, this sounds like a dream. It should be snowing! The wind should be blowing and the ice should be forming on our life jackets! It builds character after all...

But no! It's true! The river is running a perfect 5 feet! The sun really is shining! Those really are birds singing! The thermometer actually hits 70 degrees. Unbelieveable.

Last Sunday, April 5th, 2009, we ran our first trip of the year. We were on the Cheat at 5 feet in 70 degree sunshine with our friends from the Allegheny College Outing Club. And I truely hope they all had a firm understanding of how lucky they are. Here's a few pictures of their beautiful day. Give us a call to lock in your reservation for your own Cheat River adventure this year before time runs out!

Upper Yough Release Schedule

2009-03-06T12:53:44-04:00

Upper Yough season has finally arrived! The Upper Yough release schedule has been posted!

There are only two Friday releases in April, the 17th and the 24th.

May dates are wierder this year than last! Monday's releases are 4th, 11th, and 25th, which is Memorial Day. Friday's are the 1st and the 8th. Saturday we have a release on the 2nd, and the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend there is a release (24th).

In June we are looking at releases every Monday and Friday and the last two Saturdays of the month.

July and August are full of releases, one every Monday, Friday, and Saturday.

September release's are every Monday and Friday and the first two Saturdays.

And finally, October releases will be the first two Mondays and Fridays and Saturday the 3rd.

Keep in mind that Saturday releases are the first trips to sell out. We still have space available for both May Saturdays but the slots are going fast. July is filling up quickly. So if you are looking for the ulitmate challenge this summer, be sure to make your reservations soon!

May Specials

2009-03-06T12:40:00-04:00

Join us for Memorial Day Weekend and our official summer kick-off!!

We are offering Sunday's discounted raft for our guided tours on Saturday!

Be sure to reserve early, Memorial Day weekend books up qucikly! We offer rafting on all the sections of rivers we operate on for this weekend. Book a tour on the Middle, Lower, Upper Youghiogheny, as well as the Canyon section of the Cheat River. Call today and mention code CMD.

April Specials

2009-03-06T12:24:00-04:00

In honor of our season kick-off we are offering specials all through the month of April.

Book a rafting tour any Sunday in April and receive free wetsuit rentals.

Lots of winter snow and spring rains are ensuring excellent water levels for April. If you've never experienced the thrill of high-water rafting you are missing out on the adventure of a lifetime.

Call today and reserve your tour! Tours start as early as March 28. Come enjoy white water rafting like you've never seen it before!!

Pay Early - Save Big

2009-03-06T12:21:11-04:00

It's that time of year again! Our PAY EARLY discounts are in full swing.

Pay by April 30th and receive 15% off! Book your reservation and pay for it in full by April 30th and receive a 15% discount off your reservation! Mention code CEA.

Pay by May 31st and receive 10% off! Book your reservation and pay for it in full by May 31st and receive a 10% discount off your reservation! Mention code CEM.

Pay by June 30th and receive 5% off! Book your reservation and pay for it in full by June 30th and receive a 5% discount off your reservation! Mention code CEJ.

Only 50% deposit is due within 10 days of your reservation. The remainder is due by the date of your special. Tours are starting to fill up, so call soon to the reserve the date you are interested in!!

Fall Sale in Full Swing

2008-09-06T16:52:00-04:00

It's that time of year again...

Laurel Highland's Annual Fall Sale

And you know what that means, SALES, SALES and more SALES

As with every fall, we have moved our Outfitter's Store over to the Outdoor Center. If you are interested in purchasing any paddling equipment, kayaks, bikes, or outdoor clothing come visit us in the Outdoor Center on Sherman street.

Sales right now run from 10% - 50% off selected items. There are some great deals to be had.

Don't forget about our Used Equipment Sale. Bikes and rafts and kayaks...Oh My! So many toys, so little space! Be sure to stop by soon before all the fun stuff is gone.

This summer was a fantastic summer in Ohiopyle! Thanks to all our visitors and guests for a GREAT season!

Fun-filled Fall on Order!

2008-08-12T14:27:00-04:00

So, I know what you are thinking...SUMMER'S ALMOST OVER! That may be true but let's enjoy what's left! We are expecting an action-packed season ender here in Ohiopyle.

First up... FALLS RACE!!!

Saturday, August 23 will see some of the craziest adrenaline junkies I know plummetting over Ohiopyle's 23-ft waterfall. The day promises much enjoyment. After watching the show, hang out with us at Laurel Highlands Outdoor Center for live music by 706 Union and an exciting Film Festival featuring crazy kayaking videos that will make Falls Racers look like sissies! Falls Race weekend will also the kick off of our End of Season 20% off Sale in the Outfitter's Store. Have you ever seen the Ohiopyle waterfall all lit up at night? NO? - it's a can't-miss sight! The Falls will be under lights from dusk until 10pm on Saturday. Check out www.fallsrace.com for more info.

What's next? Labor Day Weekend and Music in the Mountains.

Our last big weekend (August 30 - Spetember 1) before the season ends promises tons of fun. This weekend will also feature Ohiopyle State Park's Music in the Mountains Festival. What started out as a few musicians playing acoustic music by the Falls has now evolved into a two-day event featuring arts and craft vendors and much more musical entertianment! There will be a climbing wall, helicopter rides and an Ice Cream Eating Contest. Some of the areas best acoustic musicans will be playing Saturday and Sunday nights. The Falls will be under lights again both nights and the 3rd Annual Fireworks over the Yough are scheduled for Saturday night! For more information visit: www.friendsofohioypyle.info.

Last but not least, the Buckwheat Supper.

Ohiopyle-Stewart Buckwheat Supper is back again! This two-day event starts on Friday, October 10. This year's meal will include all you can eat buckwheat and pancakes and tons of extra fixin's. Meals will be served in both the Ohioyple Fire Hall and the Ohiopyle-Stewart Community Center. Arts and crafts booths will be set up in the Community Center and in the streets and green areas by the Fire Hall. A great weekend for fun with family and friends. Rent some bikes at our Outdoor Center and experience the beauty of Fall in Ohioyple with the abundant changing leaves.

water, Water and more WATER!

2008-08-06T19:35:00-04:00

We are in the midst of the dog-days of summer and, normally, this time of year we see water levels reflecting the warm dry months of July and August. BUT NOT THIS YEAR! A drenched Spring led to a very moist early Summer and now the Youghiogheny Dam is FULL! We have never seen such a high level of the Yough Lake this late in the summer!

What does all this mean? Is the water too high, are the rapids more dangerous? NOPE! This situation created the perfect recipe for a late summer of fun on the Youghiogheny River! Because of the excess water in the lake, the US Army Corp of Engineers will be able to provide us with a little extra water for the remainder of the summer and into the fall. Excellent water conditions for you and your family or friends to take advantage of the beautiful summer weather remaining in 2008.

There are only a few weeks left before the kids have to get back to school, so make some time to get out of the city heat and into the mountains! Rafting conditions couldn't be better right now if we ordered them from Mother Nature herself. Give us a call today to plan your last weekend getaway, spaces are booking up quickly!

Can't get away until September? No Problem! We have plenty of availablity and the weather is still great for rafting!

View and purchase your rafting photos online!

2008-07-06T16:19:00-04:00

Our online photo store is open for business. If you forgot to buy your pictures the day you went rafting, don't fret! You can view and purchase your pictures on our new website!

You can either purchase a single image and download it or you can purchase a single image on a cd we will mail to you. You also have the option of purchasing all the pictures of your raft. Simply select the first image of your raft and we will compile all the images of your raft, burn them on a cd and mail it to you!

Check out the images available now and be sure to check back for updates often!

www.youghriverphoto.com

Fourth of July Festivities

2008-07-02T18:08:00-04:00

This is your one-stop source of information on what to do when you visit Ohiopyle this 4th of July!

For the absolute best in fireworks displays, I suggest Nemacolin Wooodlands on Route 40, just minutes from Ohiopyle. Featuring Zambelli fireworks set to music, the event kicks off at 9:30pm. Also on their agenda for the holiday weekend is the following:

Thursday, July 3

9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Miniature Golf Tournament. $8 adults and $6 children.
4:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Family Barbeque at the Caddyshack. $35 adults, $17.50 ages 4-12 (children under 3 complimentary). Full bar, barbeque buffet, pony rides and tons of family activities.
6:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Spiderman Movie Marathon.

Friday, July 4

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Family Gym Time at the Hardy Girls' Gym. $20 per family.
4:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Family Barbeque at the Caddyshack. $35 adults, $17.50 ages 4-12 (children under 3 complimentary). Full bar, barbeque buffet, pony rides and tons of family activities.
5 p.m. Holiday Parade
8 p.m. - 9 p.m. Lions, Tigers and Bears - Oh My! Nemacolin is proud to present an educational and interactive live animal show. $15 adults and $12 children.
9:30 p.m. Fireworks Display.

Saturday, July 5

10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Family Carnival. $20 per child. Join us for a day of carnival games, popcorn, cotton candy, bounce house, tie dyed t-shirts, face painting, a petting zoo and much more.
12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Family Activities. Three Legged Relay Race
12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Family Activities. Potato Sack Race
1:00 p.m. Savannah's (our Wildlife Academy Zebra) birthday party!
1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Family Activities. Pie Eating Contest
1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Family Activities. Water Balloon Toss
4:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Family Barbeque at the Caddyshack. $35 adults, $17.50 ages 4-12 (children under 3 complimentary). Full bar, barbeque buffet, pony rides and tons of family activities.
8 p.m. - 9 p.m. Lions, Tigers and Bears - Oh My! Nemacolin is proud to present an educational and interactive live animal show. $15 adults and $12 children.

If you are interested in any of the above activities, contact us in our office at 1-800-472-3846 and we can direct you to Nemacolin Woodlands.

Not too far from Ohiopyle, further down the banks of the Yough River, is Connellsville. Here is what they have planned for Thursday evening:

Connellsville Fireworks

Fireworks in the City of Connellsville.

Location: Yough River Park

Thursday the 3rd of July 2008

09:00pm to 10:30pm

Location

Yough River Park
Connellsville, PA 15425

For additional information on Connellsville's fireworks, give us a call at 1-800-472-3846 and we will direct you.

And finally, if you're interested in a big-city experience, check out what Pittsburgh has to offer:

Street Jam at The Waterfront

Celebrate you Independance at the Street Jam at The Waterfront brought to you by Miller Brewing Company and Bowser Pontiac.

July 3rd - 6pm - 11pm. In Town Center next to Bar Louie and Red Hot & Blue

6:30 pm Live Music from Bon Journey and Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers.

Zambelli Fireworks at 9:45pm

Out-door Food and Beverage Booths available from Waterfront Restaurants.

Thursday the 3rd of July 2008

06:00pm to 11:00pm

Location

The Waterfront
Waterfront Dr.
Homestead, PA 15120

Now you've got all the details about where to go and when. So, I hope you have a great holiday, and we hope to see you on the river!

Laurel Highland's Shining Star

2008-06-28T15:06:00-04:00

Meet MacKenzie Hatcher....

Granddaughter of owners, Mark and Linda, MacKenzie grew up on the Yough River in Ohiopyle. Her mom and dad, Jamie and Joseph, instilled a love of water in MacKenzie at a very early age. She started kayaking when she was only seven. And like a fish in water, she was right at home.

After spending many summers at Riversport kayaking camps, MacKenzie decided it was time to experience BIG water. Naturally she thought of the Ottawa River in Ontario. She contacted Wilderness Tours and spoke with owner Joe Kowalski. Joe, coincidently, started his whitewater career here at Laurel Highlands back in the early seventies. He talked to MacKenzie about WT's Keener program and she was sold.

In order to pay for her two weeks in Canada, MacKenzie will be working on the river here in Ohiopyle this summer. She has been dying to be a river guide, but given that she isn't 18 yet there is a little kink in the works. In order to get her on the guide roster, our general manager, Terry Palmo, and Ohiopyle State Park's manager, John Hallas, worked together to create the Junior Guide position. So MacKenzie is now a fourth generation river guide on the Yough River. You will probably see her on the river when you visit, in her kayak, working or playing!

And as if she wasn't busy enough....MacKenzie decided to start competing in Wildwater kayak racing and Rodeo kayaking. And what a competitor she is! Her second race ever in a Wildwater kayak she won the Sprint portion of the race. And her first Rodeo competition she place first. Paddling so well earned her the oppertunity to compete in the USACK Junior Olympics. So she is off to Wausau, Wisconsin in early July to kick some kayak butt.

MacKenzie surfing the Bus Eater on the Ottawa. She found her BIG water!

'Tis the season!

2008-06-25T11:49:00-04:00

All around our expansive Ohiopyle State Park, there are many iconic indicators of the changing of the seasons amid the flora and fauna. Most readily recognizable and easliy spotted would be the turning of the leaves in the Fall.

A less commonly known sign is the blooming of the Mountain Laurel heralding the arrival of summer to our wooded region. The Laurel Highlands, so named because of the prolific and abundant Mountain Laurel, should be enjoyed during all four seasons, but especially during these summer months when the colorful sights and floral aromas are augmented by the many plants in bloom.

Don't miss this beautiful and fleeting display.

Summer is here...

2008-06-07T11:01:00-04:00

Finally...warm sunny weather breaks the rain clouds and heats up Ohiopyle!

Temperatures are far above average, breaking the 90 degree mark for the first time in 2008.

Such warm temperatures have created perfect conditions for whitewater rafting. Tours on the Middle section of the Youghiogheny River are the perfect choice for families. The gentle Class I-II are great introductory level rapids and the scenery on river is breath-takingly beautiful.

If water levels permit, upgrade to our single or double duckie for the ultimate river experience. Duckies are the perfect option for children too young for the Lower section of the Youghiogheny River but are feeling adventurous.

So get the family together, dust off those swim trunks and come enjoy the beautiful sunny weather!

HIGHwater!

2008-05-15T20:49:00-04:00

HOLY HIGH WATER!

Over three inches of rain in the last ten days have nearly drowned Ohiopyle!

We are currently looking at levels of around seven feet on the Yough and it looks like the higher levels are going to hang around for the weekend!

If you've never seen what highwater looks like in Ohiopyle...check out this link on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQqH5qsw830&feature=related

If anyone out there loves the thrill of BIG water, come to Ohiopyle for an exhilarating ride down the Lower Yough in our famed "big boats!"

Don't wait too long though, the forecast looks to be drying out and our high water won't last long!

Now we're on FaceBook, too!

2008-05-12T21:23:58-04:00

We're getting up on all the latest technology, now! Look out!

Join our FaceBook group! All the cool kids are doing it...

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29516997400&ref=mf

Check it out and join up for updates on all the latest news and info.