Laurel Highlands River Tours Blog

Fall Sale in Full Swing

2008-09-06T16:52:26-04:00

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 Outfiiter'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.

MySpace... the final frontier.

2008-05-10T21:54:33-04:00

I set up a MySpace page for us today!

Laurel Highlands Outdoor Center is now available to all you 'Spacer's out there!

Check us out and make friends!

http://www.myspace.com/lhoutdoorcenter

Cheat Fest

2008-05-06T17:10:00-04:00

Well, it was another successful Cheat Fest weekend in Albright, WV! The Cheat River Race on Friday evening was a HUGE success, breaking more records! The water levels held between 3.5' and 4' all weekend. The weather was beautiful, except for that little rain cloud that dumped on us at around 3pm for about an hour, just enough rain to really mud things up!

For any of you who may have missed the festive weekend, don't fret. The Cheat is still running at great levels. Being one of the most unique rivers on the East Coast, it's definately an experience you should not miss!

It's Cheat Festival time in Albright, WV!

2008-04-27T11:29:00-04:00

Cheat Fest 2008

Saturday May 3, 2008

If you've never experienced Cheat Fest in Albright, WV, there are few things I can say to describe it to you, kind of like the Cheat River itself. It's a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you marking your calender on the first Saturday of next May for Cheat Fest 2009!

You will come for the fantastic local art and music, stay for the mouth-watering food, and you'll never forget your day in this rare and unique Appalachain Mountain region. The thrills and spills and the beauty and splendor of the Cheat River Canyon will not disappoint.

Here's what we recommend for you and your group to jam the most fun possible into one weekend: meet us in Ohiopyle, PA, on Friday for a trip down the Upper Yough, in Friendsville, MD. Experience some of the steepest and most intense whitewater on the East coast, then camp out in the area and rest up for a thrilling day on the mighty Cheat Canyon in Albright, WV on Saturday. Following your trip, plan to visit the world-famous Cheat Fest right across the road from our check-in booth. With art and jewelry vendors, great deals on boats and river gear, amazing food (look for the folks with the homemade chili!), and bands playing all kinds of fantastic music late into the night, Cheat Fest has something for everyone. If after all that, you still haven't had enough, try duckies on the Lower Yough back in Ohiopyle on Sunday to cap off your adventure!

From rustic campgrounds to sweet B&B's, whatever your speed, we can recommend some lodging for you, just give us call.

The weather is still looking pretty good for this weekend, check it out here: This website

Also, for more information about the Festival, and for general info about the folks orgainzing it and the river itself, visit www.cheat.org.

Our Outfitter Store in Ohiopyle is open seven days a week now, and the gals in the office are taking phone calls from eight in the morning to ten in the evening, so come visit us, or give us a call. We can answer any question (or find someone who can!) and we are eager to set your group up with your next big adventure!

Upper Yough

2008-04-19T09:37:00-04:00

Upper Yough season has finally arrived! Friday was the first release of the 2008 season. We didn't have a trip but some of the guide staff
went up to enjoy the ride.

The Upper Yough release schedule has been posted!

May release dates are a little wacky! We can run all Fridays except the 30th. Mondays are limited to the 5th and the 12th. Saturdays are the 3rd and the 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 is like June with release every Monday and Friday and the first two Saturdays.

And finally, October releases will be the first two Mondays and Fridays and Saturday the 4th.

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!

Spring is here!

2008-04-08T23:46:00-04:00

Finally...warm weather has graced Ohiopyle with its prescence.

Flowers are blooming, trees are budding and the sun shone brightly in Ohiopyle today reminding us all that river season is here.

River levels are staying at around 3' on the Yough and Cheat Rivers and, with April showers on the way, the forecast for higher Spring levels is looking good. If you like the thrill of big water, be sure to make your reservations soon!

Warm weather is supposed to hold and there is still space available for the weekend, so get the gang together, dust off that cabin fever, and come visit Ohiopyle!