See all 4 routes on Youghiogheny River
Pennsylvania | Laurel Highlands
Youghiogheny RiverConnellsville River Park to River Road, Dawson
A 5.4-mile, family-oriented lower Yough float from the surfaced Yough River Park ramp under the US 119 bridge in Connellsville to the unimproved River Road access beneath the Dawson road bridge. The Great Allegheny Passage parallels the reach and provides emergency egress, while PFBC and the Mountain Watershed Association identify the corridor as part of the northern Youghiogheny Water Trail.
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Need to know
Why this call
Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.
Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
Plan ahead
Tomorrow and the weekend
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Plan
Plan your trip
Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.
Route logistics
Access and shuttle
Family-oriented moving-water float with a surfaced Connellsville ramp and unimproved Dawson take-out.
Access map
Put-in
Yough River Park, Connellsville surfaced rampDawson access is unimproved; verify carry distance, parking, and closure signs.
Take-out
River Road, Dawson unimproved accessDawson access is unimproved; verify carry distance, parking, and closure signs.
Road shuttle
Access notes and hazards
Access caveats
- Dawson access is unimproved; verify carry distance, parking, and closure signs.
Watch for
- changing reservoir-regulated flow
- bridge structures
- strainers and debris
- cold water
Plan this paddle
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Conditions
Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast
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USGS measurements
More about this gauge
These measurements come from the gauge station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Youghiogheny River at Connellsville, PA. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Gauge detail
Water-level history and forecastDetailed view
Gauge
Recent trend
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Route gallery
Photos
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Score & sources
Why this score
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Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
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Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | Youghiogheny River at Connellsville, PA |
| Discharge | Checking |
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| 24h trend | Checking |
| 24h change | Checking |
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| Rain last 24h | Checking |
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| Air temp | Checking |
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| Wind | Checking |
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| Preferred range | Needs paddler reports |
| Known low-water floor | 1,350 cfs |
| High threshold | Water-level guidance unavailable |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Official and local sources |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | American Whitewater and Western Pennsylvania river guide flow guidance |
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NotesWhat to know before you go
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Direct route and gaugeConnellsville River Park to River Road, Dawson; USGS 03082500
American Whitewater identifies this exact 5.4-mile reach and direct Connellsville gauge; the USGS station provides current discharge, stage, and NAVD88 stream level.
- Public endpointsYough River Park surfaced ramp; Dawson unimproved access
PFBC identifies Yough River Park as a surfaced ramp at 40°01'15 N, 79°35'50 W; the Water Trail map identifies Dawson as river-left under the road bridge, and independent launch data places the access near 40.0453, -79.6562.
- Threshold and current conditionsConservative minimum-only guidance: 1,350 cfs; AW reported 2,100 cfs medium runnable
American Whitewater reports this reach medium runnable at 2,100 cfs; the Western Pennsylvania river guide lists the broader South Connellsville-to-Dawson corridor around 1,350-2,580 cfs. The product uses the lower value as a conservative minimum and does not assert an unsupported upper limit.
- Water trail, camping, and safetyPFBC northern Youghiogheny Water Trail and Great Allegheny Passage
PFBC and Mountain Watershed Association identify the water trail, access ownership, camping symbols, and trail services; the map warns that PFDs are required and cold-weather wear rules apply.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
Reports
Paddler reports
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More routes to check next
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Quick answers
Youghiogheny River paddling FAQ
What water level is best for the Connellsville River Park to River Road, Dawson route on the Youghiogheny River?
Paddle Today watches Youghiogheny River at Connellsville, PA and uses 1,350 cfs as the conservative low-water floor for this route. The ideal range still needs more paddler reports.
Where does the Connellsville River Park to River Road, Dawson route on the Youghiogheny River start and end?
This route starts at Yough River Park, Connellsville surfaced ramp and ends at River Road, Dawson unimproved access, Approximately 5.4 river miles on the water.
Is the Connellsville River Park to River Road, Dawson route on the Youghiogheny River suitable for beginners?
This is listed as an easy route, but conditions still matter. Check today's score, water level, weather, and access notes before you go.
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