Mountain Watershed Association staff, family members, and friends had a fun time paddling the Bottom Yough with Hazelbaker’s Canoe Rentals on Sunday, July 23!
We had perfect weather for the outing, and over 100 people came out on the water with us! Some were seasoned paddlers, and others were out on the river for the first time on this Class 1 section of the Youghiogheny River.
This is as gorgeous section of the river, starting from the put-in at the historic town of Dawson, Pennsylvania and ending before the old railroad bridge in Layton, near Perryopolis. This 8-mile stretch is a mini-gorge, on a quiet, road-free section of river in between the Great Allegheny Passage Trail and the railroad tracks.
Our paddlers floated past islands full of wildlife and hillsides full of fluttering birds. They passed over schools of small mouth bass, crappie, walleye, perch, and bluegills. A couple small ripples and splashes kept everyone on their toes along the way.
Just before passing under the historic Layton Bridge, the crew pulled up on the shore of Hazelbaker’s grounds and headed inside for ice cream sandwiches, generously provided by MWA board members!
We’re greatly looking forward to holding this event again next summer! Thanks to all who joined us, and everyone who helped support the Yough River Float!