The Youghiogheny River, called the “Yough” by most people, is a very popular river for paddlers of all skill levels and is most sought out for its whitewater challenge from Sang Run to Friendsville. This section is often referred to as the Top Yough and is for top paddlers only. You will begin on a stretch of fairly placid waters before an abrupt change and the Yough plunges over a few high ledges, a relatively easy slalom through the boulders, portage around the water falls at Swallow Falls, and then continue down long, steeply dropping, boulder-filled rapids. The last couple miles of this route allow you to cool down on riffles and easy rapids. The scenery on this route is excellent with forested river banks and hills rising all around you.