Pennsylvania river runs
Live streamflow, whitewater class, and length for every paddleable section in Pennsylvania with a named USGS gauge. Built for kayakers, rafters, and canoeists.
Pennsylvania paddle map
See which Pennsylvania runs are in right now
Every run and gauge on one live map:
- Runnable now — too low, in range or too high
- Gauges — every river vs its normal flow
- Rain coming — 24/48/72-hr forecast, press play
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Pennsylvania river runs today
What’s in range, the best bets by class and what’s running high — from live USGS gauges.
Best bets in range today — Class III: Begins Below The Youghiogheny River Lake Dam In Confluenc… (633 cfs) and Howe Bridge (Tr 342), Clarion County To Confluence With P… (231 cfs).
Pennsylvania is a haven for whitewater enthusiasts, with a variety of river runs that offer thrilling experiences for both beginners and experienced paddlers. One popular destination is the Youghiogheny River, particularly the Lower Yough section, which is known for its Class III rapids and stunning scenery. Another must-visit spot is the Lehigh River, specifically the Lehigh Gorge section, where paddlers can navigate through Class II-III rapids amidst the beautiful Pocono Mountains. For a more challenging adventure, the Upper Yough section of the Youghiogheny River offers Class IV-V rapids that will test even the most skilled kayakers.
When planning your whitewater adventure in Pennsylvania, it's important to consider streamflow levels to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The ideal streamflow levels for the Youghiogheny River are between 2.5-4 feet for the Lower Yough section and above 2.5 feet for the Upper Yough section. For the Lehigh River, the optimal streamflow levels range from 700-2,000 cubic feet per second. Remember to always check current streamflow conditions and weather forecasts before heading out, and ensure you have the appropriate gear and skills for the river's difficulty level. With its diverse range of river runs and stunning landscapes, Pennsylvania offers endless opportunities for whitewater enthusiasts to explore and enjoy the thrill of paddling through its waters.
Pennsylvania paddle report
| River run | Streamflow | Status | Runnable range | Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackwell, Pennsylvania To Short Mountain Gap Near Torbert, Pennsylvania | 131 cfs | Too low | 850–20,000 cfs | II-III |
| Begins Below The Youghiogheny River Lake Dam In Confluence, Pennsylvania To Ends In South Connellsville, Pennsylvania | 633 cfs | Runnable | 146–919 cfstypical | III-II |
| Howe Bridge (Tr 342), Clarion County To Confluence With Piney Reservoir | 231 cfs | Runnable | 108–2,258 cfstypical | II-III |
About Pennsylvania river runs
What does whitewater class mean?
The international whitewater scale (Class I–VI) rates a river's difficulty. I is moving water with riffles. II is straightforward rapids with clear channels. III requires complex maneuvers in fast water. IV is intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring decisive boat handling. V is extremely long, obstructed, or violent rapids with significant hazard. VI is considered impossible to run.
Where does the Pennsylvania streamflow data come from?
USGS streamgauges. Each Pennsylvania paddle run is keyed to a specific gauge that paddlers and outfitters have agreed represents flow on that section. Gauges report every 15 minutes; we re-pull throughout the day.
What's a runnable level?
Run-specific. A creek that's classic at 200 cfs might be too low at 100 and dangerously flooded at 1,000. Always cross-reference with a guidebook or a Pennsylvania paddling club for the run's accepted gauge ranges before launching.
Can I get an alert when a run hits prime flow?
Yes. Save any paddle run as a favorite in the Snoflo iOS app, set a flow window (e.g. "alert me between 800 and 1,500 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses into range. Free with a Snoflo account.
Is this a substitute for local guidebooks and trip leaders?
No. Snoflo is informational. Always carry appropriate skills, gear, and a sober assessment of the day's flow. For high-consequence runs (Class IV+), paddle with people who know the run and never solo. American Whitewater is the authoritative source for U.S. river information.