Wilderness Voyageurs Rafting Catalog 2023

Lower Yough Rafting

Fly Fishing Ohiopyle

Great Allegheny Passage Bike Tour

RAFTING MORE

RIVERS, PEOPLE, AND MILES

THAN ANY OUTFITTER ON THE YOUGHIOGHENY!

Wilderness Voyageurs is the oldest whitewater adventure company east of the Mississippi River.

Established in 1964 by Lance Martin and run today by the Martin family, the company and its staff are deeply committed to outdoor adventure & safety. You’ll find trips for nearly all ages and skill levels. So, come join us. We’re close to home, affordable and best of all – the memories last forever!

“We live, eat and breathe what we do for a living. It’s part of who we are and we want to share it with you.”

There’s

Things like the pure exhilaration of surfacing from your first kayak roll or the deep satisfaction of hooking an elusive mountain trout. And there is absolutely nothing like seeing the grin on your kid’s face in the midst of a whitewater rapid!

We offer trips that span 15 different rivers in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland. Go by raft, kayak or paddle your own inflatable kayak duckie.

With activities in 20 states, the sky is the limit! Bike over the Eastern Continental Divide, visit Civil War battlefields and tour the countryside. Try rock climbing, fly fishing and more. Or, join us in Colorado and Idaho for fly fishing and mountain biking trips.

Fill your days with special times together and discover many wonderful surprises along the way. You’ll sense the world all around a little differently than before.

something to be said for the simple things in life...

The Martin Family & Staff

IT’S ALL HERE!

Wilderness Voyageurs is The Adventure Center of Ohiopyle

The Epicenter of Outdoor Adventure in Ohiopyle!

WV base camp is buzzing with energy as other rafters and adventure-seekers gear up for the day. Check in and take advantage of our private bath and change house, open-air pavilion and other modern amenitiesall designed with your comfort and convenience in mind. The Outfitter Store offers the latest in outdoor equipment and clothing. Grab a latte or a cup of gourmet coffee from Rapid Java to enjoy while you check out all the “must-have” gear.

After a great day of fun, Falls City Restaurant & Pub is where everyone gathers to relive good times, savor a few choice micro brews and toss down a great meal. A short drive away is our Tall Oaks Campground with large wooded sites for tents, campers and RVs. We also have group sites and pavilions for friendly gatherings! Garrett Street has everything you need in one place to help make your trip as carefree as possible.

Wilderness Voyageurs Base Camp Amenities include:

• Complete Outfitter Store Boats, bikes & gear.

• Rapid Java

Gourmet coffee shop.

• Wi-Fi Access Stay connected.

• Private Bath House Modern, convenient & clean.

• Tall Oaks Campground

Tent and RV campsites & more.

• Falls City Restaurant & Pub

Full-service meals & micro brews.

• Pavilion

Convenient place to gather.

• Bike Rentals

Mechanic on-site.

• Biking & Walking Trails

Just steps away.

Lower Yough Rafting Trips

Guide Escorted • Fully Guided • Lower Yough Deluxe

The Lower Yough (pronounced “Yok”) is filled with beautiful scenery and challenging rapids. This section of river runs through the protected wilderness of Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania’s largest park. It’s an excellent trip for novice rafters with a sense of adventure.

The Lower Yough is a Class III+ drop and pool river. That means, every whitewater rapid is separated by a calm deep pool allowing you to catch your breath, goof with friends, start a water fight and prepare for the next wave of fun. If you are a first-time rafter looking for whitewater fun, this is the trip for you!

This is the section of river that Wilderness Voyageurs pioneered by leading the first commercial rafting trips in the early 1960’s. When Ohiopyle State Park developed the guidelines for commercial rafting, it was our internal policies & procedures that became the standard for all outfitters.

Most Popular Trip! Lower Yough

CHOOSE

1GUIDE ESCORTED

You captain your own raft but are never far from a guide. This has been the most popular format for rafting the Youghiogheny since 1963. The guides paddle along with you in kayaks, assisting and directing you through the rapids. Get ready to have some fun!

Since the early 1960’s, Wilderness Voyageurs has rafted MORE PEOPLE and MORE MILES on the Youghiogheny than any other outfitter.

2

FULLY GUIDED

3 CHOOSE CHOOSE

If you’re up for adventure but looking for the added peace of mind of having your own personal guide on board, this option is for you. Our expert river guides know the rapids and nuances of the river at various water levels and are skilled in river safety. This tour covers the entire 7 miles of the Lower Yough in under 3 hours, leaving you plenty of time for other adventures in your day.

* No lunch included in this tour.

LOWER YOUGH DELUXE

Experience the Yough on a personal level that no other trip offers. There will be a guide in every state of the art self-bailer raft. This trip is limited to 20 participants. Low guide-to-guest ratio allows your guide to relate the natural and local lore of the river environment. You’ll have time for extra things, like embarking on a side hike while your gourmet lunch is prepared along the river.

Good Idea!

DUCKIE

All the benefits of a kayak but more stable and easier to use. 1 and 2 person options available.

WANT MORE ADVENTURE?

Switch things up and try a different craft!

SHREDDER

This 2 person high-performance raft is a self-bailing, catamaran design.

Trips operated under license of

Middle Yough Rafting - Ohiopyle

Guide Escorted • Fully Guided • Do-It-Yourself Rentals

Fun For The Whole Family!

If you’re up for a relaxing fun day on the water, this is the trip for you! It’s great for families from 5 to 95, those who just want to relax, or fishermen ready to toss a line.

Your day will start in Ohiopyle at our base camp, where we’ll meet to gear up for the river. We make things as easy as possible with convenient facilities and friendly staff to walk you through every step of the way. And, don’t worry if you forget a few things like sandals or sunblock; you can easily pick up last minute items at our Outfitter Store. Hop on the bus for a shuttle to the river put-in at nearby Confluence where we’ll give a short river safety and orientation talk before getting on the water. This is when the magic begins! You’ll spend the day gently paddling, do a little swimming, have a bite to eat and mix it up with water fights in between. Everyone will be talking about this trip for years to come!

PLAN YOUR TRIP TODAY!

877.944.0342

Wilderness-Voyageurs.com

Trips operated under license of

The Cheat Narrows - Albright, WV

This half-day trip offers the perfect intro to rafting. During periods of high rainfall in the spring, rafts are in high demand while tapering river flows during summer months provide a great opportunity to downsize to a duckie (inflatable kayak). Whatever the case, you’re in for a great adventure on this river!

Pedal & Paddle - Ohiopyle, PA

We make your vacation easier by combining two of your favorite activities into a single day. Bike the gentle Great Allegheny Passage from Ohiopyle to the Middle Yough launch area. We will meet you there and swap your bikes for boats. Hop in your boat and paddle downstream on the Yough to finish in Ohiopyle. Stop, swim, eat lunch along the river banks and enjoy a great day with your family and friends. Choose from rafts, duckies, kayaks or canoes. Price includes bike and boat rental.

Cheat River Canyon - Albright, WV

The Cheat River in Northern West Virginia is the largest free flowing river east of the Mississippi. That means big untamed water in the spring and solitude in a wilderness canyon during the summer. Rapids such as Big Nasty, High Falls, Coliseum, and Fist will provide you with a full day of excitement. During the summer, inflatable kayaks are the preferred choice for “running slots” and “surfing holes” at lower water levels. If you are a whitewater connoisseur, this is the run for you! Cheat season runs March to Memorial Day.

Get Your Season Pass!

YOUR TICKET TO ADVENTURE IS A WILDERNESS VOYAGEURS SEASON PASS!

$575 - Access and Discounts on Ohiopyle Trips and Services. Call or visit online for details.

Upper Yough Class V - Friendsville, MD

A Must-do Class V Whitewater Trip. Don’t miss it!

This crown jewel of East Coast rafting is one of the steepest commercially rafted rivers anywhere. You need to be on your game and prepared to precisely follow your guide’s commands which could include: “Highside, Dig-It-In, and Paddle Hard!” Due to the nature of this run we ask that all rafters have prior experience. Scheduled dam releases from Deep Creek Lake make trips available Mondays, Fridays, & Saturdays all summer.

Space is EXTREMELY LIMITED, book in advance. Join the elite club of Upper Yough rafters.

More Class IV Rivers

West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania deliver when it comes to high-test whitewater rafting. Think Big Sandy River, Tygart Valley Falls, Top Yough, Indian Creek, and the Savage River to name a few. These are adrenaline runs that deliver the best in technical rafting, classic waterfalls, big water and more. Availability is based on current rainfall and non-standard releases. Call to sign up for our Adventurers Club and request our events calendar.

“My husband and I were part of the beginner kayak weekend. To be honest, I was very hesitant about taking the classes; however, our instructors were awesome. They made me feel comfortable from the start taking time to individually explain things and go over concepts. I had a great time!”

J. Rauscher - Butler, PA

Kayak Instruction

Look like fun out there? It is!

Getting started is easier than you might think. We have been introducing folks to the sport of kayaking for over 30 years, so wherever you fall on the “boldness” scale, we have a class for you! Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Instruction are available every day. All necessary equipment is provided. No experience needed for beginners.

Clinics are personalized to fit your needs in a friendly atmosphere. Our qualified instructors teach you the best techniques in a way that’s easy to understand. You’ll learn river terminology, strokes, and more. But be forewarned. Paddling is addictive! You may find yourself heading to the river every weekend!

Stand Up Paddle Boards

Come walk on the water with us. You’ve never seen the river quite like this. It’s fun and a great workout. Instruction and trips available, no experience needed. Call for schedule.

• SUP Rentals - Already know how to paddle? Includes board, paddle and PFD.

• SUP Tours - Fun intro to paddleboarding. Available weekends.

• SUP Private Instruction - Hone your skills on flatwater or learn about whitewater!

Learn to Kayak Weekends!

The perfect introduction to this hugely fun, awesome

Fishing

Guided Fishing Trips - Float or Wade

The Youghiogheny River is a classic big river fishing experience. A bottom feed reservoir delivers 65 degree water every day, providing us with consistent hatches. There are more than 75 miles of trout streams within 25 miles of our shop offering a wide variety of fishing experiences.

• Casselman River

• Laurel Hill Creek

• Savage River

• Meadow Run

• North Branch Potomac

• Erie Steelhead

Colorado Trout Fishing Trip

Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Roaring Fork and Crystal River valleys on this 6 day trout safari. Red Cliffs and clear waters will be your companions as we ply the waters of the Frying Pan, Crystal and Roaring Fork Rivers in search of the Rocky Mountain grand slam.

September departure, call for details.

Colorado Outfitter #2883

“I met Dale on an earlier visit to the shop...made a reservation to flyfish. What a great guy. Went way out of his way to make it a most enjoyable experience.”

Fly Fishing Instruction

Our classes are all-encompassing and designed for the absolute beginner.

We will examine the theory and practice of fly casting and provide individual casting instruction at each student’s pace. In addition, we will review equipment and knot tying, trout habitat, insect hatches and fly selection.

On the stream, you’ll learn about reading water, presentation, catching, playing, and releasing fish. Our classes are held along the banks of the Youghiogheny River and its tributaries in a wading format. This beautiful mountain setting coupled with our knowledgeable instructors makes for a truly memorable experience. Ask about our:

• Women’s Clinics

• Intro Weekends

• Private Instruction

• Merit badge

GEAR RENTALS AVAILABLE

Orvis Rods Reels

J. Litrun - Florida

BOAT RENTALS

DO-IT-YOURSELF!

Equipment rentals on the Middle and Lower Yough. Boat rentals include paddles, helmets, Coast Guard approved lifejackets and basic instruction.

Lower Yough Rental Procedures:

We highly recommend PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE and a familiarity with the section of river before trying an unguided trip. Rent equipment for either a 7-mile full day trip or a quick run on the first rapid-packed 1¼ miles of the Lower Yough, known as “The Loop”.

Making Your Reservation

Lower Yough rentals on weekends and holidays must reserve a launch permit (fee required) from Ohiopyle State Park. CALL (888) PA PARKS to reserve your launch time permit. Call us to check availability and reserve your choice of boats, regardless of the day you are renting. We will need to know your launch time at the time of reservation. Walk-in’s will be accommodated to the best of our ability.

The Day of Your Rental:

Be sure to check in 1½ hour before your launch time, then run your shuttle to Old Mitchell Parking Lot. In addition to running your shuttle, you must purchase shuttle tokens from the State Park. These tokens are for the bus service bringing you from the river to your car which you have parked in the Old Mitchell Parking Lot. A refundable deposit and driver’s license are required for each craft rented. Call for details regarding shuttle and launch permits.

Raft

The reliable inflatable river running machine! Self bailer, 4-6 people per boat.

Duckie

All the benefits of a kayak but more stable and easier to use. 1-person and 2-person models are available.

Shredder

Self-bailing inflatable catamaran designed for high performance 2-person rafting.

Canoe

Available to rent on the Middle Yough. River experience highly recommended.

SUP Boards

If you’re new to Stand Up Paddle Boards, now is the perfect time to try one out.

Middle Yough

Renting equipment for the Middle Yough is EASY! Check-in at our Outfitters Store at 103 Garrett Street in Ohiopyle. We will transport you to the launch area (included in your rental fee) where you will meet your boat. Following a safety briefing you will hit the river and paddle back to Ohiopyle and your vehicle. Don’t forget to pack a lunch, and sunscreen.

Scout Programs

Whitewater Merit Badge

On Day 1, you’ll spend time canoeing and kayaking through Class I & II rapids to hone paddling skills. On Day 2, you’ll graduate to “The Loop” section of the Lower Yough for a duckie descent in Class III rapids. That’s 2 days, 3 sections of river, 3 different craft - a great experience!

Fly Fishing Merit Badge

You will be introduced to the fascinating world of casting, hatches, knots, and stream reading. All in a setting designed to “hook” you into this lifetime sport. This is a 2-day program.

Climbing Merit Badge

Take learning and advancement to new heights! This one day course gets you on the rocks and teaches you the latest techniques. Learn what “on belay” means and gain a respect for the proper use of equipment and the environment.

Scout Adventures

More than just Merit Badges!

Whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and kayaking adventures are available every day from April to October. Single day to week long programs are available for your scout unit.

Making History

In 1959, Lance Martin was leading scout outings as a hobby, this blossomed into a lifetime career now known as Wilderness Voyageurs. Our history is deeply rooted in working with scout groups and today we are the largest provider of high adventure activities to scouts in the Mid-Atlantic region. We have been selected as the adventure provider for our local councils: Laurel Highlands Council and WestmorelandFayette Council.

ROCK CLIMBING

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Rock Climbing & Rappelling

Rock Climbing and rappelling is one of our most popular activities. It’s fun and challenging all at the same time and you don’t have to be in top physical condition to do it. We offer trips for a variety of skill levels and ages, so if you have the spirit of adventure put this trip at the top of your “must-do” list!

Our expert climbing guides will teach you about basic knots, belay and rappel techniques, rope handling, and climbing movement. You won’t believe your sense of accomplishment at the top! Step out of your comfort zone. You’ll be glad you did! All equipment is provided.

Guided Mountain Biking

Ohiopyle, PA

Join us for an action-packed, sweat-soaked, mud-caked day! Located in the heart of the Laurel Highlands surrounded by state parks, state forests and state game lands, Wilderness Voyageurs has an incredible network of trails in its backyard. This bounty of trails allows us to tailor the day’s ride to your ability level. Cannondale bikes, helmets, transportation, guide, and a deli-style lunch are provided.

BIKE RENTALS

Rails Trail & Mountain Bike

Ohiopyle, PA

Enjoy a scenic ride on the Rails-to-Trails project that winds through Ohiopyle State Park, following the river. This trail is a component of the “Great Allegheny Passage”, a bike trail that connects Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. The trail is nearly level, so you’ll be amazed how the miles melt away. Pack a picnic lunch, stop and watch the whitewater raft trips, dangle your feet in a shady mountain stream, or just soak up the scenery. Looking for more of a challenge? Ohiopyle State Park has more than 30 miles of mountain biking trails for experienced riders to explore, with more being built every year!

•

•

•

•

“I’ve been on several biking vacations before, with different companies, the BY FAR this trip with Wilderness Voyageurs was the best! The daily ride route instructions were spot-on, with well-supplied support stops at comfortable intervals. I felt both challenged and pampered from start to finish, and had a great time!”

L. Christensen - Columbia, MO

GUIDED INN-TO-INN BICYCLE TOURS

Seneca NY FINGER LAKES

SD MICKELSON & THE BADLANDS

CYCLING COLORFUL COLORADO

WA OLYMPIC PENINSULA PA PINE CREEK GORGE TX BIG BEND

Rail-Trail Bike Tours

IA TRESTLES

NM SANTA FE & TAOS

NY ERIE CANAL OH CINCI. TO CLEVELAND NM SANTA FE HUB & SPOKE

NY SENECA LAKE WV COUNTRY ROADS AZ WINTER IN TUCSON MS NATCHEZ TRACE GA GOLD COAST ST. AUGUSTINE FL

MI ISLANDS, TRAILS & DUNES WI WANDERLUST FLORIDA’S SUNCOAST

WA SAN JUAN ISLANDS CO KICK SOME PASS VA COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG

KY BIKE & BOURBON TN CHATTANOOGA

Mickelson Trail & The Badlands Bike Tour GETTYSBURG & THE CIVIL WAR GREAT ALLEGHENY PASSAGE

Lake Gravel Tour NY ADIRONDACKS SHENANDOAH & THE CIVIL WAR

NY EMPIRE TRAIL CO TRINIDAD

C & O CANAL

MD CHESAPEAKE BAY

Fe Trip PA & MD EASY RIDER CUBA QUINTESSENTIAL WEST

Clásico PITTSBURGH TO DC: GAP & C&O

Ride. Relax. Connect.

On an Award-Winning Inn-to-Inn Bike Tour!

Our bike tours explore some of the most beautiful places from coast to coast. Each tour benefits from our decades-long experience and our passion for pedaling—road, rail-trail and mountain bike. Join us and see why so many of our customers return to bike with us and why we’re the leader in rail-trail tours across the U.S.

What to Expect on a Wilderness Voyageurs Bicycling Vacation:

• FULL SAG VEHICLE SUPPORT FROM PEDAL TO PILLOW

• BEST-IN-SHOW ROUTES

• INVITING ACCOMMODATIONS

• INTIMATE GROUPS OF 15 OR LESS

• MAXIMUM RIDE TIME

• GUIDED INN-TO-INN TOURS

Bicycling Vacations For Everyone!

Tour Types

Car-free rail-trail bike paths, scenic backroads and awesome single track - we have it all for you!

Rail-Trail Bike Tours: Primarily converted rail-trail or bike paths, completely car-free. A variety of flat, graded path surfaces, including crushed limestone and pavement. We are the leader in iconic rail-trail bike tours - from the east coast to the west coast.

Road Bike Tours: Largely paved road surfaces with some car traffic (routes designed to minimize riding on high-traffic roadways). Cuba, Georgia’s Gold Coast, Chesapeake Bay, Gettysburg and much more are your gateways to delightful touring!

Gravel Bike Tours: Mixed surface riding at its finest! Secondary roads & paths with gravel, pavement dirt, rocks & grass.

Who Takes Our Tours

Beginners through advanced riders.

Our goal is get everyone out riding with us, regardless of age or ability. To that end, we offer tours for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders. Most of our tours are perfect for intermediate and beginner riders, and we gladly offer additional routes for advanced riders!

Cycling Colorful Colorado

Missouri Katy Trail Support and gear (SAG) wagon

SD Mickelson & the Badlands