The upper Youghiogheny River in Western Maryland is a highly technical and demanding Class IV-V stretch of river that should be attempted only by physically fit people with previous Class IV whitewater rafting experience. Outfitters, using a guide in each raft, require each rafter to be an active paddler.
      Sang Run, just north of Deep Creek Lake in western Maryland, is the put-in point for the upper Yough. After 4 miles (6.5 km) of flatwater and Class III rapids, the big-time whitewater action begins at Bastard Falls. In its middle canyon the river drops an average of 116 feet per mile through more than twenty Class IV and V rapids. (For comparison, the New River drops 12 feet per mile, the Cheat 25, and the Gauley 28.) Below Bastard Falls powerful rapids come in quick succession: Charlie’s Choice, Snaggle Tooth, Trip Drop, National Falls, Tommy’s Hole, Hinzerling, Meat Cleaver, Powerful Popper, Lost-n-Found, Cheeseburger, Wright’s Hole, and Double Pencil Sharpener.
      Rafting on the upper Yough is made possible by weekday (and at least the first Saturday of each month for recreational boating) water releases for electric power at Deep Creek Lake in western Maryland. While these controlled releases by Pennsylvania Electric normally provide predictable water flows, excess water in early spring or following heavy rains often provides rafters with "high-water excitement" and sometimes additional weekend whitewater trips.