Never rafted on the Yough, but the upper is the most challenging bit. You could consider this for your "local" spring trip as well; it's gonna be in almost the same place. The upper bit of the Yough is in Maryland. (Flows north, etc.) The Cheat is uncontrolled water and will depend upon snowmelt and/or rain for the big rush. (The more, the better, usually.) The Yough is a dam release, although it's not a specific short season like the Gauley. Normally they release all through the summer at least some days. With the water conditions being the way they are, though (drought-like in some areas) it certainly warrants checking that part thoroughly. I think the Upper Yough is in theory rated more difficult than the Cheat Canyon, but it's probably pretty close. I don't know any specific companies to recommend; just a search for "upper yough" should get you a few. Some of the same companies raft the Cheat as well, though the Cheat company I mentioned before doesn't do the Yough far as I know.


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--Greg