If you’re craving adventure on your next getaway, few experiences compare to the thrill of white water rafting in Deep Creek. Surrounded by the forested mountains of western Maryland, Deep Creek Lake is a top destination for outdoor lovers, and rafting here is an unforgettable way to enjoy its wild beauty. Whether you’re navigating roaring rapids or enjoying a scenic paddle, there’s something for every level of adventurer.
White water rafting in Deep Creek starts with two incredible destinations: the Youghiogheny River and the Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI) at Wisp Resort. Each offers a different style of rafting, but both deliver high-adrenaline fun and beautiful views. The rafting season in the Deep Creek area generally runs from spring through early fall. Water levels are highest in the spring and early summer, creating fast-moving rapids that are ideal for thrill-seekers. By late summer, the rivers are usually calmer, making it a good time for first-timers.
Lake Pointe Inn, one of the top-rated luxury hotels on Deep Creek Lake, was designed with the spirit of the outdoors in mind. You’ll find cozy rooms with private baths, gas fireplaces, and balconies that open up to lake or garden views. After a day of paddling rapids or cruising the lake, come back for a complimentary happy hour, a massage in our spa, or a sunset glass of wine on the porch. Start your next adventure and book your lodging today!
White Water Rafting & Kayaking in the Deep Creek Lake Area
If you’re interested in white water rafting in Deep Creek, there are a few fantastic destinations that we recommend. You’ll also find some amazing local touring companies offering guided excursions. Depending on your skill level, you’ll find exhilarating rapids to explore. For those who prefer kayaking or canoeing, Deep Creek Lake is the perfect place for a leisurely paddle. The waters are exceptionally calm right outside our Inn, just another reason that Lake Pointe Inn is one of the best hotels on Deep Creek Lake!
Just a short drive from Deep Creek Lake, the Youghiogheny River is a favorite spot for white water rafting in Maryland. Known locally as “the Yough,” it offers multiple sections suitable for all experience levels.
Upper Yough:
This stretch is best for experienced rafters looking for intense Class IV and V rapids. You’ll need to go with a licensed outfitter, and it’s a guided-only section. It’s fast, steep, and thrilling.
Middle Yough:
Perfect for beginners and families, the Middle Yough offers a more relaxing ride with Class I and II rapids. It’s a scenic float with just enough splash to keep things fun.
Lower Yough:
One of the most popular white water rafting destinations in the East, this section provides a great balance of adventure and accessibility with Class III and IV rapids. Guided tours are available from companies in nearby Ohiopyle.
Outfitters like Precision Rafting and Wilderness Voyageurs offer half-day and full-day trips. They’ll provide all the gear and instruction you need, so all you have to do is show up and paddle.
Adventure Sports Center International:
Located on top of Wisp Resort, Adventure Sports Center International is one of the only mountaintop recirculating white water courses in the world. This man-made course offers a controlled and customizable rafting experience, making it ideal for beginners, groups, or anyone looking to practice their technique in a safer setting.
ASCI offers guided white water rafting trips that simulate natural river rapids. You’ll learn how to paddle, steer, and work as a team—all while getting soaked and having a great time. Because it’s a closed loop, sessions are shorter and more flexible, making it easy to fit into a busy day of activities at Deep Creek Lake.
One of the Best Deep Creek Lake Hotels for Summer
Beyond white water rafting in Deep Creek, the lake itself is a hub for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. You can rent gear from local marinas and spend the day on calm water, surrounded by scenic views and mountain air. It’s a great way to balance high-energy rafting with laid-back lake time. As a guest at our hotel on Deep Creek Lake, we offer a complimentary boat ride each morning or afternoon of your stay, depending on the weather. It’s a favorite amenity of our returning guests.
If your ideal vacation blends relaxation with high-energy adventure, Lake Pointe Inn is the perfect place to stay. Located right on the shores of Deep Creek Lake, our luxury boutique hotel offers easy access to rafting outfitters, Adventure Sports Center International at Wisp Resort, and the region’s best boating experiences. No matter your experience level, white water rafting in Deep Creek is a must-do for anyone seeking adventure in Maryland.
As a valued guest, you’ll start your morning with a hearty homemade breakfast, hit the rapids at ASCI or the Youghiogheny, then return to a peaceful lakeside retreat. With so much to explore and the comfort of Lake Pointe Inn waiting at the end of the day, it’s the ultimate getaway for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. You’ll love retreating to your private and cozy guest room. Book your stay at one of the best hotels in Deep Creek Lake and start planning an adventure you’ll never forget.
