Investigating Crowding at the Lower Youghiogheny River, Pennsylvania, U.S.

This research seeks the factors that influence perceived crowding at Ohiopyle State Park, located in southeastern Pennsylvania (U.S.). While Ohiopyle is one of the most visited rivers for whitewater recreation in the eastern part of the U.S., and with a growing demand for this type of recreation, there is the need to assess crowding issues at Ohiopyle. For this study, private boaters at the Lower Youghiogheny River were asked to complete a survey during the summer 2014 recreation season. A total of 398 on-site surveys were completed. Regression analysis showed that crowding was significantly influenced by take-out waiting time, expected use level, reported and acceptable level of use. Management implications are described for Ohiopyle State Park and the Lower Youghiogheny River.