Casselman, Pennsylvania, US
|
|
2) Markleton to Harnedsville
| Usual Difficulty |
II-III (for normal flows) |
| Length |
6.2 Miles |
| Avg. Gradient |
40 fpm |
Surfin' on the Casselman
Surfin' on the CasselmanPhoto of Cathy Mitchell by Chris Kiehl (KHCC) taken 06/15/01
Gauge Information
River Description
This beginner-intermediate run is a stone's throw from the Lower Yough and is often runnable in the
winter/spring when the Yough is too high for an intermediate paddler's taste. The flow is fast and
mostly Class II in difficulty. The river is also fairly open, but one can find plenty of slalom
play and good surfing throughout the run at medium levels.
There are two spots that approach Class III in difficulty. The first is a large munchy hole in the
center of the river at a bend to the left, not long into the run. The hole is easily avoidable on
the left. About halfway through the run the river necks down to a narrow river right chute that
creates a fairly vigorous drop. This is a good place to surf and eat your lunch.
The Fort Hill to Harnedsville section is mainly class 2, with only one rapid approaching 3. A
waterfall (cucumber run I believe) comes in on the river left. This rapid is run to the river left
side.
Put-in/Take-outs
All the roads are accessible from Rt 281.
Markleton
Markleton Road off 281, pull off into the park on the right.
Fort Hill
Fort Hill Road off 281, pull off onto the sides of the road.
Harnedsville
Take Route 523 off 281 and continue until the bridge, turning left into the dirt parking area.
StreamTeam Status: Not Verified
Last Updated: 2004-08-22 20:17:00
No rapids entered. If you know names, and locations of the rapids please contact and advise the StreamTeam member for this run. 
User Comments
Terminator, a center right pourover hole. Good eddy above on R. Then, a boulder garden leads to a
large series of river left holes, just below a small rocky island. These have good play at this
level and up. Next comes a pool, then a tongue leading to a nice ferry spot and some picnic rocks,
just above the first railroad bridge. Next are several rapids with multiple channels at a series of
right hand bends, including one with no sneak. Then there are three long boulder garden rapids,
with many small surf waves and a pourover hole dead center of the last. Next, a series of eddy
moves above the second railroad bridge. More boulder gardens with surf waves and boogie water, then
late in the trip a cascade rapid with routes right and left, and a series of small holes and surf
waves. When stone cliffs appear on river right you're getting close to the Fort Hill takeout, but
look for a last large pillowy hole up against the right bank under a cliff. Fort Hill is just
below, but why not run the Casselman all the way down to the confluence? The lower part is
beautiful as well with more drops gradually running out by Harnedsville. This river has hemlock
islands, minimal intrusions, and many small surf spots. All the rapids except for the one mentioned
above can be snuck at this level (2.5) Just a great place for play. Treat it well. Edit
one soul paddling or fishing. 2.5 is just a touch rocky, but what a delightful stretch of water.
All class II and too many perfect surfing waves to count. Edit