🛶 The Upper Yough Put-In — Class V Whitewater, Historic Friends Store, and Maryland’s Western Mountain Gateway — Sang Run State Park near McHenry, Maryland with Youghiogheny River access (Class V Upper Yough put-in), 250+ acres, historic Friends Store, 1872 Election House, 2.5+ miles hiking trails, pollinator meadows, fishing, nature programs, managed by Deep Creek Lake State Park Complex, near Swallow Falls and Deep Creek Lake — Garrett County, MD
Sang Run State Park sits on the Youghiogheny River — one of the premier whitewater rivers in the eastern United States. The park provides the primary put-in for the legendary Upper Yough, a world-class Class V stretch of continuous, highly technical rapids that draws expert kayakers from across the country.
But this park is more than whitewater. The restored Friends Store and 1872 Election House tell the story of a rural mountain community, while 2.5 miles of trails wind through pollinator meadows and hardwood forests in Maryland’s far western panhandle.
Whitewater Access
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| River | Youghiogheny River — “the Yough” |
| Section | Upper Yough (downstream from Sang Run) |
| Difficulty | Class V — continuous, highly technical. Expert paddlers only |
| Upstream Section | More moderate paddle from Hoyes Run to Sang Run — water level dependent |
| Character | Narrow slots, ledges, hazardous drops. Remote canyon — difficult rescue terrain |
| Warning | Not suitable for casual paddling, tubing, or canoeing. Experience required |
Park Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Historic Friends Store | Restored general store — interpretive exhibits on rural mountain community life |
| 1872 Election House | Restored historic polling place — one of the oldest in western Maryland |
| Hiking Trails | 2.5+ miles through pollinator meadows, agricultural fields, and hardwood forest |
| Fishing | Youghiogheny River — trout, smallmouth bass. Shore access |
| Programs | Guided hikes, hayrides, traditional arts demonstrations (spring–fall) |
Nearby Parks
| Park | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Creek Lake SP | ~5 mi | Swimming beach, camping, boating on MD’s largest lake |
| Swallow Falls SP | ~10 mi | Muddy Creek Falls (53 ft) — MD’s tallest waterfall. Old-growth hemlocks |
| Herrington Manor SP | ~12 mi | Log cabins, swimming lake, cross-country skiing |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Best For |
|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 🛶 Peak water levels for Upper Yough. Wildflowers. Cool mountain air |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Fall color in Garrett County. Good water levels. Nature programs |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Warm weather hiking, fishing. Water levels may be low for paddling |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Quiet. Snow-covered trails. Cross-country skiing at nearby parks |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can beginners paddle the Upper Yough?
No — the Upper Yough from Sang Run is Class V, expert-only whitewater. It’s one of the most technical river runs in the eastern U.S. If you’re a beginner, consider the Lower Yough near Ohiopyle, PA (Class III).
Is there camping at Sang Run?
No on-site camping. Nearby Deep Creek Lake, Swallow Falls, Herrington Manor, and New Germany state parks all offer excellent campgrounds.
More parks nearby: Herrington Manor State Park is a short drive away, while Deep Creek Lake State Park lies a short drive away.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Maryland state parks online at parkreservations.maryland.gov.
🛶 Maryland’s Whitewater Gateway
The put-in for the legendary Upper Yough — Class V whitewater through a remote mountain canyon, with historic buildings and hiking trails on Maryland’s western frontier.
Wildlife & Nature
Sang Run SP — on the Youghiogheny River — a premier whitewater river (Class IV-V rapids). The park’s Appalachian forest, river, and gorge support brook trout, wild turkeys, and black bears.
Nearby Attractions
Friendsville — nearby. Deep Creek Lake — 5 miles south — Maryland’s largest lake. Garrett County — surrounding.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Sang Run State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
