Hazelbakers Recreational Services

Did the 7 mile trip today for the first time. It was actually the first time I'd been in a canoe in about 15 years! The online booking was fairly straightforward. Both the PFDs and the shuttle vans could use some updating, however. The canoe itself was fine, as were the oars. The river route was very peaceful, with the exception of some choppy water occasionally, with some rocks we had to maneuver around. We did get stuck in a shallow section, but that was on us for not realizing how shallow it was. The take-out was fine, if a little muddy. Overall a good experience.

This is the place that introduced my family to kayaking. We've been coming for years. The online reservation isn't the easiest to navigate nor do I particularly care for paying for the entire thing right then especially when it isn't refundable. What if one in your group dips out of the plans. Then you have either paid for person and you're out that money or you have an extra ticket that you may or may not use. Accept a deposit at the time of reservation but the whole thing is a little ridiculous.Pre-covid, they passed out flyers on the shuttle out to the river. If you returned the flyer when you returned, you'd get a free scoop of ice cream. Our family used to love that. We'd still buy more ice cream but after paddling all afternoon, we'd love to sit and relax with our ice cream before loading everything back up and talk about the neat stuff that we seen. This by no means is their fault. I just hope they keep it in mind and bring it back in some way. I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 for two reasons. The shuttle that we rode in sounded and felt like it could use some maintenance and because the 2 rental kayaks we rented for our kids-both had tons of pieces of styrofoam, pieces of tree, and spiders in them. You don't have to spray them out after every use but least spray out the kayaks before using them each season.

I love hazelbakers. Always a good time. My boyfriend and came the past two summers. Last summer we did the Dawson to Layton trip and this past summer we did the Connellsville to Layton trip. Very relaxing and fun day on the Yough river. But the Dawson trip was plenty. The Connellsville trip was long and it took us around 6 hours to do. We took our time and fished and stopped frequently to enjoy scenery. After two good experiences we decided we want to make this a summer tradition.

This is the only place that I'll ever go to for a river excursion. The professional staff and experienced guides make canoeing down the Yough River easy and enjoyable. Don is more than accommodating with even our largest most irritating group of weekend warriors. A summer isn't quite complete without the annual float with Hazelbaker's...

We bring a group here every year for a float trip. Some of us have kayaks and the rest rent a variety of single person kayaks, tandem kayaks, and canoes. They shuttle you up the river and you float back. Pack a cooler with lunch and drinks but please don't litter as there is a garbage can at the end to dump your garbage. The float is great with plenty of places to stop and swim. Don't go on the rope swing unless if you want to leave in an ambulance... seriously don't! It's not on Hazelbakers property and was put up poorly by locals.

I've been Going to Hazel Bakers for years now, I've always had a good experience! Usually do the 14 mile trip I feel like the half trip is too short you get on the river and before you know it, its over. Great for beginners there are a few rapids taken a bunch of first timers out on the river and they have always loved it. Great place to see some Pennsylvania wildlife, last time we where out we saw Canadian geese, some interesting looking ducks, and a river otter. I will be back!

Been coming for 21 years! Worth the money and good for the soulThe scenery is amazing and the time away from stress is so worth the visit!You will return to your car, tired but recharged.Namaste

DO NOT patronize this place!! Before the pandemic, they had two different canoe trips: a 7-mile trip from Dawson to Layton for $20/person and a 14-mile trip from Connellsville to Layton for $40/person. Very reasonable. Very affordable for a fun day on the Yough. For some reason, to which none was given when I called, they just stopped doing the 14 mile trips. These were the ones I loved doing the most and during the pandemic, being outdoors was really all we could do. Now, they're just doing the 7 mile trips from Dawson but are charging people the 14-mile rate of $40/person. That is basically price gauging. Folks, don't go here !!!! Don't !!!! There is a market for those long canoe trips from Connellsville. Would even love to see a new business start where they would shuttle people from the Whittset GAP trailhead to Connellsville. Would do well, I think!

A great day on the river. All went smoothly. I highly recommend this canoe trip for a wonderful peaceful day and Hazelbakers made it easy.