Spend a While in Ohiopyle State Park (PA)

When my Hubby suggested we visit the 20,000-acre Ohiopyle State Park, I wasn't too excited ... at first.   Once we got there I enjoyed hiking some of the 75 miles of trails and seeing the waterfalls.  Of course, there are other things to see and do as well (mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and horseback riding - not all trails are suitable for each activity).  It also includes over 14 miles of the Youghiogheny (pronounced yawki-gay-nee) River Gorge great for whitewater rafting.  Unfortunately, the whitewater rafting trip will have to wait for another visit.  

Park Map

The name Ohiopyle is believed to come from a Native American Indian word "ohiopehhla" meaning “white frothy water”.

Our spring visit to Ohiopyle State Park begins in mid-afternoon with a stop at the Visitor Center.  There are exhibits on the lower level as well as a glass-enclosed area for viewing the nearby waterfall.

Visitor Center

Lower Level Exhibits

View of Falls from Visitor Center's Lower Level

In addition to seeing Ohiopyle Falls (which is right next to the Visitor Center), the staff recommends going to the scenic Baughman Rock Overlook and Cucumber Falls.  The Park has several waterfalls.  Two of them are easy to see (Ohiopyle Falls and Cucumber Falls).  The other waterfalls require some hiking.  Since our time here is limited, the other waterfalls will have to wait for a future trip.  

From the Visitor Center’s lower level, I see a few kayakers on the river a short distance from the base of the falls.  Under certain conditions, kayakers are allowed to “shoot the falls”.  It’s not on my “to do” list but there are some adventurers who enjoy the ride. 

Kayakers on the Yough River

The Ohiopyle Falls (15-20' high) is on the Youghiogheny (Yough for short) River. There are several wooden decks that provide different views of the waterfall.  Today, the waterfall is stretching across the width of the river.  During drier months, the waterfall diminishes in size and visitors see more rock than water.  There is a nice view of the Visitor Center and Yough River from these observation platforms. 

Ohiopyle Falls

Visitor Center & Youghiogheny River

Before we leave the falls area, we walk across the multi-humped Ohiopyle Trestle Bridge that spans the Youghiogheny River.  It was built in the 1860’s.for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.  Today, the bridge offers non-motorized access to the Ferncliff Peninsula.   The Peninsula was declared a National Natural Landmark in November 1973 and was named a State Park Natural Area in 1992.

Ohiopyle Trestle Bridge

Trail into Ferncliff Peninsula

Bicyclist Going Back to Ohiopyle

Wildflowers on Ferncliff Peninsula

Next, we take a quick drive up Sugarloaf Road (SR 2012) to the Baughman’s Rock Overlook.  The Overlook is less than 100 yards from the road. It offers an outstanding view of the Youghiogheny River Gorge.  The forest canopy does a good job hiding the river but I can see where it is from this view point. 

View from Baughman's Rock Overlook

Now it’s time to see our second waterfall. We drive a short distance to the Cucumber Falls parking lot.  Cucumber Falls is located less than 100 yards from the parking area.

After we hike a short distance and descend 18 steps, we get our first view of Cucumber Falls.  

Trail/Stairs to First Viewing Area

The water at Cucumber Falls pours over a rocky ledge and plunges 30 feet straight down in a single drop before continuing its way downstream.   

Cucumber Falls

It's about 6:15 p.m. and the daylight is getting low.  We use our Nikon cameras and tripods to photograph Cucumber Falls. This is our version of "shooting the falls".  We aren’t here very long when a light rain forces us to take shelter under the rocky overhang.  This allows us to continue using our cameras without getting them (or us) wet.  

Trail and Rocky Overhang

Cucumber Falls & Rocky Overhang

We continue walking down the trail and descending more steps (50-60) for another view of the falls.  

More Stairs to River 

River View

"Shooting the Falls"

If you are visiting Pennsylvania, Ohiopyle State Park should be on your “must see” list.  I wish we had more time here but Pennsylvania has so many interesting places to see and things to do that we need to keep moving if we want to see as much as we can during this spring trip. 

LOCATION & CONTACT INFORMATION:  Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main Street, Ohiopyle in Fayette County, Pennsylvania (USA)

Telephone:  (724) 329-8591

HOURS:  The Visitor Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  The park is open year-round with day-use areas closing at dusk. 

MISCELLANEOUS:   Currently, there are not any entrance fees or day use fees for this State Park. There are two picnic areas – near Cucumber Run and Tharp Knob.  Restrooms can be found at the Visitor Center, Tharp Knob Picnic Area, and Cucumber Run Picnic Area.

For information and photos on other places we visited in Pennsylvania, I invite you to view some of my other blog posts by clicking on the following links:

Gettysburg National Military Park

George Washington Slept Here at Fort Necessity
Valley Forge NHP
Johnstown Flood National Memorial
Altoona Railroaders Museum & Horseshoe Curve
Allegheny Portage Railroad NHS
Old Bedford Village\

Now for eating and sleeping options in the Ohiopyle area, the State Park has two picnic areas and a seasonal campground with 226 campsites. There are modern restrooms with hot showers and flush toilets.

If camping isn’t your thing, there are a few lodging options (as well as vacation rentals) and dining choices in the town of Ohiopyle (population 59 in 2010). The following nearby communities also offer some places to eat and sleep:

Farmington (population 767 as of 2010) is about 7 miles (15 minutes) and has a few local establishments.

Uniontown (population 10,182 as of 2013) is about 18.5 miles (30 minutes) and has several national chain hotels and restaurants.

Somerset (population 6,144 as of 2013) is about 31 miles (45 minutes).  Since it is near I-75 it probably offers the widest variety of lodging and dining options.

Since opinions, preferences, and budgets vary, I recommend checking a trusted travel source for current reviews on the best places to eat and sleep..  

I recommend you spend a while in Ohiopyle.