Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Ohiopyle State Park was the first place on the east coast of the United States to offer commercial whitewater rafting? This 20,500-acre natural wonderland in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands has been drawing adventure seekers since the 1960s, but its stunning beauty has been captivating visitors for centuries—even George Washington once attempted to navigate the park’s mighty Youghiogheny River!

With over 79 miles of hiking trails, spectacular waterfalls, world-class rafting, and two Frank Lloyd Wright architectural masterpieces nearby, Ohiopyle State Park offers an unparalleled outdoor experience that attracts more than 1.5 million visitors annually. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures or peaceful nature encounters, this guide will help you discover the very best this remarkable park has to offer.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Ohiopyle State Park is nestled in the Laurel Highlands region of southwestern Pennsylvania, approximately 90 km (56 miles) southeast of Pittsburgh. The park surrounds the small community of Ohiopyle, making it a unique destination where wilderness and civilization harmoniously coexist.

The scenic Laurel Highlands region surrounding Ohiopyle State Park

Closest Airports

The most convenient airports for reaching Ohiopyle State Park are:

• Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) – 113 km (70 miles), approximately 1.5 hours by car
• Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW) – 64 km (40 miles), approximately 1 hour by car
• Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (LBE) in Latrobe – 56 km (35 miles), approximately 50 minutes by car

By Car

Most visitors arrive by car, as public transportation options are limited. The park is accessible via several routes:

• From Pittsburgh: Take I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike) east to Exit 91 (Donegal), then follow PA-31 and PA-381 south to Ohiopyle
• From Washington, DC: Take I-68 west to Cumberland, MD, then US-40 to Uniontown, PA, and PA-381 north to Ohiopyle
• From Cleveland: Take I-76 east to Exit 91 (Donegal), then follow PA-31 and PA-381 south to Ohiopyle

The drive to Ohiopyle offers scenic views of the Laurel Highlands, particularly beautiful during fall foliage season. The main visitor center is located in the heart of Ohiopyle, right next to the iconic Ohiopyle Falls.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

Ohiopyle State Park is a true four-season destination, with each time of year offering a unique experience. However, certain seasons are better suited for specific activities.

Spectacular fall foliage makes autumn a magical time to visit Ohiopyle State Park

Recommended Seasons

• Late Spring (May-June): Ideal for whitewater rafting with high water levels from spring runoff. Waterfalls are at their most impressive, and wildflowers bloom throughout the park. Temperatures range from 10-24°C (50-75°F).
• Summer (July-August): Perfect for swimming at natural water slides, hiking, and biking. The park’s busiest season with temperatures averaging 18-29°C (65-85°F). Weekends can be crowded; consider weekday visits.
• Fall (September-October): Spectacular foliage makes this a photographer’s paradise. Temperatures range from 7-21°C (45-70°F). The USA Today ranked this region the #3 place in the entire United States to view fall foliage.

Seasons to Avoid or Exercise Caution

• Winter (December-February): Many facilities close, and some roads may be inaccessible due to snow. However, if you enjoy winter sports like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, this can be a magical time with fewer crowds. Temperatures typically range from -7 to 4°C (20-40°F).
• Early Spring (March-April): Often muddy with unpredictable weather. Some trails may be closed due to conditions. Temperatures vary widely from 2-18°C (35-65°F).

Weather Considerations

The Laurel Highlands region can experience sudden weather changes, particularly in spring and fall. Summer thunderstorms are common in the afternoon. Always check the weather forecast before your visit and pack accordingly. During summer months, humidity can be high, so bring plenty of water for hiking activities.

For whitewater rafting, water levels are highest in spring and early summer, offering more challenging rapids. By late summer, water levels typically drop, creating a gentler experience better suited for beginners.

Getting Around Locally

Ohiopyle State Park’s layout makes it relatively easy to navigate, with most major attractions accessible by car and then short walks. The small town of Ohiopyle serves as the central hub for park activities.

The Great Allegheny Passage offers a scenic way to explore Ohiopyle State Park

By Car

A personal vehicle provides the most flexibility for exploring the park. Major attractions have designated parking areas, though these can fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays. The main visitor center has a large parking lot that serves as a good starting point. Secondary parking areas are available near Cucumber Falls, the Natural Waterslides, and other popular spots.

By Bicycle

Cycling is an excellent way to experience Ohiopyle State Park. The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP), a 150-mile rail trail connecting Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland, runs directly through the park. Bicycle rentals are available in town from several outfitters, with options including standard bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes. Rates typically range from $10-15 per hour or $35-50 for a full day.

On Foot

Many of the park’s highlights are connected by well-maintained hiking trails. The town of Ohiopyle is compact and walkable, with restaurants, shops, and the visitor center all within close proximity. Trail maps are available at the visitor center and should be carried when venturing beyond the main areas.

Shuttle Services

During rafting season, local outfitters provide shuttle services for whitewater rafters and kayakers. These shuttles transport visitors to put-in points upstream and pick them up at take-out points downstream. Some bike rental companies also offer shuttle services for cyclists who want to ride one-way sections of the GAP trail.

Where to Stay

Ohiopyle State Park offers a range of accommodation options, from rustic camping to comfortable lodging in and around the park. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak summer and fall foliage seasons.

Kentuck Campground offers wooded campsites within Ohiopyle State Park

Camping

Kentuck Campground within the park features 200 campsites (27 with electricity) nestled in a wooded setting. Facilities include modern restrooms with hot showers, picnic tables, fire rings, and a playground. Sites can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 12 meters (40 feet). Camping season runs from April through October, with rates around $20-30 per night. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through the Pennsylvania State Parks reservation system.

Cabins

The park offers 25 rustic cabins at Kentuck Campground, available year-round. These cabins feature electricity, beds, refrigerators, and outdoor fire rings, but no running water (bathroom facilities are nearby). Rates range from $40-70 per night depending on the season. For a unique experience, the nearby Ohiopyle Treehouse and Ohiopyle Hobbit House offer themed accommodations with modern amenities.

Hotels and Inns

While there are no hotels within the park itself, several options exist in and around Ohiopyle:

• Falls Market Restaurant and Inn – Located in downtown Ohiopyle, offering comfortable rooms above their restaurant
• Historic Summit Inn – A grand historic hotel about 15 minutes from the park with panoramic mountain views
• Nemacolin Woodlands Resort – A luxury resort approximately 20 minutes from the park featuring multiple restaurants, a spa, and golf courses

Vacation Rentals

Numerous cabins, cottages, and homes are available for rent in the surrounding area, ranging from rustic to luxurious. These are ideal for families or groups wanting more space and privacy. Vacation Ohiopyle manages several rental properties within minutes of the park, including the Ohiopyle Hideaway.

Dining & Local Cuisine

The town of Ohiopyle offers several dining options that cater to hungry adventurers. While options are somewhat limited due to the small size of the town, you’ll find satisfying meals to fuel your outdoor activities.

Enjoy a meal with forest views at one of Ohiopyle’s charming restaurants

Restaurants in Ohiopyle

• Falls Market Restaurant and Inn – A popular spot serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a diverse menu including pizza, sandwiches, burgers, and vegetarian options. Their outdoor deck offers views of the surrounding mountains.
• Ohiopyle Bakery and Sandwich Shoppe – Perfect for breakfast or lunch with freshly baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, and made-to-order lunch options.
• Paddler’s Pizza – Specializing in hand-tossed pizzas, calzones, and strombolis, with outdoor seating available.

Coffee and Treats

Ohiopyle Coffee Company serves high-quality coffee drinks, homemade popcorn, and light snacks—ideal for a morning pick-me-up or afternoon refreshment. For sweet treats, various shops in town offer ice cream and other desserts during the summer months.

Picnicking

Ohiopyle State Park provides numerous picnic areas with tables and grills, including locations at Cucumber Falls, Tharp Knob, and near the visitor center. The Falls Market and other shops in town sell supplies for picnic lunches, making this an economical dining option.

Nearby Dining

For more dining options, the towns of Farmington (15 minutes) and Uniontown (30 minutes) offer additional restaurants, including national chains and local establishments. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort features several upscale dining venues for those seeking a more refined culinary experience.

Local Specialties

While in the Laurel Highlands region, look for local specialties like maple syrup products (produced in nearby farms), apple cider in the fall, and Pennsylvania Dutch-inspired dishes at some of the family restaurants in surrounding communities.

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

Ohiopyle State Park is renowned for its natural attractions, with waterfalls being the crown jewels. Here are the must-see sights that should be on every visitor’s itinerary.

The stunning 9-meter (30-foot) Cucumber Falls is one of the park’s most photogenic spots

Waterfalls

• Ohiopyle Falls – The park’s centerpiece, this 6-meter (20-foot) waterfall spans the entire width of the Youghiogheny River. Viewing platforms adjacent to the visitor center provide spectacular views.
• Cucumber Falls – A picturesque 9-meter (30-foot) waterfall that plunges over a rock ledge into a crystal-clear pool. Visitors can walk behind this waterfall for a unique perspective.
• Jonathan Run Falls – A series of beautiful cascades along the Jonathan Run Trail, featuring Upper and Lower Falls each about 3-4.5 meters (10-15 feet) high.
• Sugar Run Falls – A hidden gem near the Great Allegheny Passage, this 7.5-9 meter (25-30 foot) waterfall requires a short detour but rewards visitors with peaceful solitude.
• Cascades on Meadow Run – A series of picturesque cascades along the Meadow Run Trail, offering multiple photo opportunities.

Natural Features

• Natural Waterslides – Smooth channels carved into the bedrock of Meadow Run create natural water slides where visitors can slide down the creek into pools below during summer months. (Note: This activity is at your own risk; no lifeguards are present.)
• Ferncliff Peninsula – A National Natural Landmark featuring unique plant species and geological formations, encircled by a 180-degree bend in the Youghiogheny River.
• Baughman Rock Overlook – A spectacular vista point offering panoramic views of the Youghiogheny River gorge and surrounding mountains, especially stunning at sunrise and during fall foliage season.

Visitor Center

The Ohiopyle State Park Visitor Center, located beside Ohiopyle Falls, features interactive exhibits about the park’s natural and cultural history. The lower level includes displays on geology, ecology, and human history in the region. Large windows provide magnificent views of Ohiopyle Falls. The center also houses a gift shop with souvenirs, books, and local crafts.

Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals

While Ohiopyle State Park is primarily known for its natural attractions, the surrounding area offers rich cultural experiences, particularly architectural treasures designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture

• Fallingwater – Located just 10 minutes from Ohiopyle, this iconic house built over a waterfall is widely regarded as Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece. Completed in 1939 for the Kaufmann family, the home ingeniously integrates architecture with nature. Advance reservations for tours are essential.
• Kentuck Knob – Another Wright-designed home just 7 miles from Ohiopyle, built in 1956 in his signature Usonian style. The home features hexagonal design elements and spectacular mountain views. Tours are available with advance reservations.

Historical Sites

• Fort Necessity National Battlefield – Located about 20 minutes from Ohiopyle, this site commemorates George Washington’s first major battle in the French and Indian War. The visitor center features exhibits on this pivotal historical event.
• Ohiopyle Historic District – The small town of Ohiopyle itself has a fascinating history as a resort destination in the late 19th century. Interpretive signs throughout town highlight its evolution from lumber town to tourist destination.

Festivals and Events

• Ohiopyle Falls Race – Held annually in August, this whitewater kayaking competition features expert paddlers navigating the challenging Ohiopyle Falls.
• Ohiopyle Winterfest – Typically held in February, this winter celebration includes ice carving, snowshoe tours, and winter sports demonstrations.
• Music in the Mountains – Summer concert series featuring local musicians performing at various locations throughout the park.
• Fall Foliage Festival – Celebrating the spectacular autumn colors with guided hikes, crafts, and food vendors during peak foliage season in October.

Nearby Cultural Attractions

Within a 30-45 minute drive of Ohiopyle, visitors can explore additional cultural sites including the Touchstone Center for Crafts in Farmington, offering workshops and exhibitions in various craft media, and the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Ligonier, featuring American art with an emphasis on southwestern Pennsylvania artists.

Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences

Ohiopyle State Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities for all skill levels and interests throughout the year.

Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River

Water Activities

• Whitewater Rafting – The Youghiogheny River offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the eastern United States, with sections suitable for all experience levels. The Lower Yough features Class III-IV rapids, while the Middle Yough offers a gentler Class I-II experience perfect for families. Several outfitters in town provide guided trips, equipment rentals, and instruction.
• Kayaking – Advanced paddlers can tackle the challenging rapids of the Lower Yough, while beginners can enjoy the calmer Middle Yough section. Rental equipment and lessons are available from local outfitters.
• Fishing – The Youghiogheny River is stocked with trout and also contains smallmouth bass and panfish. Meadow Run and Jonathan Run are designated as Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only areas. A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required.
• Swimming – The Natural Waterslides on Meadow Run provide a unique swimming experience during summer months. There are no designated swimming beaches in the park.

Explore over 79 miles of hiking trails through diverse forest ecosystems

Land Activities

• Hiking – With over 79 miles of trails, Ohiopyle offers hiking experiences for all abilities:
  • Jonathan Run Trail (1.7 miles) – Features multiple waterfalls
  • Meadow Run Trail (3 miles) – Passes the Natural Waterslides and Cascades
  • Ferncliff Trail (1.7 miles) – Loops around the unique Ferncliff Peninsula
  • Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail – A 70-mile trail with its southern terminus in the park
• Biking – The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) rail trail runs through the park, offering 150 miles of nearly level riding surface connecting Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. Bike rentals are available in town.
• Rock Climbing – Designated climbing areas at Meadow Run and Bruner Run offer routes for experienced climbers. A free climbing permit is required from the park office.
• Hunting – Approximately 16,000 acres are open to hunting during established seasons. Common game includes deer, turkey, and small game. All state hunting regulations apply.

Winter Activities

• Cross-country Skiing – When snow conditions permit, the park’s trails and the Great Allegheny Passage provide excellent terrain for cross-country skiing.
• Snowshoeing – Many of the hiking trails transform into snowshoe routes during winter months.
• Sledding – The Sugarloaf Sledding Area provides a designated hill for winter fun.

Wildlife Viewing

The park is home to diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species. Dawn and dusk offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities. The Ferncliff Peninsula is particularly good for birding, with over 200 species recorded in the park.

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Enjoying Ohiopyle State Park safely requires awareness of potential hazards and respect for the natural environment. Following these guidelines will help ensure a positive experience for all visitors.

Always view waterfalls from designated observation areas for your safety

Water Safety

• The Youghiogheny River has powerful currents and dangerous hydraulics. Never swim in the river near Ohiopyle Falls or in other prohibited areas.
• When whitewater rafting or kayaking, always wear a properly fitted personal flotation device (PFD) and helmet.
• The Natural Waterslides can cause scrapes and bruises. Only attempt them during moderate water levels and follow posted guidelines.
• Flash flooding can occur after heavy rains. Be aware of weather forecasts and seek higher ground if water levels rise suddenly.

Trail Safety

• Stay on designated trails to protect vegetation and prevent erosion.
• Wear appropriate footwear for hiking, as trails can be rocky, muddy, or slippery.
• Carry sufficient water, especially during summer months.
• Be aware that cell phone coverage is limited or non-existent in many areas of the park.
• Let someone know your planned route and expected return time when hiking remote trails.

Wildlife and Plants

• Never feed or approach wildlife, including deer, which are common in the park.
• Store food securely to avoid attracting bears and other animals.
• Be able to identify poison ivy, which is common throughout the park.
• Check for ticks after hiking, particularly from April through October.

Park Etiquette

• Practice “Leave No Trace” principles: pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, and leave natural objects where you find them.
• Respect quiet hours at campgrounds (9:00 PM to 8:00 AM).
• Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 1.8 meters (6 feet) and are not permitted in swimming areas.
• Alcohol is prohibited in many areas of the park; check regulations before consuming.
• Drones are not permitted without special authorization.

Local Customs

The town of Ohiopyle has a laid-back, outdoor-oriented culture. Casual attire is appropriate everywhere. Many businesses are seasonal, with limited hours or complete closures during winter months. The local economy depends heavily on tourism, so respectful visitor behavior helps support the community.

Visitor Comments About Ohiopyle State Park

Practical Travel Tips

Planning Your Visit

• Reserve accommodations well in advance, especially for summer weekends and fall foliage season.
• Consider visiting midweek to avoid crowds, particularly at popular spots like Cucumber Falls and the Natural Waterslides.
• Download or pick up a park map at the visitor center—cell service is unreliable for online maps.
• Bring cash, as some smaller businesses in town may not accept credit cards.

What to Pack

• Sturdy, water-resistant footwear for hiking and exploring around waterfalls
• Quick-dry clothing for water activities
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Insect repellent (especially May through September)
• Reusable water bottles
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing
• Camera with waterproof protection if photographing near waterfalls

Accessibility Information

Several areas of the park offer accessible facilities, including:

• The Visitor Center, with elevator access to all levels
• Accessible viewing platforms for Ohiopyle Falls
• Designated accessible camping sites at Kentuck Campground
• Sections of the Great Allegheny Passage trail

Contact the park office in advance for specific accessibility information and assistance.

Connectivity

Cell phone coverage is limited throughout the park, with the best reception in the town of Ohiopyle itself. Free Wi-Fi is available at the Visitor Center. Consider downloading maps, guides, and important information before venturing into remote areas of the park.

Adventure Awaits in Pennsylvania’s Natural Playground

Ohiopyle State Park stands as a testament to the extraordinary natural beauty of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. From the thundering power of Ohiopyle Falls to the serene forests of the Ferncliff Peninsula, this remarkable park offers experiences that will stay with you long after your visit ends.

Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding adventure on world-class rapids, peaceful contemplation beside a secluded waterfall, or cultural enrichment at nearby architectural masterpieces, Ohiopyle delivers with a authenticity that’s increasingly rare in today’s world. The park’s four-season appeal means there’s never a wrong time to visit—only different ways to experience its magic.

As you plan your journey to this Pennsylvania treasure, remember that the true spirit of Ohiopyle lies in its perfect balance of accessibility and wilderness. Even as it welcomes over a million visitors annually, the park maintains its wild character and sense of discovery. Pack your sense of adventure, bring your camera, and prepare to create memories that will call you back to Ohiopyle’s special beauty year after year.