Jim Cheney is the creator of UncoveringPA.com. The middle section, which is located above the falls, is on the easier side with primarily Class I and II rapids. An ADA viewing deck is easily accessible from the parking lot, where you can take a minute to watch all the fun from above if getting wet isnt your thing. The Youghiogheny River, or Yough, as it is popularly called, has three different levels of white water rafting trips run on it. There is also a side waterfall along Fechter Run that only flows when water levels in the park are high. Find Ohiopyle State Park camping, campsites, cabins, and other lodging options. WebOhiopyle State Park offers biking and hiking on the Great Allegheny Passage and some of the best whitewater rafting in the eastern U.S.! WebOhiopyle State Park is a Pennsylvania state park on 20,500 acres (8,300 ha) in Dunbar, Henry Clay and Stewart Townships, Fayette County, Pennsylvania in the United States. Now more than 50 years later and over a million river miles paddled, we are still doing it because being on the river is unlike any other outdoor experience. The Laurel Highlands visitor center is fantastic, and it is located right on the Youghiogheny River. Due to its relative proximity to cities, it attracts many visitors every year. We've got what you're looking for. 4. The Meadow Run Trail, which you take to reach this spot, is a beautiful 3-mile loop trail that offers great views of the creek and the surrounding forest. Located east of town, Baughman Rock can be reached via that Baughman Trail, but most visitors park in the dirt parking area about 50 yards from the overlook. A strong commitment to conservation and sustainable design is exhibited throughout the building, leading to long-term efficiency and responsible management. Following along the Great Allegheny Passage Trail you'll see the bright opening of the former railroad bridge as you cross on it through a gateway formed by tree tops and emerge out into the open vista that surrounds you featuring the river far below you on both sides roaring with rapids. bushkill falls. Rain is never a problem. The campground has 27 walk-tosites that require a short hike from the vehicle to the campsite. In the busy summer months however, Bruner Road is closed to all but shuttle buses used to transport boaters to/from the Youghiogheny River. Some are only open in the summer months or only on summer weekends, but there is always somewhere good to eat in town throughout the year. The Trail runs along the highest ridge in the park. It should be noted, however, that Ive heard this is can be a rather painful ride, so slide at your own risk. However, sometimes this Grammy needs solo time, and that is when you will find her hiking a trail, relaxing at a unique eatery, or reading a book in an ENO hammock. Request our full color Adventure & Bike Catalog. Brandy enjoys freelance writing, where she can share her love of RVing or her travels to different destinations around the U.S. and throughout the world! They take place along several parts of the Youghiogheny River, both above and below Ohiopyle Falls. Join the mountain biking community by linking up with local clubs for group rides and work days. The two main waterfalls along this trail are each about 10-15 feet in height and are quite beautiful to see in person. Ohiopyle Falls sits in the heart of Ohiopyle State Park and is roughly 15-20 feet tall. This overlook is an easy park and see experience above Ohiopyle, but an angled rock slope may challenge some visitors. For those that are looking for a nicer place to stay, there are several cabins within the campground. This trail offers the chance to see the beauty of this National Natural Landmark. The yurts have a small kitchen and provide all the natural fun you could want around a fire ring cooking smores. Follow the signs to Meadow Run Trail or follow the path at the back of the parking lot. 898 talking about this. If you are dreaming of an epic outdoor adventure, Ohiopyle State Park should be on the top of your list of places to go. Geographically, it is about 50 miles south of Pittsburgh. Clean waters, forested mountains and steep-sided valleys provide an unsurpassed setting for recreational opportunities. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Make a reservation for Ohiopyle State Park, Bureau of Facility Design and Construction, Conservation & Natural Resources Advisory Council. I need a bumper sticker that says, I brake for waterfalls. Ohiopyle State Park has some of my personal favorites let me share my top three with you. This spot can be viewed from shore or you can get your feet wet and head into the middle of the stream to see it even more closely. Robinson Falls in nearby Connellsville is rumored to have been a campsite of George Washington during the French and Indian War. Keystone State. The easy, gentle Class 1 and 2 raft trip that goes from Confluence PA downstream (but north) to Ohiopyle PA. erie pennsylvania. Facility also offers: Camping Tours Located at the southern reaches of the Laurel Ridge, Ohiopyle State Park encompasses approximately 20,500 acres of rugged natural beauty and serves as [more] Status: Open through Sat Dec 16 2023 Season Dates Check Overnight Availability The Best Waterfalls Near Pittsburgh Road Trip is an epic 258 mile round-trip adventure of a lifetime! Simply click on the blue text links to view a more in-depth description of each waterfall, and see a map with directions to it. Alcoholic Beverages are prohibited. What makes Ohiopyle a phenomenal location for an outdoor getaway is that it is truly massive. The park offers a wide variety of environmental education andrecreation programs. Failure to abide by Pennsylvania State Park Rules and Regulations. You can also cross to the far side of the river for even more great views of this beautiful waterfall. Start your backpacking trip on Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. Located only a short drive from the greater Morgantown area, over 20,000 Close to major metropolitan areas and offering vast choices of activities, Ohiopyle State Park attracts millions of visitors annually. You can find my detailed write-up (including map/directions) about Cucumber Falls HERE. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Host is required to assist park personnel for 40 hours-per-week with a two-week minimum stay. Shorter stays are available during the spring and fall seasons. Nearby sites are: The Summit Inn, Fort Necessity National Park, Nemacolin Woodlands, Ohiopyle State Park, Kentuck Knob, and Fallingwater. Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. 4. There is something to do no matter what time of the year you make it to Ohiopyle. Group programs must be arranged in advance and may be scheduled by calling the Ohiopyle State Park Office and Laurel Highlands Falls Area Visitor Center at The Lower Cascades remind me of a shorter version of Ohiopyle Falls, spanning the entire stream but not quite as thunderous. Ohiopyle is the southern gateway into the Laurel Highlands and represents the beautiful natural resources and marvelous outdoor excursions. It is also home to a set of water features collectively known as the Cascades on Meadow Run. Keystone State. WebOhiopyle State Park features a few downhill mountain biking trails that are well-maintained and guaranteed to give you a fun challenge. Please enable scripts and reload this page. Clean waters, forested mountains and steep-sided valleys provide an unsurpassed setting for recreational opportunities. While its just steps from the Great Allegheny Passage, it is hidden from view by dense underbrush. Advance reservations are required to ensure campsite availability. It spans the entire width of the mighty Youghiogheny River. These round, canvased, wood-walled tents have attached wooden decks and sleep five. Take Exit 14 (Keysers Ridge) to Rt. Lake Trail in Laurel Hill State Park: This 1.75-mile trail is the parks most difficult trail, with narrow, steep, and sloping sections. WebOhiopyle State Park is located at the southern end of Laurel Ridge. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. The cave temperature is a constant 52 degrees. Ohiopyle Falls is also a fantastic spot to take in the sunrise as it peaks over the mountains to the east. 11. Getting to Ohiopyle State Park will take you through some of the most scenic roadways in Pennsylvania; plan to drive with care and enjoy the stunning scenery. The Upper Cascades are jagged and wild, reminiscent of streams of the western United States. January 1 to April 15 -- Open Monday to Saturday, 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., closed on Sundays. Of course, you can also reach this waterfall by hiking roughly 1.6-miles one way on the Sugar Run Trail. Wildflowers near Bruner Run at the park. erie pennsylvania. Camping Flush toilets, warm showers, some electric hook-ups GPS DD: Lat. There are several viewing areas located within steps of a large parking lot, some of which are handicapped accessible. If you love natural beauty and outdoor adventure, there are plenty of incredible things to do within the parks boundaries from chasing majestic waterfalls to casual bike rides and thrilling rafting. You have the largest assortment of rental boats available to you on this section of the Yough, because the rapids are so mild. Rain is never a problem. Find Ohiopyle State Park camping, campsites, cabins, and other lodging options. The Upper Yough section we run is in the far north west corner of Maryland, directly south of Ohiopyle, PA. We are putting it here on the Ohiopyle rafting page because it is part of the Yough River which does flow through Ohiopyle in the Middle and Lower sections. Brave the river with a trip on the Middle or Lower Yough.. There are several levels to the Natural Water Slides. When she isn't writing, you can find her living life with her family, creating exciting multigenerational trips that include her husband Matt, children, and grandkids. If you just can't wait to see all the info take a peek at the online catalog. The yough was really high and we probably should never have been allowed on. Passing through the heart of the park, the rushing waters of the Youghiogheny [yawki-gay-nee] River Gorge are the centerpiece for Ohiopyle. The park office and visitor center hours are: Overnight areas and other areas are open specific seasons and hours. There is also an incredible view of Ohiopyle Falls from the glass windows in the museum. Clickon any of the icons below toget connectedto PA Bucket List on social media. Upper Jonathan Run Falls is an intricate series of starkly juxtaposed rocks which makes for a truly unique waterfall. WebA truly spectacular destination for whitewater rafting, nearby Ohiopyle State Park has earned national acclaim for its abundance of churning rapids, suitable for newbies and experienced river runners alike. Official Ohiopyle State Park page. WebJoin Us Where It All Started. The Laurel Highlands Trail is a 70-mile long-distance hiking trail that runs from Ohiopyle State Park to an area near Johnstown, PA. It is one of the most popular waterfall hikes in Ohiopyle State Park. Sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. Copyright 1999 2023 GoDaddy Operating Company, LLC. One day here is not enough; you will want to stay and relax a few days before heading home. Three decks of various angles and heights provide you a gorgeous view of WebOhiopyle is home to Ohiopyle State Park, a popular outdoor recreation mecca that covers more than 20,000 acres and is the gateway to the Laurel Highlands Mountains. The Natural Waterslides is a narrow channel cut into the bedrock by Meadow Run near its confluence with the Youghiogheny River and is one of the most popular things to do in Ohiopyle State Park. The view from Baughman Rock overlooks the beautiful woodlands surrounding Ohiopyle State Park. She invites you to follow her adventures on all her social media platforms for real-time exploration. The occupants may be required to leave the park. Leashed dogs are welcome on this trail. Pro Tip: Always check in advance to confirm the visitor center hours. Follow the Great Allegheny Passage Trail north towards Connellsville for a quarter of a mile to the bridge. Honestly, I cant get my last visit to Ohiopyle, PA, out of my mind, and I am always looking for a pocket of time to carve out an escape to this outdoor playground. For my money Cucumber Falls is THE MOST beautiful waterfall in western Pennsylvania. WebLaurel Caverns is off route 40 east of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. 39.88783 Long. Minimum age on the Upper Yough is 16. At this point you can proceed up a small hill and get A floor of sandstone rock provides the base from which to enjoy and marvel at Meadow Run's perfectly chiseled channels through the rock forming a fast moving and curving natural waterslide that ends in a deep pool of water. Hike the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail In the image below, you can see the bridge on the Great Allegheny Passage immediately above Lower Sugar Run Falls. 6. If you love PA waterfalls, you won't want to miss this waterfall book from Jim Cheney, author of Uncovering PA, featuring more than 180 great waterfalls. WebMeadow Run is a scenic stream located in Ohiopyle State Park, which eventually joins the Youghiogheny River.It is known for its awe-inspiring setting, as the surrounding foliage is particularly striking in the fall, and the moss-covered Explore rare plants and fossils on Ferncliff Peninsula. Follow signage once you are in the park to find your desired destination. This large camping area features 200 wooded camping sites, each with room to pitch a tent, a fire pit, and a picnic table. Passing through the heart of the park, the rushing waters of the Youghiogheny [yawki-gay-nee] River Gorge are the centerpiece for Ohiopyle. Don't miss out on the natural waterslides either. Located on the hillside above the Youghiogheny River is the Ohiopyle State Park Campground, which is known as the Kentuck Campground. erie pennsylvania. WebOhiopyle State Park is located at the southern end of Laurel Ridge. The reason being there are 2 magnificent waterfalls and a slew of smaller cascades along this trail that parallels Jonathan Run for nearly 2 miles. Qualified adult and youth groups may use this area which is equipped with picnic tables and grill, and access to a showerhouse. High Ohiopyle Bridge Railroad Rapid Youghiogheny River Youghiogheny River Gorge. Tours of the home as well as passes to simply see the grounds around the home are available. The Lower Yough trip doesnt require any prior experience; first timers and rafting enthusiasts alike love this trip. As you continue to the center you can see the Youghiogheny River Gorge rounding Tharp Knob is scenic vista from a grassy summit above Ohiopyle with a gorgeous view looking east of the Youghiogheny River and Gorge meandering through Laurel Ridge with its rugged slopes and knobs. Whether youre there for the fall foliage or the winter snow, Cucumber Falls is about as graceful and photogenic as a waterfall can get. The Great Gorge Trail starts here and will take you to the Cucumber Falls Area on a peaceful hike often strewn with rare flowers and other specimens. In 1962, we began offering guided whitewater rafting tours in Ohiopyle. United States Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines for new construction. beds in cabins) for non-family guests. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Just a short distance from Ohiopyle you will find two homes designed by renowned architect, Frank Lloyd Wright - Scattered throughout the campground are several bathhouses and playgrounds. The lake spans the Mason-Dixon Line between Pennsylvania and Maryland. If you want great views in Ohiopyle, there is no better spot than Baughman Rock Overlook. 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