Pennsylvania is home to more than 100 state parks, with Ohiopyle being a local favorite. From numerous hiking trails to breathtaking waterfalls, the park is the perfect place for adults, children and everyone in between to enjoy their natural surroundings. Ohiopyle’s central location also places it close to many other nearby attractions, making it a must-see destination for a multiple-day vacation.
What to Do in Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle is open year-round, and each season provides a different park experience. Here are some of the many things to do in Ohiopyle State Park throughout the seasons.
1. Ohiopyle Falls
Ohiopyle Falls is at the center of Ohiopyle State Park and is one of the top attractions in the park. The waterfall itself is approximately 20 feet tall and spans the entire width of the Youghiogheny River. There are several viewing areas, and you can access the waterfall by car.
2. Ohiopyle Visitor Center
The visitor center at Ohiopyle State Park is next to Ohiopyle Falls and overlooks the bank of the Youghiogheny River. It is a great location for souvenirs and has two floors of exhibits about the park’s history. Make sure to stop at the visitor center on a rainy day or to explore the many things to do in Ohiopyle.
3. Baughman Rock Overlook
Baughman Rock Overlook is another excellent destination for incredible woodlands and views of the Youghiogheny River. The overlook is a few yards from a roadside parking area, and visitors must climb a slope to see the view. Since this overlook offers such beautiful panoramic sights, it is an excellent destination for catching the sunset and sunrise.
4. Whitewater Boating
Whitewater boating is one of the more popular activities at Ohiopyle State Park, with people coming from around the world to partake in whitewater rafting or kayaking. There are many outfitters in the area that cater to groups ranging from complete beginners to experienced experts.
5. Cucumber Falls
Cucumber Falls is a 30-foot-tall waterfall that flows over a ledge, enabling visitors to go behind the falls for a unique viewing experience. To get to the falls, you can park at the Cucumber Falls Trailhead, which places you at the top of the falls. From there, you can see the falls from the top or take the stairs to the bottom of the falls. If you walk further upstream, you will reach the Youghiogheny River, allowing you to watch the boats move between two sets of rapids.
6. Tharp Knob
Tharp Knob is a flat grassy area with several picnic tables to make it a terrific location for a family or romantic picnic. The picnic area has scenic views of the nearby town of Ohiopyle and the Youghiogheny River. You may also see trains passing through the town.
7. Meadow Run Natural Waterslides
One of the best Ohiopyle activities to cool off in the summer is the Meadow Run Natural Waterslides. This section of the river features chutes of sandstone that act like a waterslide to send you careening down the river. No lifeguards are on duty at the natural waterslides, and visitors should only use them at their own risk. For those who choose not to use the waterslides, this area is a peaceful place to sit and admire the water.
8. Meadow Run Trail
The Meadow Run Trail loop provides a closer look at the stunning scenery. While the hike may be short, you will see plenty of waterfalls, rock formations, fossils and woodlands. The highlight of the trail is the upper and lower cascades, which are stunning during all four seasons.
9. Hunt for Wildflowers
Given Ohiopyle State Park’s miles of woodlands, it is a hub for wildflowers from early spring to the fall. Try counting the types of blooms you see, or create a scavenger hunt with the many different flowers for a fun way to engage the entire family.
10. Ohiopyle High Bridge
One of the more unique Ohiopyle State Park activities is the Ohiopyle High Bridge, which sits above the Youghiogheny River and offers a bird’s-eye view of the park. Take a walk across the bridge, and make sure to snap plenty of pictures of your view. The bridge is especially great in the fall, as it allows you to look down on the foliage.
Attractions Near Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania
If adventure is still calling you, you can venture further beyond Ohiopyle to explore these attractions.
Laurel Ridge State Park
Laurel Ridge State Park covers more than 13,000 acres and features a 70-mile hiking trail for a semi-wilderness experience. One of the best things about the park is its stunning spring wildflowers and vibrant green forest.
Kooser State Park
Kooser State Park is a 250-acre park with a trout stream stretching the length of the park. The park has many opportunities for families to gather, with picnic and camping areas all around. Visitors can enjoy activities like fishing, hiking and cross-country skiing.
Kentuck Knob
Kentuck Knob is one of two Frank Lloyd Wright homes in the area and seamlessly blends into the natural scenery for a house that is both functional and a work of art. The house is open for tours, and visitors can admire sculptures on the grounds surrounding the home.
Bear Run Nature Reserve
Bear Run Nature Preserve is an over 5,000-acre park that provides the perfect setting for birding, fishing, hiking and wildlife watching. The preserve also surrounds Fallingwater, the second Frank Lloyd Wright home in the area. Plan a visit to the park and Fallingwater to better understand how the natural surroundings influenced this iconic design.
Fort Necessity National Battlefield
The Fort Necessity National Battlefield was the ignition point for the French and Indian War and helped set the stage for the American Revolution. The National Battlefield is open to tours, or you can explore the visitor center and museums for an immersive look into history. Additionally, visitors can take a walk to Braddock Grave, the burial site of General Edward Braddock.
The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is a multi-use trail stretching across Washington, D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Guests can choose their own adventure on the trail, which offers hiking, biking and paddling opportunities.
Find a Kampgrounds of America Near Ohiopyle for the Adventure of a Lifetime
With so many things to do in Ohiopyle and the surrounding areas, you need a place to stay that is equally as fun. When you stay at KOA, you will have access to a campground with plenty of unique amenities and numerous camping options, so you can enjoy whatever camping style works best for you.
Madison / Pittsburgh S.E. KOA Journey is less than an hour from Ohiopyle and offers unique amenities like a playground, pool table, canoes and boat rentals. Reserve a stay at Madison / Pittsburgh S.E. KOA Journey, or find another KOA near Ohiopyle to start planning your next great adventure!
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
