Ohiopyle

The Ohiopyle area is rich with sites to see and things to do. Here’s some of Laura’s favorites.

Ohiopyle itself is a nice little town that’s fun to walk. Waterfalls, cafes, ice cream shops, boating and biking outfitters to name a few. Ohiopyle Waterfall is a must see. The visitors center is also interesting and you can also pick up a map of the park.

Get a coffee at Ohiopyle Coffee Shop, 25 Sherman Street; Bittersweet at the Falls at the corner of Lincoln & Parkview; Ohiopyle Coffee Roasters, a bit of a drive at 1856 Mill Run Road. Pat's favorite for coffee is Fuel Coffee Works, it’s on Rt 40 a few miles out of town, 100 Farmington Ohiopyle Road-excellent cappuccinos!

Hiking/biking

The Great Allegheny Passage Trail goes through Ohiopyle. It’s a beautiful trail that’s part of the 340+ mile trail system that goes between Pittsburgh and Washington DC. Bike rentals are available in town.

Here are a few of Laura’s favorite walking/hiking trails in the park:

Meadow Run Trail. You can park in the upper lot on Dinnerbell Road, on the left just as you turn from Rt 381 onto Dinnerbell. From the lot you can walk 3 miles all the way down to the water slides and town. You can also park at the slides in town on the left as you drive out of town heading toward Dinner Bell Road.

Ferncliff Peninsula Trail is another favorite, 1.7 mile easy walk. It takes you along the Youghiogheny River around the peninsula. Park in the lot off Rt 381 in town.

Cucumber Falls trail takes you to a waterfall that’s worth the short walk. You can also walk to a new view of the Youghiogheny River. It’s fun to watch rafters from there. Park in the Cucumber Falls parking lot off Kentuck Road.

A short walk up a hill from Bachman’s Rock parking lot, on Sugarloaf Road, takes you to a wonderful vista.

The Laural Highlands Hiking Trail is a 25 mile trail with lean to camping facilities.

Other points

Paddling is a big part of the Ohiopyle culture. Laura enjoyed paddling the middle yough as well as the lower yough in a duckie. The individual rafts were fun and a great way to see the beauty and feel the thrill of Youghiogheny River’s whitewater. Rentals are available in town as well as guided tours.

Fallingwater is a house designed by Frank Lloyd Write in 1935. It’s located 3 miles east of Ohiopyle, 1491 Mill Run Road (Rt 381). Tickets for tours in advance are a good idea. Kentuck Knob is another Frank Lloyd Write house in the area with tours available.

Hotel Information

• Nemacolin ($600 / night)
• Ohiopyle Suites ($100 / night)
• The Lodge at Chalk Hill ($120 / night)
• Numerous AirBnB Options ($150 - $250 / night)