Ohiopyle State Park is located on the southern reaches of the Laurel Ridge, The park spans approximately 20,500 acres of rugged natural beauty and serves as the gateway to the Laurel Highlands. With and excellent location close to to metropolitan areas, and a wide variety of activities the entire family can enjoy. Ohiopyle State Park is one of the most popular in the region attracting millions annually. The park is located at 124 Main St, in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania. For more information, click here.
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The big attraction at the park is the mighty Youghiogheny River Gorge. Thrillseekers enjoy riding one of two natural water slides at Meadow Run. The park is also a popular spot for fishing, biking, camping, chasing waterfalls, and hiking.
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Passing through the heart of the park, the rushing waters of the Youghiogheny [yawki-gay-nee] River Gorge are the centerpiece for Ohiopyle. The “Yough” [yawk] provides some of the best whitewater boating in the eastern United States, as well as spectacular scenery.
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Ohiopyle State Park is the southern gateway into the Laurel Highlands and represents the beautiful natural resources and unique sense of community that visitors can find throughout the region. The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Day use areas close at dusk.
Kentuck Campground has about 200 campsites and is open from April to mid-December. The campground has 27 walk-to sites that require a short hike from the vehicle to the campsite. Kentuck Campground also has three multi-sites. all campgrounds have picnic tables and fire rings, and plenty of parking.
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The park boasts an impressive 79 miles of pristine hiking trails. My favorite My favorite trail within the park is The Cumberland Falls Trail This trail leads from Ohiopyle to Cucumber Falls, travelling along the river. This scenic, yet difficult trail travels along Entrance Rapid, giving a great view of the river and boaters. The trail then leads through a mature hemlock forest, hiking over some natural rock terrain on the way to Cucumber Falls.
While many come to enjoy the parks natural beauty, thrill-seekers may enjoy running the rapids! The Youghiogheny River has exciting whitewater boating for all experience levels. Only sturdily constructed rafts, kayaks, and closed-deck canoes intended for whitewater use may be used in the river. River levels can change the difficulty of rapids. Check at the launch area or contact the park office for current water levels. The famous Lower Yough begins after the Ohiopyle Falls and flows seven miles downstream to the Bruner Run Take-out. This is the busiest section of whitewater east of the Mississippi River. The numerous class III and IV rapids make for exciting rafting that should only be attempted by experienced whitewater boaters. Inexperienced whitewater boaters should run this section of the river on a guided raft trip with an authorized concessionaire. The natural river environment contains undercut rocks, ledges, and swift currents.
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There is also mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, sledding, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, numerous picnic areas and so much more. This park really has something for everyone. If your in the area, do yourself a favor and swing by this park.
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