Ohiopyle State Park Park

Address: Ohiopyle State Park, Ohiopyle, PA 15470

Website: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/OhiopyleStatePark

Hours: Park open daily, 24 hours; facilities and visitor center hours vary seasonally

Admission: PA state park vehicle fee applies (typically $8/day); some program fees may apply

Ohiopyle State Park is a Pennsylvania state park in the Laurel Highlands region of southwestern Pennsylvania, centered on the Youghiogheny River Gorge and the borough of Ohiopyle. The park covers roughly 20,500 acres and is a major outdoor recreation area in the state.

The park is best known for whitewater boating and rafting on sections of the Youghiogheny River that include Class II to Class IV rapids. Key outdoor attractions include Ohiopyle Falls, Cucumber Falls, extensive hiking and mountain-biking trails and the Ferncliff Peninsula, a protected natural area popular with hikers and birdwatchers.

Land for the park was acquired by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the mid-20th century to preserve the Youghiogheny River Gorge and surrounding forests for public recreation and conservation. Over time the park’s trail network and recreational infrastructure were developed to support fishing, boating, hiking and winter activities.

Located in Fayette County in southwestern Pennsylvania, the park sits in the Laurel Highlands along the Youghiogheny River and is accessed from state routes that connect to nearby towns and regional highways.

• Size: Covers roughly 20,500 acres and sits within the Laurel Highlands region of southwestern Pennsylvania.
• Whitewater: Popular for whitewater boating with stretches of the Youghiogheny River offering Class II to Class IV rapids, depending on flow.

What to See#

• Ohiopyle Falls: A series of waterfalls and river gorges formed by the Youghiogheny River, including the park’s principal drop at the main Ohiopyle Falls.
• Ferncliff Peninsula: Ferncliff Peninsula Natural Area - an ecologically significant forested peninsula and popular hiking destination within the park.
• Cucumber Falls: Cucumber Falls - a widely visited waterfall with an accessible trail near the park’s picnic areas and visitor services.

Ohiopyle is about 70 miles southeast of Pittsburgh along PA Route 381 and US-40. The park is accessible by car; some shuttle and regional transit options operate seasonally. Nearest Amtrak stop is Connellsville (20-25 miles away).

• Run or hike early along the Ferncliff Peninsula Trail for layered views of the Youghiogheny River and the gorge.
• Time a visit for late spring when the waterfalls and streams are fullest from snowmelt and rain.
• If kayaking or whitewater rafting, use licensed outfitters in Ohiopyle; river conditions change quickly.