Great Allegheny Passage bike trail bridge. Photo courtesy of Ohiopyle
What do you get when you combine 20, 500 acres of State Park, hiking, fishing, biking, rock climbing, and some of the best whitewater rafting in the Eastern United States? Ohiopyle, PA.
With just under 80 full-time residents, this small community built by the Youghiogheny River is a magical wonderland.
Bring your sense of adventure and fall in love with the great outdoors as you catch a trophy rainbow trout or tackle some of the toughest rapids in the US.
'Balancing Act' (Cucumber Falls) photo by Linda K Lawrence
Not only is Ohiopyle home to such natural beauties as Cucumber Falls, the town has seen a revitalization within the past several years with local residents opening shops and restaurants catering to tourists and locals alike.
So here’s the skinny on what to do besides enjoying the great outdoors…
Photo courtesy of Backyard Gardens
Be sure to drop by Backyard Gardens where “If it’s not local, it’s not sold”. You can find delicious gourmet mustards, local produce, maple syrup, wine, and handmade goods and artwork for sale.
Need lunch or a snack? Walk around the corner to the Ohiopyle Bakery and Sandwich Shoppe for fresh sandwiches, cookies, brownies and other homemade goodies.
Photo courtesy of Ohiopyle Bakery and Sandwich Shoppe
End your day at the Falls City Pub where you can catch up with friends, or meet new ones. Kids (young and old) will enjoy watching the trains pass by as you sit outside recounting the fun of the day.
photo courtesy of Falls City Pub
Of course there is so much more to see and discover, so plan a visit! Ohiopyle is a quick and scenic one-hour drive south of Pittsburgh in the heart of the Laurel Highlands.
Everyday is an adventure in Ohiopyle, but if you are looking for a little extra incentive to visit, consider coming for one of the many festivals or special events that occur in town throughout the year.
- FEBRUARY – Winterfest
- JUNE – Beer and Gear Festival hosted by Wilderness Voyageurs
- LABOR DAY WEEKEND – Music in the Mountains
- OCTOBER – Buckwheat Festival
- ONGOING – Trail Days (volunteer with Park Staff to clean and maintain one of the many trails in the park)
Hope to see you by the River!
Beth Anderson is an eco-artist and imperfectionist on a mission to live a simple life. On sunny days she can usually be found with her family on the banks of the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle.. Discover her Facebook page, etsy shop and tweet @bethdotnet .
