Ohiopyle State Park sprawls across 19,052 acres of rugged Laurel Highlands terrain in Fayette County, drawing visitors to some of Pennsylvania’s most dramatic scenery. Established in 1965, the park is anchored by the Youghiogheny River Gorge, where the “Yough” cuts through ancient rock to create the state’s most popular whitewater destination.

The river defines the Ohiopyle experience. The Lower Yough offers Class III-IV rapids that challenge experienced paddlers, while the Middle Yough provides a gentler Class I-II float perfect for families and beginners. Several local outfitters run guided trips from spring through fall. Beyond the water, the park’s trail network includes a section of the Great Allegheny Passage, a rail-trail stretching from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland — ideal for biking and long-distance hiking.

Ohiopyle Falls, a broad 20-foot cascade right in the village, is the park’s signature landmark and worth the visit alone. Cucumber Falls, a 30-foot waterfall tucked into a side gorge, and the natural rock waterslides at Meadow Run round out a lineup of water features you won’t find elsewhere in the state.

The park offers tent and RV camping, though sites book quickly during peak season. Late spring through early fall is prime time — summer weekends are busy, so midweek visits offer more solitude. Fall foliage in the gorge is exceptional, typically peaking in mid-October.

Whether you come for the rapids, the trails, or just the waterfalls, Ohiopyle delivers one of Pennsylvania’s best outdoor weekends.

Explore Nearby

• Lower Humbert Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
• King’s Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
• Maryland state highways — Scenic Byway in Maryland
• Maryland highway system — Scenic Byway in Maryland
• South Hills — Public Land