Ohiopyle State Park: Where the Crowds Meet the Current

Quick Facts

• Location: Fayette County (Laurel Highlands, Southwest PA)
• Size: 19,052 acres
• Trails: 79 miles (easy rail trails to strenuous climbs)
• Key Features: Ohiopyle Falls, Cucumber Falls, Meadow Run waterslides, Ferncliff Peninsula
• Warnings: The river is dangerous (Class III-IV rapids), parking fills by 10 AM, and copperheads are common.

Ohiopyle State Park is the only place in Pennsylvania where you can drive to a 30-foot waterfall, walk behind it, and be back at your car in 10 minutes. It’s also where the Youghiogheny River - a Class III-IV whitewater torrent - kills swimmers every year. This is the deepest river gorge in the state, wrapped in 79 miles of trails, and it gets Disney-level crowds in summer. Come early, respect the current, and don’t expect solitude.

The Lower Yough (7 miles below Ohiopyle Falls) is the busiest whitewater section east of the Mississippi, with Class III-IV rapids. Visit the PA DCNR site for trail updates and check AllTrails for current conditions.

The Waterfalls (What You Came For)

Cucumber Falls

This is the 30-foot bridal veil falls you’ve seen on Instagram. You can drive right to it (good luck finding a parking spot on a Saturday) or hike from the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail. You can walk behind the curtain of water, which is cool, but expect to share the space with a hundred other people.

Cucumber Falls - walk behind the curtain of water

Ohiopyle Falls

A massive 20-foot drop that spans the entire width of the Youghiogheny River. There’s a convenient observation deck right by the Visitor Center. You can’t miss it - it’s literally in the middle of town.

Jonathan Run Falls (The Quiet Alternative)

If you want waterfalls without the selfie sticks, hike the Jonathan Run Trail. It’s 1.7 miles one-way and features multiple smaller but beautiful waterfalls. You’ll actually be able to hear the water here.

The Trails: By Difficulty

Easy: Ferncliff Peninsula Trail (2 miles)

This loop takes you around a river bend with great views of the Ohiopyle Falls rapids. The real hook here is botanical: because the Yough flows north, it carries seeds from Maryland, West Virginia, and North Carolina. They wash up here and survive in the warmer river microclimate. It’s a biological anomaly. Also, watch for fossils in the rocks.

Easy: Great Allegheny Passage (27 miles)

This is the flat, crushed-limestone rail trail that connects Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland (150 miles total). 27 miles of it run through the park. It’s ADA accessible and perfect for strollers, bikes, or anyone who wants river views without the elevation gain.

Moderate: Meadow Run Trail (3 miles)

This is home to the famous Natural Waterslides - carved sandstone chutes where the creek accelerates into a natural hydro-park. People slide down them at their own risk.

⚠️ Warning: The rocks are slick, and head injuries are common. E. coli levels can spike after heavy rain. Check conditions before you get in.

Moderate/Hard: Baughman Trail to Baughman Rock (3.4 miles)

A steep climb that rewards you with the best panoramic view of the Youghiogheny Gorge. If you aren’t feeling the burn, you can cheat and drive most of the way to the overlook. Catch it at sunset.

Moderate: Great Gorge Trail (2.6 miles)

Follows an old tramway path and connects Cucumber Falls to the GAP. It’s a solid option for a loop hike if you want to link a few features together.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

The River Is Dangerous

The Youghiogheny is a Class III-IV whitewater river. It is not a lazy river for tubing. Swimming is prohibited near Ohiopyle Falls. People die here every year. If you are in the water at Meadow Run, know that stone is harder than bone.

Parking Is a Nightmare

On summer weekends and holidays, parking fills by 10 AM. The Visitor Center lot and Ferncliff lot are your best bets. Do not try to park at Cucumber Falls on a Saturday - it’s a gridlock. Hike there from the GAP or Meadow Run instead.

Crowds Are Real

This is the most popular park in the Laurel Highlands. Mid-summer feels like a theme park. If you want peace, go midweek, early morning (before 9 AM), or in the fall.

Copperheads Are Common

They love the sun-warmed rocks near the water, especially at Cucumber Falls and Meadow Run. Watch where you put your hands and feet.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring: The waterfalls are raging, and wildflowers are blooming. Crowds are manageable.
• Summer: Peak crowds. The waterslides are the main draw, but the heat and humidity - plus the parking situation - can be intense.
• Fall: The best time. The gorge is ablaze with color, and the crowds thin out after Labor Day.
• Winter: Quiet and peaceful. The GAP is excellent for cross-country skiing.

FAQ

Can I see the falls without hiking? Yes. Ohiopyle Falls is right next to the Visitor Center. Cucumber Falls has roadside parking (if you can find a spot).

Are the waterslides safe? They are “swim at your own risk.” The rocks are slippery, and injuries happen.

Is it dog-friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on leashes.

Do I need a permit? Only if you are backpacking overnight on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (LHHT).

Explore More

• Check out the full Laurel Highlands region guide.
• Compare this to Ricketts Glen in the Poconos (more waterfalls, harder hiking).